Started in 2008, the 7th instalment of the global GT Academy will see first-timer Nissan Philippines going head to head with other Asian countries in order to be crowned as the GT Academy Champion.
The GT Academy is a platform for video gamers who excel in virtual racing to eventually compete in a real racetrack. Last year’s international champion, Ricardo Sanchez, saw his career take off after joining Nissan’s elite motor sport team, NISMO, for the distinguished Dubai 24-Hour race this past January 2015.
“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.
GT Academy utilizes Gran Turismo 6 in turning players into professional racers, with the transformation happening over five stages.
First Stage: The Recruitment (April – June)
Live racing events will narrow the candidate pool down from thousands of aspiring racers to the fastest 20.
Second Stage: National Finals (July)
Here, only 6 of the 20 qualified players will advance to face off against the best Gran Turismo drivers in Asia.
Third Stage: The Race Camp Week (August)
The players’ strength, stamina, mental agility, and driving skills will be pitted against Asia’s best at the Silverstone Racing Circuit in UK.
Fourth Stage: Driver Development Program
The Asia GT Academy Champion will join other GT Academy standouts in a gruelling training program conducted under the guidance of professional coaches and racers at the Silverstone Racing Circuit in UK.
Fifth Stage: Graduation
After completing the Driver Development Program, graduates will be awarded with their International C License, allowing them to compete in prestigious racing events anywhere in the world.
“We are looking forward to discovering even more new stars in 2015. 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.