Read how some lucky (and very talented) gamers found their way into racing for huge brands at international competitions.
The video game franchise Gran Turismo has always been about
realism, with their slogan remaining as ‘The Real Driving Simulator’ since the
series inception in 1998. However, I do not think even their figurehead
Kazunori Yamauchi could have imagined that his game would become a stepping
stone to a real driver’s seat just 10 years later.
But that is exactly what happened, with the induction of GT Academy
in 2008. Combining with Japanese counterpart Nissan, the aim of the TV show/talent
contest was to find the worlds fastest gamers and attempt to turn them into
world class racing drivers. Through a series of online trials, a selection of each
regions finest virtual racers are invited to England, where they participate in
rigorous testing not only involving driving, but fitness tests and even media
training, should they make it that far.
The prize for one lucky winner you may ask? Well, although
the prize has technically changed since its inception, the guarantee is that
you are awarded a place on Nissan’s Driver Development Programme, a chance to
learn your trade with the elite members of the sport. What’s more is that you
will be entered into an international racing series and represent Nissan directly
for at least one full season.
Successful winners such as Lucas Ordóñez and Jann Mardenborough
have managed to forge fully fledged racing careers, just from being passionate
about a racing game at one point in their life. And the best bit for some? The game
in question doesn’t require any expert knowledge of thousands of hours of
practice, just for you to be faster than the rest, as nobody remembers second place.
