Some of you may be aware of the phenomenon of Gran Turismo and the five installations of the game. Exclusively on the Playstation has wowed everyone in one form or another with it’s so true-to-life graphics and game play. It’s a racing game and you have real tracks and cars to play with. Building up your garage and getting to play with the settings on the cars if you’re into cars, this is the game for you. I am possibly preaching to the converted.

I was one of these and have been impressed with every game since the first. I was even caught a couple of times not knowing what was computer generated and what was real. This continued for me within GT5.

On the release of GT5 a competition was held, in alliance with Nissan (you know the people who make the really fast cars in the game). All you had to do was get the virtual game, pass the licence tests, prove yourself, beat the competition. Then you get to play FOR REAL. GT whittled the best down and eventually got a few drivers to take part in training and driving out on track.

Every year since they have held this competition and now the class of 2012 has their shot.

GT Academy is a free download from PSN and it will put you through your paces.  The event launches on May 1 and runs until Rounds 7 & 8 on 24 June.

This is how the rounds pan out over the next few weeks.

This is the first selection process, from here 16 players from each region will be brought together for the National Final Events, planned to held in July. Then the top 6 will be taken to Silverstone Race Camp, no less, in August where they will put through a Boot (Race) Camp with Johnny Herbert among others.  Your physical & mental fitness will tested.

So, interested? Thought you might be, allow me to continue. The winner of Race Camp will be whisked off to participate in the Driver Development Programme to obtain their International Racing Licence (for real) and will be considered for a chance to debut, on a professional level, for Nissan at the Dubai 24 Hour Race in January 2013.

Wow I hear you say. But I also hear you say- I can’t do that! I bet you can. But if you’re still not sure about it, why not go have a play with GT Academy, it’s free, you can earn trophies and also further prizes which you can use within the game. It’s also online so you can meet up with your mates and have a showdown.

Go and have a play, I might see you online. I’ll also keep you posted as to who goes through in the competition. You never know, the winner maybe a girl, after all we are better drivers!

GT Academy- Virtual to Reality, 10.0 out of 10 based on 2 ratings