Is Gran Turismo Academy Still Active?
Gran Turismo Academy was a pioneering initiative launched by Polyphony Digital and Sony Computer Entertainment in 2012 to identify and nurture young racing talent around the world. The program aimed to provide participants with professional racing training, mentorship, and exposure to the world of competitive motorsports. But the question on everyone’s mind is: Is Gran Turismo Academy still active?
Direct Answer:
As of 2022, the Gran Turismo Academy is NO LONGER ACTIVE. Polyphony Digital, the developer behind the Gran Turismo series, has disbanded the academy, and there are no official plans to revive it. Despite its closure, the academy left a lasting impact on the world of professional motorsports and continues to inspire aspiring racing drivers.
History of the Gran Turismo Academy
Established in 2012, the Gran Turismo Academy was a groundbreaking initiative that offered a unique opportunity for young drivers to develop their racing skills and compete against the best in the world. The program was open to drivers between the ages of 18 and 35, and participants underwent rigorous training sessions, both online and offline, to improve their driving techniques, strategy, and teamworking skills.
Program Structure and Format
The Gran Turismo Academy had a structured program that consisted of several stages:
- Online Selection Stage: Participants competed in online qualifying sessions, and the top performers advanced to the next stage.
- Invitational Stage: Selected drivers received an invitation to participate in a two-day invitational event, where they competed against other top drivers.
- Final Stage: The top-performing drivers from the invitational stage were selected to participate in the Gran Turismo World Championship.
Impact and Achievements
During its existence, the Gran Turismo Academy helped launch the careers of several successful professional racing drivers, including:
- Yuichi Nakayama, who went on to compete in the FIA GT World Challenge Europe and the Super GT series in Japan.
- Marius Kleine-Ahlbronn, who became a regular in the European Le Mans Series and the Blancpain GT Series.
- Thomas Laurent, who currently competes in the FIA WEC and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Why Was the Academy Disbanded?
Although the Gran Turismo Academy was a groundbreaking initiative, there were several reasons that led to its discontinuation:
- Licensing and Partnership Issues: The academy faced challenges in securing long-term partnerships and licensing agreements, making it difficult to sustain the program.
- High Operational Costs: Running the academy was a costly endeavor, requiring significant investments in infrastructure, staff, and equipment.
- Shift in Focus: Polyphony Digital and Sony Computer Entertainment opted to focus on other initiatives, such as esports and virtual racing, which have become increasingly popular in recent years.
FAQs
Q1: What happened to the Gran Turismo Academy?
A1: The Gran Turismo Academy was disbanded and is no longer active.
Q2: Why was the academy closed?
A2: The academy faced challenges with licensing and partnerships, high operational costs, and a shift in focus towards other initiatives, such as esports and virtual racing.
Q3: What happened to the drivers who participated in the academy?
A3: Many drivers who participated in the Gran Turismo Academy went on to compete in professional racing series, including the FIA GT World Challenge Europe, Super GT, European Le Mans Series, and the Blancpain GT Series.
Q4: Can I still apply to the Gran Turismo Academy?
A4: No, the Gran Turismo Academy is no longer accepting applications or participating in any capacity.
Q5: Is there any alternative to the Gran Turismo Academy?
A5: Yes, there are several other initiatives and programs available for young racing drivers, including the Sony PlayStation Racing Academy, the GT Academy, and the Rennsport Academy.
Q6: What is the current status of the Gran Turismo World Championship?
A6: The Gran Turismo World Championship is still active and is held annually, with participants competing in a series of online qualifying sessions and a live final event.
Q7: Can I participate in the Gran Turismo World Championship?
A7: Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria and participate in the online qualifying sessions, you can compete in the Gran Turismo World Championship.
Q8: Will the Gran Turismo Academy be revived in the future?
A8: There are currently no plans to revive the Gran Turismo Academy, but Polyphony Digital and Sony Computer Entertainment may consider launching similar initiatives in the future.
Conclusion
The Gran Turismo Academy may have come to an end, but its legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation of racing drivers and cementing its place as a pioneering initiative in the world of competitive motorsports.