- 2,590
- GTP_SohnVonStig
6 photos better than anything we've seen so far 
The zx-t ohmyfreakingod
The zx-t ohmyfreakingod
GT Academy Finals Coverage!
- Thread starter grafpt
- 390 comments
- 38,172 views
- 2,590
- GTP_SohnVonStig
- 620
- Choate51
Soon as I figure the Bloggie thing out I might have some good movies lol. Like when I walked into the interview room and taped them lol.
It was funny and weird on the 1st night. You would be sitting there shooting the breeze with some of the guys and out of nowhere is mic boom, 2 lights, and a couple cameras catching your every move. I just hope there's video of me coming out of the bus on the 1st night at ESPN lol.
- 2,590
- GTP_SohnVonStig
moments on the Bloggie that's for sure. I don't think I want to post most of that stuff lol.
cpp214
Premium
- 888
- Kentucky
- GTP_CarlPKY
I don't think I can put into words how great the experience in Orlando was for me. I think it's easily one of--if not the best--experiences I've had in my life.
I was pinching myself most of the time we were down there, wondering "can this be real?"
Putting a name and face to the online ID's of people I'd raced with online since GT5 Prologue, and shaking hands with all of the new faces (new to me) on top of the GT5 leaderboards was an incredible experience. It takes the game to a whole new level when you actually meet everyone in person.
And it's been said before in this thread I believe, but absolutely every one I met in Orlando that was involved with this event couldn't have been nicer.
And I mean everyone. Not only the other competitors, but everyone from Sony, Nissan, the production team that was filming the event and the staff at the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge and ESPN Wide World of Sports were the nicest people I could have ever hoped to meet. I just want to thank everyone from Sony and Nissan who worked so hard to make it possible for me and all the other competitors to have such a great, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Although I wish I could have made the top 16 and advanced to Silverstone, I am not in the least bit disappointed. How could I be? I got to have a blast meeting some very extraordinary people, in a very extraordinary place. I had a huge smile on my face almost the whole time I was down there, and just thinking about the experience now puts a huge smile on my face
Congratulations to the 16 finalists who are moving on, and good luck in Silverstone 👍 And a huge thanks to all those who made it possible for all of us to have such a wonderful, unforgettable experience
I was pinching myself most of the time we were down there, wondering "can this be real?"
Putting a name and face to the online ID's of people I'd raced with online since GT5 Prologue, and shaking hands with all of the new faces (new to me) on top of the GT5 leaderboards was an incredible experience. It takes the game to a whole new level when you actually meet everyone in person.
And it's been said before in this thread I believe, but absolutely every one I met in Orlando that was involved with this event couldn't have been nicer.
And I mean everyone. Not only the other competitors, but everyone from Sony, Nissan, the production team that was filming the event and the staff at the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge and ESPN Wide World of Sports were the nicest people I could have ever hoped to meet. I just want to thank everyone from Sony and Nissan who worked so hard to make it possible for me and all the other competitors to have such a great, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Although I wish I could have made the top 16 and advanced to Silverstone, I am not in the least bit disappointed. How could I be? I got to have a blast meeting some very extraordinary people, in a very extraordinary place. I had a huge smile on my face almost the whole time I was down there, and just thinking about the experience now puts a huge smile on my face
Congratulations to the 16 finalists who are moving on, and good luck in Silverstone 👍 And a huge thanks to all those who made it possible for all of us to have such a wonderful, unforgettable experience
- 842
- San Francisco, CA
- pixel_activist
I don't think I can put into words how great the experience in Orlando was for me. I think it's easily one of--if not the best--experiences I've had in my life.
I was pinching myself most of the time we were down there, wondering "can this be real?"
Putting a name and face to the online ID's of people I'd raced with online since GT5 Prologue, and shaking hands with all of the new faces (new to me) on top of the GT5 leaderboards was an incredible experience. It takes the game to a whole new level when you actually meet everyone in person.
And it's been said before in this thread I believe, but absolutely every one I met in Orlando that was involved with this event couldn't have been nicer.
