Do you think GT Academy is fixed?

[smskeeter23]

Which IMO really sucks for him. Its not as if he is slow in a car considering how little opportunity he was given. And in between his "Pro" racing he is still kicking butt in SCCA Solo....IIRC he won the national in whatever class he was in each year since he won GT Academy...

Ya he's mainly been running in the Continental Tire Challenge series. I've been able to see him in action a few times at my home track Road America.

Still, glad he's still out there on the track in a bigger scale than he was previously.

 

[magsolid]

guys there is something that i dont understand and i want to share with you GT academy is supposed to ban all drivers with racing experience right ?.... so why do we have a guy (the winner of this year) who has a lot of experience .... he used to race in formula 2.0 and other racing cars ...... personnally i have nothing against the winner but COME ON THE GUY IS DRIVING REAL RACING CARS if gt academy allow drivers who have such experience then there is no chance for people like me that have a little experience like karting or track days . something is wrong here !! if they want drivers with experience well there is no need for such competition they can just go and look for pro drivers there is plenty of them

I think the entry rule is as fine as it is. Experience is not the only important thing to have you know: there are many things that are more important such as, determination, adapt, skills, track and car knowledge and so on. I don't think you deserve to win GT Academy at all, if you rely too much on track days experience. Take for example Sean Johnston the first US GT Academy who finished second behind Heitkotter, he barely have any experience yet he did a very good job. After GT Academy, he find his way to race in Porches IMSA GT3 cup and won his first championship race (which is pretty impressive for a guy with no experience). We do also have a GT Academy winner who has no experience, and his name is Peter Pyzera. I think paying too much for track days will not magically make you the winner.

 

[RacingManiac]

Ya he's mainly been running in the Continental Tire Challenge series. I've been able to see him in action a few times at my home track Road America.

Still, glad he's still out there on the track in a bigger scale than he was previously.

I did the Evolution Performance Driving School last year for autocrossing and he was one of the instructor...nice guy and really, really, really fast....

I don't know why he is not doing the Pirelli Challenge stuff with the 370Z though....he was fast in that car last year...

 

[TRC Scooty]

Because the team has been spending lots of time/money rebuilding the Altima's, which keep getting tangled up in accidents unfortunately. Either way, the 370 is going to be for Vesko, who has been a team driver for Skullcandy Team Nissan quite a while.

 

[hilajj]

Based on my GTA experience, I think its clear that the selections are made via committee, and that 3 distinct organizations are making the decisions. As they should be since they're the ones paying the bill

1. Sony/PD - The video game side wants to sell Playstations and game titles. Their priority is to show that good players will become good racers, so they value the strong players with a good potential to excel in real cars.

2. Nissan/NISMO - Their biggest priority is finding the best drivers in the real car, followed by good personalities that will be able to be spokespeople. They want to sell cars, plain and simple. Win on Sunday, sell on Monday as they used to say in the biz.

3. TV Network (varies by country) - They want entertainment, so they're looking for standout personalities and drama. Skill is secondary to them. They want to sell advertising on a show with good viewership.

I imagine representatives from each will discuss and negotiate for their favorite picks throughout the competition. I think keeping this structure in mind makes it pretty clear how selection works throughout the competition. Again, since they're all paying the (rather large) bills for this groundbreaking program, I'd say its quite fair how everything is run.

I feel that the TV Network ruin the compotion.
for example : Josh Muggo , at his post "My international GT Academy experience and life after" (link below) , said that the qualifying for the final race was a buggy race on a dirt course , in teams of two! And after his team mate flipped the buggy he qualified last.But , at the final race he finished second with a gap of .4 of a second!
"The rest as they say is history. The judges were deadlocked 50/50. The instructors were deadlocked 50/50 and it came back to Rob Barff to make the decision. He went with Riccardo and that was that."
I'm sure no one would agree to do qualifying for the final race using a buggy race apart from the TV Network.

Link - ( https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/thre...perience-and-life-after.316371/#post-10122455 )

 

[Lain]

Okay, look... the idea behind GT Academy is to give people a chance to become racers who might not otherwise get such an opportunity.

But that only extends so far. If one of the reasons that they don't have an opportunity to become a racer is because they simply aren't well-suited to being a racer, then naturally they're gonna be out of luck.

