Nissan and Gran Turismo have been inexorably linked since British gamers first discovered what a GT-R was
really capable of
. And since 2008, the two have collaborated on the GT Academy, a competition to find the best gamers and launch their motorsport careers.
From gamer to Le Mans racer in two years
The standard procedure for applicants is simple: download the Gran Turismo Academy qualification pack for the PS3, then practice ceaselessly to nail a perfect lap until the qualification deadline (July 28 for those interested this year).
But today Nissan and Gran Turismo have launched 2013's wildcard event, a weekend of nothing but Gran Turismo to swiftly find four more gamers to progress in the GT Academy. Rock up at the O2 Arena from this Friday until this Sunday, post some quick times (hopefully) and, if you're fast enough, you become part of the Academy. Simple.
But expect some competition. Already 100,000 PS3 owners have the demo so expect a few fellow gamers to be at the O2 for their crack of the whip. Pre-registering for fast track entry is probably wise; go to the GT Wilcard website before midday tomorrow to get signed up.
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The fastest drivers from the wildcard event will go head-to-head with the best online gamers in August for a National Final to whittle out the great from the very good. Those few will then attend a seven-day Race Camp at Silverstone in September. After the UK rounds, the competition goes Europe-wide to compete for the overall prize: a six-month Driver Development Programme followed by a season in a GT3 championship driving a Nissan GT-R.
So there's what's up for grabs and how to get it; best get practicing before the weekend!