And I mean everyone. Not only the other competitors, but everyone from Sony, Nissan, the production team that was filming the event and the staff at the Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge and ESPN Wide World of Sports were the nicest people I could have ever hoped to meet. I just want to thank everyone from Sony and Nissan who worked so hard to make it possible for me and all the other competitors to have such a great, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Although I wish I could have made the top 16 and advanced to Silverstone, I am not in the least bit disappointed. How could I be? I got to have a blast meeting some very extraordinary people, in a very extraordinary place. I had a huge smile on my face almost the whole time I was down there, and just thinking about the experience now puts a huge smile on my face
Congratulations to the 16 finalists who are moving on, and good luck in Silverstone 👍 And a huge thanks to all those who made it possible for all of us to have such a wonderful, unforgettable experience
Wait, were all getting it wrong, it's "Silverstar" HAHAHAHAHAHAHA
For everyone not there.... The announcer said Silverstar, not stone..... It was funny lol
- 4,853
- Buffalo, NY
- PURE_DrWatson
I didn't rant. Just let you know you got a C for adequate coverage. This was not good coverage. Good coverage would have been putting your responsibility to GTP above your self.
And btw you were paid. You got a press pass to a closed event. You weren't being asked to cover something you were already going to be at.
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CodeRedR51
Premium
- 55,282
- United States
- 842
- San Francisco, CA
- pixel_activist
I didn't say you did, I said hold it, meaning do not start one....and here you are.
*yourself, it's not two words. As R1600Turbo put it, I was part of media. The only people there before we were, doing any kind of coverage, were SCEA employee's. I didn't HAVE to do anything. Putting myself before GTP, would have not giving a word.
Your telling me I was paid?
Not sure where your getting that from. I actually put off work to attend this, so I really lost money/paid money to attend this. I'm sorry for being the ONLY person to be able to cover this event. I guess you'd rather no one had been there at all. Again, about 12 hours notice. I guess we should have wished you were there then.
Some people.Ugh
- 810
- Wilsonville, OR USA
- scca_ziptie
Screw the haters Grafpt - you did a great job (especially with the short notice). Good on ya bud, thanks for the updates - they were good !
- 842
- San Francisco, CA
- pixel_activist
CodeRedR51
Premium
- 55,282
- United States
Here's a few pictures I snapped. Not much and they kind of suck.
- 842
- San Francisco, CA
- pixel_activist
Here's a few pictures I snapped. Not much and they kind of suck.
HAHAHA thats me playing KZ3 in 3D
reppin Ken Block for sure KZ3 is def awesome in 3D btw
CodeRedR51
Premium
- 55,282
- United States
- 4,853
- Buffalo, NY
- PURE_DrWatson
I live in the art world. I know criticism. You were just bashing. The no reason to say anything other than positive things. My apology in the Post wasn't good enough for you I suppose.
anyways........
no, bashing would have required me to flame you.
Saying you didn't cover the event rather you covered yourself at the event is a valid and accurate critique.
- 800
- Winter Park, FL
- DNA_SpecMiata
Hey guys! Tonight I'm going to be on the radio talking about GT Academy, you can catch the online feed at wprkdj.org.
I'll be on around 8:30 Eastern time.
Cheers!
I'll be on around 8:30 Eastern time.
Cheers!
CodeRedR51
Premium
- 55,282
- United States
Listening!
- 842
- San Francisco, CA
- pixel_activist
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- 800
- Winter Park, FL
- DNA_SpecMiata
I've got a full write up (of day 1, day 2 isn't finished yet) I've been meaning to post, but regular life has gotten in the way.
I'll post soon.
Thanks
I'll post soon.
Thanks
- 800
- Winter Park, FL
- DNA_SpecMiata
What the heck......I'll post my synopsis of Day 1. What you are going to read was an email I wrote to my friends and family after Day 1, of course I didn't get a chance to write one for Day 2 as we were out partying until late at night.
Here is my email:
To begin with, I apologize for not getting results out sooner than I did .which is now. The organizers asked us not to say anything until they made official announcements on their Facebook page, unfortunately they were slow to update the page and a lot of people were left wondering what was going on with the competition. I hope tomorrow is a little better organized and we will be able to let the people following the competition know how we are doing.
