2015 Nissan GT Academy India goes 'live'

Japanese car manufacturer Nissan launched the second Indian edition of its unique motorsport recruitment program – the GT Academy – here in Dehi today.

The driver development program that commenced in association with Sony and its Playstation console game brand Gran Turismo in 2008, has led to its drivers participating in races as prestigious as the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as GP3, the Formula 1 junior series.

Online registration for the GT Academy India commenced on Monday with live events commencing in Delhi from tomorrow and then continuing till June 16 in Bangalore, Mumbai and Chennai.

Ten of the fastest participants from both the live and online events will be selected for the national final in Chennai which will be held on July 1.

Six of those finalists will be trained in Chennai by Karun Chandhok – India’s first finisher at the 24 Hours of Le Mans – after which they will join finalists from other Asian countries at a racing camp held at the Silverstone circuit in the United Kingdom.

The winner of the GT Academy Asia will participate for Nissan’s motorsport program NISMO at the 24 Hours of Dubai in January of 2016.

Abhinay Bikkani, one of the six finalists from last year’s GT Academy India, placed third at the global final at Silverstone last year is currently racing for NISMO in the North American Micra Cup.

GT ACADEMY INDIA LIVE QUALIFICATION SCHEDULE

Delhi (5-7 June): DLF Place, Saket
Mumbai (12-14 June): Infinity 2, Malad (West)
Bangalore (19-21 June): Phoenix Market City, Whitefield
Chennai (26-28 June): Express Avenue, Royapettah