Cebuanos try their virtual racing skills at the Nissan GT Academy at the SM City Cebu.
Xyza Ochoa
Cebuanos were given a chance to participate in Nissan’s search for the next Filipino race car superstar when Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) brought the Nissan GT Academy Live Event to the Queen City of the South on June 11 to 15 at the SM City Cebu.
Hundreds of aspiring Cebuanos lined up at the mall’s rotunda to try the race pods and get a crack at making it to the top 20 in the country in this competition that unites the worlds of virtual and real-life racing.
Competitors were given five minutes to race virtually at the Silverstone track in the UK. Their times were recorded and will be pitted against the best times from legs in other parts of the country in the hopes of making it to the national finals slated next month. Results weren’t available at press time but will be updated soon at www.facebook.com/NissanPhilippinesInc.
In the National Finals, the top 20 qualifiers will go through a series of challenges that will tax their driving skills, mental and physical agility and will be trimmed to just six, who will then qualify for the Race Camp Week in Silverstone, UK in August. From the six, only one will emerge the best of the region. He or she will be pitted against drivers from other regions. The ultimate winner will then undergo an intensive Driver Development Program designed by Nissan and will be given an opportunity to participate in the Dubai 24 Hours race in January 2016.
As of June 7, topping the leaderboard is Terrence Lallave with a best lap time of one minute and 2.287 seconds. At the 20th spot is Paul Henderson Perez with a time of 1:02.765, meaning those who want to make it to the nationals should beat his time.
The remaining qualification legs will be held in SM Sta. Rosa on June 18 to 24, SM Manila on June 19 to 21, Glorietta 2 Activity Center on June 26 to 28 and at the High Street in Bonifacio Global City on June 27.
The GT Academy has been a hit since its inception in 2008 since it is a very accessible route into professional auto racing for those who don’t have the means or the opportunity.
In Cebu, the event was introduced to local media through an invitational fun drive from Nissan Cebu in Mandaue City to The Ranch resort in Toledo City on June 12.
Present during the fun drive were known racers Pepon Marave and Charlie Cruz, NPI Area Sales Manager Gemma A. Hernandez, Nissan Cebu Distributors Inc. General Manager Julie Sy Tio and members of the Pundok Nissan car club headed by Dexter Fick.
Following the fun drive, members of the media were given a chance to race in the GT Academy.
Nissan Cebu officials, members of Pundok Nissan car group and some of the Cebu media at The Ranch in Toledo City.
Xyza Ochoa