You can follow the Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...0.39525.160998183935285&theater#!/GTAcademyNA
Today was very intense, and the structure of the event was not conducive to making even the slightest mistake during a race, or qualifying for that matter. The format was 2 races to a group, with a qualifying lap to set the grid; each race was 3 to 5 laps per race, and that was decided by the length of the track. Each race has 4 drivers and the points structure is broken down as 1st = 6 points, 2nd = 3 points, 3rd = 1 point, and 4th = no points. Each round had two races.
For those of you that dont follow racing or GT closely I apologize for the nerd car talk you are about to read. :-)
Round 1:
Race 1: My first race was in a Nissan 350Z (stock setup with Sport Hard tires) at Tsukuba, 5 laps Qualified on the pole and battled back and forth for the lead most of the race, I almost out broke myself in turn 1 trying to pass for the lead, but collected the car and stayed in 2nd. The other driver made a mistake and I passed for the lead on lap 4 and ran away with the race from there. 1st race 1st place.
Race 2: This race was still in the 350Z at Deep Forest on the reverse layout, 4 laps. I qualified in 3rd for the race. I havent driven this track in a long time and wasnt familiar with the eb and flow of the circuit. With 4 person races qualifying isnt that big of an issue with an open, fast circuit. During the race I battled again for the lead most of the race and finally ended up 2nd by a car length. 2nd race 2nd place.
I ended round 1 with 9 points I was very happy with this result. A buddy of mine that I race with (JPE) unfortunately was eliminated in round 1.
Round 2:
Race 1: This race was in an 07 GT-R (stock setup on Sport Hard tires) at Madrid Reverse 5 laps (very tight street circuit) I knew qualifying would be critical at this circuit because passing cleanly would be next to impossible. I qualified a tenth off Greg Russell {(GAR} the fastest guy in the country in Round 3 Time Trial) which put me in 2nd spot for the start of the race. During the start of the race Greg overcooked his braking point into the first chicane and hit the wall, he fell to 4th place and I took the lead. Due to the nature of the track I just kept a good pace and kept my nose clean and took home the win. 3rd race 1st place.
Race 2: Once again we were still in the 07 GT-R with the same settings as the previous race but at Grand Valley East Reverse for 4 laps. I once again qualified behind GAR but made my big error for the day going into turn 1. Since GAR was a little upset about his 1st corner experience in the last race he broke a bit early which threw me off, I was heading towards collecting him knicked his bumper and almost went off the track, this put me back to 4th position. GAR took off and put a huge lead on me and the 2 other guys, the 2 guys in front of me were battling like it was the last lap and I didnt want to get involved since the Race Stewards were deducting points for going off track and making contact, therefore I wanted t wait for my opportunity to attack the first time they made a mistake. Unfortunately their mistake didnt happen until the last corner on the last lap, but I stayed back and got a run on them .I passed third and had a run on second but ran out of track with less than an tenth of time separating me from those 2 precious points. I finished 3rd and earned 1 point, which is better than 4th and no points, so I wasnt totally displeased, but my mistake cost me an easy 2nd if not even a chance for the win.
That is a synopsis of my day .of course there were also many interviews and lots of hand shaking.
Tomorrow is the really big day, and frankly Im pretty nervous. The remaining guys are robot fast and rarely make mistakes, but the hope is that the format will be a bit longer tomorrow since there will be fewer race groups .but truth be told, the further I progress the more difficult the competition will become. Ive got to get some rest so keep the good thoughts coming .I plan on dreaming of eating fish and chips.
Im also stunningly overwhelmed by the support by texts, email, and Facebook ..its seriously been unreal. Thank you all!
That's day 1. I'll try and put together a synopsis for Day 2, but I have to remember all the track combos.
