🚗💨 MEET THE TEAM HERITAGE DAY EDITION - GT ALL STARS 🚗💨

In our Third instalment of the Meet the Team series, we meet a group have drivers that are arguably one of the oldest group of Gran Turismo Sim Racing drivers in the country. However, before we get into the GT All Stars team, we need to give a small bit of backstory.

The Gran Turismo series, developed by Polyphony Digital and produced by Kazunori Yamauchi, is a highly acclaimed racing simulation game series exclusive to PlayStation systems. Here’s a brief history:

Origins: The development of the original Gran Turismo began in 1992 with a small team led by Kazunori Yamauchi. It took five years to complete, and the game was released in December 1997

Gran Turismo (1997): The first game set new standards for racing games with its realistic driving physics and a large selection of licensed vehicle.

Gran Turismo 2 (1999): This sequel expanded on the original with more cars, tracks, and improved graphics.

Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec (2001): Released for the PlayStation 2, it featured enhanced graphics and more realistic physics.

Gran Turismo 4 (2004): Known for its extensive car list and detailed tracks, it also introduced online play.

Gran Turismo 5 (2010): The first game in the series for the PlayStation 3, it included features like damage modeling and weather effects.

Gran Turismo 6 (2013): Continued to refine the series with more cars and tracks, and improved physics.

Gran Turismo Sport (2017): Focused on online multiplayer and eSports, it was a significant shift from the traditional single-player experience

Gran Turismo 7 (2022): The latest installment, available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, combines elements from previous games with modern graphics and gameplay enhancements.

The series has sold over 90 million units worldwide, making it the best-selling driving simulator under the PlayStation brand It is renowned for its realistic driving physics, detailed vehicle models, and the ability to tune and customize cars.

The Gran Turismo Academy South Africa was part of the international GT Academy program, a collaboration between Nissan and PlayStation. The academy aimed to transform skilled Gran Turismo players into real-life professional racing drivers.

Key Points:

Launch: The South African edition was announced in October 2012

Format: Participants competed in a virtual racing competition using Gran Turismo 5 on PlayStation 3. 

The top performers advanced to a national final, where they competed in real-life driving challenges

Objective: The ultimate goal was to find the best virtual racers and give them the opportunity to train and compete as professional drivers for Nissan

The program was a unique blend of virtual and real-world racing, providing a platform for gamers to potentially launch a career in motorsports.

To qualify for the Gran Turismo Academy South Africa, participants had to go through several stages:

Online Qualification: Players competed in time trials on Gran Turismo 6 on PlayStation 3. They signed in with their PlayStation Network (PSN) ID and entered the competition via a free automatic update on the game

National Finals: The top performers from the online qualification were invited to the national finals. Here, they faced off in a series of virtual and real-life driving challenges

Race Camp: The best participants from the national finals were sent to the GT Academy Race Camp at Silverstone in the UK. This camp included physical and mental endurance tests, media training, and extensive driving challenges in real Nissan racing cars

Eligibility Requirements: Participants needed to be over 18 years old, hold a valid driver’s license, and not have a racing license equivalent to a Motor Sport Association UK A class license or higher

This rigorous process ensured that only the most skilled and dedicated gamers had a chance to transition from virtual racing to real-world motorsports.

In the end, Ashley Oldfield won the 2013 GT Academyand represented in the UK final Race Camp. Since then he has been seen competing in events for Nissan in the European circuit, and lately been seen in the Toyota GR Cup 2022, Global Touring Car series and locally in the Simola Hillclimb events.

In the thrilling aftermath of the GT Academy South Africa, a remarkable camaraderie blossomed among the drivers. 

These virtual warriors, bound by their shared passion for racing, continued to challenge each other in the later Gran Turismo titles, forging an unbreakable bond. This unity gave birth to GT All Stars, a vibrant community that originated on the local forum ps3za, now known as SA Gamer.

