Nissan GT Academy returns for a second season

It’s back! Following a phenomenal inaugural year for the program, Nissan Philippines is bringing back the Nissan GT Academy for its second season. The virtual-to-reality program will once again invite racing game aficionados to duke it out against other gamers in a virtual race track to find the fastest lap times nationwide.

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The Nissan GT Academy seeks to democratize the racecar driving scene by encouraging Filipino gamers to believe in their dreams. “Through this virtual-to-reality racing competition, we look forward to giving more opportunities for Filipino gamers to realize their dream of becoming professional racecar drivers,” said NPI president and managing director Ramesh Narasimhan.

The Nissan GT Academy is open for everyone regardless of age and experience, as last year’s finalists are sure to tell you. Among last year’s crop of racecar driving hopefuls are the 40-year-old Joel Agojo and eventual winner Joward Policarpio, who was at the second season’s launch. Finalists Daryl Brady, Terrence Lallave, and Rafael Lesaguis joined Policarpio in ushering in the new season.

NPI also brought Lucas Ordonez, the inaugural winner of the 2008 Nissan Playstation GT Academy in Europe. Since winning in 2008, Ordonez has emerged as one of the leading contenders in racing competitions around the globe. Now, he is an inspiration for all gamers and aspiring racers looking to get their big break in the new season of Nissan GT Academy.

“Back then, I was just studying for my MBA. When I saw an ad for a new competition called ‘GT Academy,’ I knew I had to join and take this shot to be the racing driver I dreamed to be. Now, here I am racing on every possible tournament. It felt great to have taken that move. I hope Filipinos will grab this opportunity, too,” said Ordonez.

To add to the excitement, the competition will feature the new PS4-exclusive Gran Turismo Sport. In partnership with Polyphony Digital, Nissan has revealed that this will be the first time that the game is playable to the public before its worldwide launch in November.

This season will once again start with a nationwide series of Live Events for its recruitment drive starting July until the end of August. Racing pods will be available in areas around the country. The first stop is SM Mall of Asia in Pasay. After the virtual competition, the National Finals will be slated for September. The Top 6 contenders will then fly to the Silverstone Circuit in the United Kingdom for the Race Camp to compete against representatives from Australia, Indonesia, Mexico, North Africa, and Thailand to determine the Nissan GT Academy 2016 champion.

For more details on the upcoming Nissan GT Academy, visit www.nissan.ph/gtacademy and the Nissan Philippines Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NissanPhilippinesInc for the Live Event schedules.