Nissan GT Academy attracts over 3,000 enthusiasts in India

Nissan GT Academy, a race driver discovery and development programme from Nissan, has attracted 3,000 race enthusiasts so far in India.

Speaking to Autocar Professional, Kenichiro Yomura, president of Nissan India Operations, said since February 2014, the company has organised the GT Academy programme at the Auto Expo 2014, Delhi (NCR), Mumbai and Hyderabad. He said the progamme has received a good response among driving enthusiasts, attracting around 3,000 participants in these three cities. The company expects another 2,000 participants in the Bangalore (May 15-18) and Chennai (June 5-8) events, he added. Yomura was in Bangalore today to launch the four-day GT Academy progamme at Mantri Mall. “We are conducting this programme in commercial malls as we can reach the public easily,” he said.

The Nissan GT Academy is a virtual reality platform that tests the racing skills of gaming and motorsport enthusiasts. After registration, participants are allowed to drive on PlayStation GT6 racing simulators for around 10 minutes with the intention of clocking their fastest lap time. 

Out of the five cities, 14 contestants who clock the quickest lap times will be eligible to compete in the national final. The final contestants will need to go through a two-day intensive physical and mental training examination programme, following which only six contestants will be shortlisted. These six contestants will be eligible for the International Race Camp at Silverstone in the UK.

At the Silverstone Race Camp, the six shortlisted Indian contestants will compete against 18 contestants from other nations. Under the supervision of motorsports experts, their driving skills will be tested and honed on the Formula One Silverstone motor racing circuit, in Nismo-tuned Nissan 370Zs and GT-Rs. The Silverstone Race Camp will select one overall winner, who will move on to the Driver Development Programme and learn all the skills necessary to compete in an international ‘graduation race’.

The international Nissan PlayStation GT Academy is currently in its sixth year. The GT Academy in India is open to everyone over the age of 18 and with a valid driving license. However, professional racers and those with a certain amount of motorsport experience are not eligible to participate.

On the marketing front, Yomura said Nissan Motor India currently has 130 dealerships across the country. It plans to add another 70 dealerships in 2014-15.

Photograph: The four-day Nissan Playstation GT Academy programme began at Mantri Mall in Bangalore today.