The pioneering members, GTAS_Caddy and GTAS_Peetham, laid the foundation for a legacy that saw numerous racers join their ranks. 

Over the years, the group grew, with many members contributing to the electrifying atmosphere of competitive racing. However, as time passed, the demands of life and family commitments saw many of these racers hang up their virtual helmets.

Despite this, the spirit of GTAS lives on, a testament to the enduring friendships and fierce rivalries that began on the digital tracks of Gran Turismo and a handful of the drivers can be seen in the Qualifying Leaderboards of various events on the Gran Turismo 7 Daily Races and Time Trial Events. 🏁

The annals of GTAS are filled with electrifying achievements and unforgettable moments. Among the most legendary:

• GT Academy SA 2012: In a stunning display of skill, six GTAS members stormed into the top 24 of the prestigious GT Academy South Africa event. The excitement reached fever pitch as two of these elite racers battled their way into the top 8, showcasing the unparalleled talent within the GTAS ranks.

• Do Gaming Telkom Tournament: GTAS didn’t just compete; they dominated. With multiple victories in the Do Gaming Telkom tournament and finals, they not only claimed the top spots but also walked away with an array of cool prizes, cementing their status as a force to be reckoned with in the gaming community.

• 24-Hour Le Mans Race: Perhaps the most grueling and exhilarating challenge was the 24-hour Le Mans Race on Gran Turismo 5, held in Cape Town. In a true test of endurance and teamwork, three GTAS drivers took turns every three hours, pushing their limits and driving through the night to complete this epic race.

These moments are more than just victories; they are the heartbeat of GTAS, a testament to the dedication, skill, and camaraderie that define this extraordinary group of racers. 🏆🏁

To date, and since 2014,the group of passionate racers are still regularly in contact with each other via Whatsapp, bound by their love for Gran Turismo and other Sim Racing titles. This digital space is still a hub of camaraderie, where strategies are discussed and victories celebrated..

A turning point came when GTAS was introduced to the vibrant LNR community and GTSA League. This new alliance breathed fresh life into their racing endeavors, transforming Thursday and Sunday nights into thrilling race nights. The convenience of these regular races kept the adrenaline pumping and the competitive spirit alive.

Without the unwavering support and impeccable organization of the LNR community and GTSA league, GTAS might have faded into the background. Instead, they thrived, driven by a shared goal: to compete at the highest level. This aspiration united them, pushing each member to hone their skills and strive for excellence on the virtual tracks.

When we asked GTAS how they’ve managed to thrive for so long and what keeps their engines revving, their answer was clear and inspiring. The secret to running a successful e-sports racing team and racing leagues? It’s a blend of three key ingredients:

1. A Well-Organized Community: The backbone of GTAS is its tightly-knit and efficiently managed community. This organization ensures smooth operations and fosters a sense of belonging among members.

2. Strict Racing Rules and Regulations: Adherence to well-defined rules and regulations maintains the integrity of the races. It ensures fair play and keeps the competition fierce yet respectful.

3. Respect Amongst Teams and Drivers: Mutual respect is the glue that holds everything together. It creates a positive environment where teams and drivers can compete passionately while maintaining sportsmanship.

This winning formula has kept GTAS on the track, racing towards new horizons and achieving greatness. 🏎️🏁

As of now, there hasn’t been an official announcement regarding the next GT Academy South Africa. The program has seen various iterations and expansions since its inception, but recent updates on specific regional events, including South Africa, are not readily available.

GT Academy has been a significant platform for discovering racing talent globally, and many fans are hopeful for its return. Keep an eye on official Nissan and PlayStation channels for any future announcements.

As pioneers in the Sim Racing space, and with new drivers coming in, this GT All Stars team will continue thriving for years to come. Although not competing in local leagues currently, the PSN IDs "GTAS" will always be honored and respected when seen in Daily Race lobbies, because of the Legacy left behind from the drivers that know.

To find out more about the team, head over to the GTSA Website, where you can access their various social media channels.

Blogpost by Murray Stalker