Would you be believe that Ricardo Sanchez, who looks every bit like a racer from head to toe, made his way into the real racing track through the racing video game, Gran Turismo?
Like Sanchez, many virtual racers have had the chance to turn into pro racers since 2008 through GT Academy, a competition that finds the best Gran Turismo® players from across the participating countries by testing their skills in both online gaming qualification process and live events.
After winning different stages of the competition and training to become a professional racing driver, if the winner makes the grade, they will compete in the Dubai 24 Hour race for Nissan and have the chance to be considered for a future career with Nissan as a ‘NISMO Athlete’.
GT Academy Philippines
For its seventh installment, GT Academy went for expansion in the form of the new GT Academy Asia where, you’ve guessed it right, Philippines will be joining.
“With the launch of GT Academy in the Philippines, we at Nissan offer an exciting opportunity for Filipinos to emerge as a breakthrough talent in the racing world,” said Antonio Zara, President and Managing Director of Nissan Philippines, Inc.
The Shift from Gamer to Racer
GT Academy takes skilled Gran Turismo 6 players and turns them into professional racers in five stages.
First Gear: The Recruitment (April - June)
Thousands of hopefuls will be narrowed down to the top 20 gamers to be determined by time trials taking place behind the wheel of GT pods during live racing events.
Second Gear: National Finals (July)
The National Finals will determine top 6 Filipino players who will go to the next round.
Third Gear: The Race Camp Week (August)
Players will be tested on their strength, stamina, mental agility and driving skills against Asia’s best at the Silverstone Racing Circuit in UK.
Fourth Gear: Driver Development Program
The emerging GT Academy Champion in Asia will join other GT Academy winners in a rigorous training under the wing of professional coaches and racers at the Silverstone Racing Circuit in UK.
Fifth Gear: Graduation
After passing the Driver Development Program, graduates will receive their International C License, allowing them to compete in a prestigious racing event anywhere in the world.
“Anyone in the Philippines who thinks they have what it takes should give GT Academy a go. Not everyone can win, but the experience is hugely rewarding at every stage of the competition.” said GTA Global’s Managing Director Laurence Wiltshire.
So for all the virtual racers out there, don’t miss this opportunity! Check the schedule of live events and be updated on the GT Academy Philippines by visiting Nissan Philippines Inc.’s official Facebook page.
UPDATE:
GT Academy Philippines finally revealed the first batch of live recruitment! Mark your calendars for the following dates and take note of the time and venue:
- April 10 and 11, 10AM-10PM at the Glorietta 5 Activity Center
- April 12, 10AM-9PM at Glorietta 5 Activity Center
- April 17-18, 10AM-10PM at Glorietta Activity Center
- April 19, 10AM-9PM at Glorietta Activity Center.