Or in other words, GT Academy is about finding people with strong potential to be racers through Gran Turismo. It's not about making some lucky average joe into a racer simply because he happens to kick ass at Gran Turismo. Real racing is much more strenuous than simply controlling a videogame from the comfort of your home.

 

[jimipitbull]

I'm sure no one would agree to do qualifying for the final race using a buggy race apart from the TV Network.

As far as I am aware, all of the participants agreed.

 

[hilajj]

As far as I am aware, all of the participants agreed.

Sorry , my fault.
My meaning is that it isn't normal that your start position is determined by your finishing position at a buggys race on a dirt track with a teamate that can ruin your race (Or flip your buggy ).
I think the start position need to base on your ability to drive as fast as you can , of course the GT Academy guys know much more than me.

 

[Growling]

The final race starting positions should be determined by a qualifying session with the track/ cars to be used in the race. That way the right person wins in my opinion

 

[drspeedy]

according to your answers everything is clear for me i'm going to win this competition , period . This is my chance , I won't miss it . few months left , 500% hardwork and perseverence , i'm pushing like never before . I will either win or I'll die trying

 

[ParkerMO125]

A lot of these opinions are silly, a lot of them are spot on. You start with a group of guys who are fast at gran turismo. You end up with the final group who have best overcome pressure and performed well, or at the least performed better than the next guy.

All builds to the final race, where maybe only 1 or 2 of the guys in it are truly being considered in having the potential to be transformed into a professional racer.

They are all aware of the pressure now, who wants to overcome it and shine? Who wants to choke and fail? Will one guy in the final race finally get the attention of judges in this last attempt? Or will the one who we all feel is going to become champion, do just that?

The only thing that is fixed is an individuals determination. The rest is open game to adaption, concentration, and follow through.

 

[nuerphil]

when you were at GT Academy , you know whats going on there <in the final race they had two favourites this year, they battled the whole race and nobody had car problems. But the other competitive guy, who was the same as fast, but psychologic not the best one, had directly from the qualifying a too hot engine. The crew did not wanted to fix it, also he had clutch problems. Similar stories were reported by the last years GT Academy competitors.

Of course, there will win the best, fastest and best promotable driver , where I totally agree with GT Academy. But I don't like the way they treat those drivers that will not win.. Nevertheless it is the best experience you can get Everyone should use it, if he gets the chance I didi it, and after GT Academy you can get into a race seat, if you do your work

(related to the topic , I and another guy where the only competitor s in Silverstone that had no racing experience... GT academy developes into a great chance for kart drivers that don't have the chance to race. Gamers only have a chance, If they are really realy talented )
How is the percentage in the US? I am really interested in

 

[Rdp616]

Had to bump this thread being that i've also had my suspicions about GT Academy. Just seems like the most "Marketable" people always win. None of them seem like average joes who play GT. Look at Jann Mardenborough. Isn't is ironic that the first GT Academy driver to really make something out of it looks like Lewis Hamilton?

 

[Com Fox]

Most competitions usually go after the most marketable. However we can't just pick someone out of the gamer stereotype and say they aren't average joes.

 

[Johnnypenso]

Had to bump this thread being that i've also had my suspicions about GT Academy. Just seems like the most "Marketable" people always win. None of them seem like average joes who play GT. Look at Jann Mardenborough. Isn't is ironic that the first GT Academy driver to really make something out of it looks like Lewis Hamilton?

These guys look like average Joes to me:

 

[mustafur]

Had to bump this thread being that i've also had my suspicions about GT Academy. Just seems like the most "Marketable" people always win. None of them seem like average joes who play GT. Look at Jann Mardenborough. Isn't is ironic that the first GT Academy driver to really make something out of it looks like Lewis Hamilton?

but Jann won his Final race so i don't get your point, also he had an account on GT planet and was posting on here a few years back.

 

[rono_thomas]

I cant imagine that GT academy is fixed at all. I think that the competition can be seen to be biased - but this is understandable - after all the winner has to fit into a certain box at the end of the competition to be successful for the future. The winner is going to be representing a brand at the end so there's bound to be a list of criteria that they have to fulfil ranging from having to be media savvy to being able to drive a racecar quick. It seems to me that all the tests from beginning to end are designed to produce the winner they are looking for - but not fixed.

I think its important to grasp that they are looking for more than the fastest GT gamer, which in turn can be said that they are looking for more than the average Joe. To me they are looking to tap into an unexplored talent pool in the search of finding potential that would otherwise not have the opportunity to realise their dreams.