I'm still overwhelmed by the experience!! Thanks again Sony, GT Academy, PD, and Nissan. 👍
Here is my email:
To begin with, I apologize for not getting results out sooner than I did .which is now. The organizers asked us not to say anything until they made official announcements on their Facebook page, unfortunately they were slow to update the page and a lot of people were left wondering what was going on with the competition. I hope tomorrow is a little better organized and we will be able to let the people following the competition know how we are doing.
You can follow the Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?f...0.39525.160998183935285&theater#!/GTAcademyNA
Today was very intense, and the structure of the event was not conducive to making even the slightest mistake during a race, or qualifying for that matter. The format was 2 races to a group, with a qualifying lap to set the grid; each race was 3 to 5 laps per race, and that was decided by the length of the track. Each race has 4 drivers and the points structure is broken down as 1st = 6 points, 2nd = 3 points, 3rd = 1 point, and 4th = no points. Each round had two races.
For those of you that dont follow racing or GT closely I apologize for the nerd car talk you are about to read. :-)
Round 1:
Race 1: My first race was in a Nissan 350Z (stock setup with Sport Hard tires) at Tsukuba, 5 laps Qualified on the pole and battled back and forth for the lead most of the race, I almost out broke myself in turn 1 trying to pass for the lead, but collected the car and stayed in 2nd. The other driver made a mistake and I passed for the lead on lap 4 and ran away with the race from there. 1st race 1st place.
Race 2: This race was still in the 350Z at Deep Forest on the reverse layout, 4 laps. I qualified in 3rd for the race. I havent driven this track in a long time and wasnt familiar with the eb and flow of the circuit. With 4 person races qualifying isnt that big of an issue with an open, fast circuit. During the race I battled again for the lead most of the race and finally ended up 2nd by a car length. 2nd race 2nd place.
I ended round 1 with 9 points I was very happy with this result. A buddy of mine that I race with (JPE) unfortunately was eliminated in round 1.
Round 2:
Race 1: This race was in an 07 GT-R (stock setup on Sport Hard tires) at Madrid Reverse 5 laps (very tight street circuit) I knew qualifying would be critical at this circuit because passing cleanly would be next to impossible. I qualified a tenth off Greg Russell {(GAR} the fastest guy in the country in Round 3 Time Trial) which put me in 2nd spot for the start of the race. During the start of the race Greg overcooked his braking point into the first chicane and hit the wall, he fell to 4th place and I took the lead. Due to the nature of the track I just kept a good pace and kept my nose clean and took home the win. 3rd race 1st place.
Race 2: Once again we were still in the 07 GT-R with the same settings as the previous race but at Grand Valley East Reverse for 4 laps. I once again qualified behind GAR but made my big error for the day going into turn 1. Since GAR was a little upset about his 1st corner experience in the last race he broke a bit early which threw me off, I was heading towards collecting him knicked his bumper and almost went off the track, this put me back to 4th position. GAR took off and put a huge lead on me and the 2 other guys, the 2 guys in front of me were battling like it was the last lap and I didnt want to get involved since the Race Stewards were deducting points for going off track and making contact, therefore I wanted t wait for my opportunity to attack the first time they made a mistake. Unfortunately their mistake didnt happen until the last corner on the last lap, but I stayed back and got a run on them .I passed third and had a run on second but ran out of track with less than an tenth of time separating me from those 2 precious points. I finished 3rd and earned 1 point, which is better than 4th and no points, so I wasnt totally displeased, but my mistake cost me an easy 2nd if not even a chance for the win.
That is a synopsis of my day .of course there were also many interviews and lots of hand shaking.
Tomorrow is the really big day, and frankly Im pretty nervous. The remaining guys are robot fast and rarely make mistakes, but the hope is that the format will be a bit longer tomorrow since there will be fewer race groups .but truth be told, the further I progress the more difficult the competition will become. Ive got to get some rest so keep the good thoughts coming .I plan on dreaming of eating fish and chips.
Im also stunningly overwhelmed by the support by texts, email, and Facebook ..its seriously been unreal. Thank you all!
That's day 1. I'll try and put together a synopsis for Day 2, but I have to remember all the track combos.
I'm still overwhelmed by the experience!! Thanks again Sony, GT Academy, PD, and Nissan. 👍
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