Nissan’s GT Academy experiment has apparently worked. The automaker’s crew of gamers-turned-racing-drivers competed over the weekend in the 24 Hours of Dubai, bringing home a third place finish.
Anchored by U.S. GT Academy winner Bryan Heitkotter, the RJN Motorsport team – which included three other GT Academy winners – finished the 24 Hours of Dubai race with a very impressive podium finish. That feat is even more impressive when you consider that all four of the drivers are essentially amateur racers.
The last time we spoke with Heitkotter he was most nervous about the 18 hour flight to Dubai, but driver changes proved to be the most difficult part of the endurance race for the 30-year-old and his teammates.
“We practice, but there are a lot of difficult bits to do in quick succession,†Heitkotter told Autoweek. “And this was the first time that the driver out had to assist the driver in with strapping, radio, drinks bottle, window net, etc. In previous races, a member of the team would strap in the new driver.â€
RJN Motorsport owner Bob Neville notes that the podium finish in Dubai is a fitting tribute to the GT Academy as the idea for the program was developed there three years ago.
References
1.’GT Academy gamer…’ view