 

[Glenalz81]

I cant imagine that GT academy is fixed at all. I think that the competition can be seen to be biased - but this is understandable - after all the winner has to fit into a certain box at the end of the competition to be successful for the future. The winner is going to be representing a brand at the end so there's bound to be a list of criteria that they have to fulfil ranging from having to be media savvy to being able to drive a racecar quick. It seems to me that all the tests from beginning to end are designed to produce the winner they are looking for - but not fixed.

I think its important to grasp that they are looking for more than the fastest GT gamer, which in turn can be said that they are looking for more than the average Joe. To me they are looking to tap into an unexplored talent pool in the search of finding potential that would otherwise not have the opportunity to realise their dreams.

 

[mistersafeway]

Had to bump this thread being that i've also had my suspicions about GT Academy. Just seems like the most "Marketable" people always win. None of them seem like average joes who play GT. Look at Jann Mardenborough. Isn't is ironic that the first GT Academy driver to really make something out of it looks like Lewis Hamilton?

In what way beside skin colour?

 

[Spurgy 777]

In what way beside skin colour?

They have the same number of limbs.

 

[Pseudopod]

Having spent most of my almost all of my 46 year around video games, you come to realise that the great wonder of games is that they allow all types of people to experience all types of scenarios that would not be possible in their real lives.

I find is strangely coincidental that all the GT Academy finalists/winners are guys who are fit and properly proportioned to be race car drivers. There isn't one out of shape, overly tall, excessively short, overweight, underweight, or otherwise "normal" person in the final group.

It might be a physics thing, but it seems unnatural.

It's not fixed. You don't see fat people winning because many of the tests you need to win depend on physical fitness.

I'm going to assume that most of the people who seriously want to get anywhere by getting into the GT academy also knows this, and do their best to be in good shape before entering.

The fitness requirements are there because you actually do need to be in good shape physically to withstand hours upon hours of strong G-forces while racing. If you look at race drivers in general, I think you'll find that there aren't many of them who are fat either, even if they didn't get where they are by going through GT academy.

 

[scca_ziptie]

Listen, while some of the points are valid and some of the questions or theories are as well - a lot of the things that are being asked and stated here are beyond ridiculous....

GT Academy is in no way fixed - PERIOD! Sure there are things that happen "for TV" but eliminations do not happen "for TV."

Sure, there are "favorites" or contestants that are "stand outs" that the judges see upon everyone arriving at Silverstone - that doesn't mean those contestants are automatically going to win. There were drivers that were eliminated during the 2014 finals, that I was a part of, that shocked the judges, that disappointed the judges - and those feelings/outcomes would not have occurred if it was fixed. My driving was certainly towards the top of the list, earning compliments from judges and coaches several times during the week - close to the front row if not there, my presentability was arguably right up there near the front row as well if not there, my mental strength again was right up there with the best of them, but my physical was at the back - right there with the worst of them.

My elimination was not easy for me to swallow as I gave it everything I had, wanting to win like the other guys just as much or even more - but I didn't win because I wasn't the complete package, just like the others who didn't win from previous years. In 2013, they made a few adjustments to the program to avoid the winner not being the most complete package that was in attendance at Silverstone - but that is the point of this competition, for the judges to identify and select the best all around fit to represent GT Academy / Nissan on a worldwide stage. Even despite some of the "suprises" from the early years, the results cannot be argued - the program is a success.

All aspects of each contestant determine the winner. Driving skills, physical abilities/condition, intellect, presentability, mental strength - I could go on and on and on.. As Rob B. stated, "we can make a driver fit, we can't make a fit person a driver. You have it, or you don't."

The winner of the 2014 NA GT Academy finals was by far the most complete package of the 12 in attendance, same with 2013.

The program will never make everyone happy - whether it is a contestant, viewer or judge - but in no way is fixed. PERIOD.

Cheers and happy motoring everybody,

Donald Aarseth

 

[GTP_CargoRatt]

Its all politics. Take this hypothetical example using myself. I'm 48 years old, soon to be 49. You all know about my disabilities but lets just assume that I was in peak physical shape. Now lets take my appearance. I'm about an average looking guy, definitely not a Tom Cruise type. I am divorced, two kids. I rent, don't own my own house. Never been in trouble with the law. I can't work but lets just say I did, a menial warehouse job lets say. Now lets say I went on and won the whole thing. Do you honestly think that Nissan wants somebody like me representing them? Furthermore, do you seriously think they are willing to invest in somebody of my age? I don't, not at all. I seriously think that if someone like me were to fair and square win the thing outright, they would go out of their way to find some technicality to disallow me the opportunity to become a Nismo athlete in favor of a more marketable person. Even if I was getting close to winning, they would find a way to stop me in my tracks. My age alone would be the biggest drawback. Its all politics and what they want. I can't say I blame them either. So, in answer to the question of do I think its fixed, no, but if the right situation came up such as the example I have just given, then yes, I think Nissan would find a way to "fix" things so that they wouldn't have to invest in my example. This is just my realistic and honest opinion. Again, no ill will towards the Academy, Nissan, or anyone else.....its just the reality of things.

 

[mustafur]

Well someone from India made it to Silverstone at age 45.

 

[scca_ziptie]

Unfortunately - your disability would most likely keep you from making it to Silverstone. There are many, many, many, many documents you must sign, physicals you must complete, and certain competencies that you must be able to perform without exception.

It comes down to being able to attain the MSA racing license (equivalent to a SCCA/ICSCC license in America) - and unfortunately your disability would keep you from attaining one in the states as well.

That being said, it's still a fair competion - as you rightly aknowledged.

 

[watermelon punch]

Well geez @GTP_CargoRatt you kind of made it sound like all the GT Academy winners were like Greek gods with Phds.

So I looked into this.

Of course they are skewed young & male.

As for looks... that's surely "in the eye of the beholder"... but I'd say that most have average looks. IE: not like they all just stepped off a cologne ad.

Mardenborough is reported to have been a "gap year student".
I believe that's what people not in the U.S. call it when they take a year off before going to university, joining the military, or entering the workforce.
It says he spent his time watching F1 & playing video games. (Not exactly a Prince Harry gap year or whatnot.)

Steve Doherty is said to have been an unemployed mechanic.
I couldn't find a resume/cv for him about his work history, but the term mechanic can refer to a wide range of skilled & semi-skilled labor, after all. If he was a prior race mechanic or something... you'd think that'd be mentioned somewhere.

Florian Strauss was working as a car rental manager.
Now, Germany has a very different labor market compared to the U.S. So I'm going to assume that his situation in life was better than the average American service profession manager at some car rental kiosk at the airport, that works 60+ hours a week, mostly front-end at the counter, with no overtime and winds up making barely more than minimum wage on salary. But it's not like he was a doctoral student heading up DNA research at the Max Planck Institute.

@scca_ziptie
Did you read this part of his post:

Take this hypothetical example .... lets just assume that I was in peak physical shape.

Florian Strauss looks to me to be quite fit, and Doherty, I'll grant you, presents as a bit of a hipster. But these are young men.
Is it that young men are favoured though? Or that most who apply are young with time & options?

I can think of reasons that it's simply that not as many people who are older and in "menial" professions apply for the GT Academy is because they're too busy with life, family, & work to do so.
That might be unfortunate, but it's not the fault of GT Academy or any bias on their part.

 

[mustafur]

Florian Strauss is a Sim racing Alien, I raced with him in 2011 on Race Departments: Touring car Pro series(now split with race department) racing the V8 Supercars on Rfactor, and he won the Championship and trust me he beat some of the best Sim racers out there to win.

 

[watermelon punch]

Florian Strauss is a Sim racing Alien, I raced with him in 2011 on Race Departments: Touring car Pro series(now split with race department) racing the V8 Supercars on Rfactor, and he won the Championship and trust me he beat some of the best Sim racers out there to win.

That must've been fun.

But point is... unless it comes out that he's the cousin of Jens Weidmann... I'd say pretty average before this.

 

[mustafur]

well you can't deny he was a Gamer is the point though.

 

[watermelon punch]

I didn't think that was at issue. (In fact, I thought it was assumed.)

I was saying there's no reason to think he was chosen because of politics, being rich or handsome or important, or having prior connections in professional circles of motorsports or networked into some corporate elites or something.

(edit: ie: average guy, average job)

Append:
What does "gamer" imply anyway?
Surely even all of the GT Academy finalists must've been fairly heavy players of racing games.