GT Academy UK National Finals

[Stotty]

Better yet how about some on board laps!!

You'd best wait and see what gets posted over the next 24 hours

 

[mr_geez]

Congratulations to all the finalists!

Having most of you on my PSN friends list , I knew that the quality of racing would be at the highest. And you didn't disappoint. It was great to read you had such a great experience. Thanks for photos and reports from the event. All I can hope for is that next year my country will also be included in the competition.

Special Thanks goes to Maz for representing T&L crew in truly best style possible! Your sportsmanship and writing skills are second to none!

cheers.

 

[MeAgainstYou]

now i understand why this national final has a special dedicated topic... top stuff guys! its really nice to read all of this happy comments... 👍 Jack knew this would be memorable...

congratulations goes to UK.. from finalists to organizers

 

[markyboy92]

Just remembering how close Prudent was to missing out in Round 1, the first race was 0.000 with maz, if maz was declared winner prudent wouldve been out because race 2 prudent was a fair way back with me and bansky fighting it out for first after sigma(?) lost in into turn 1 on lap (2). All i was thinking was i had to get first, i like to thought i could have easiely hung onto 2nd in that race but it wouldn't of been any good after my disaster in race 1 so i was pushing to hard. Whole day was a learning curve, still think the best four were in the final four.

 

[Sphinx]

markyboy92,
Are you the finalist from New Milton?

I just needed to ask because I just live a few miles from you if you are. (Lymington)

 

[Blitz187]

Congrats go out to the winners and finalists! Looks like you guys had a great couple of days there... I'm jealous... Good luck in the next rounds Prudent! 👍

 

[MarkWebber]

From the posts I read, it sounds like the UK finals were the most fairly run event to date Huge congratulations to Prudent Bear in finishing on top of a world class field of talented drivers I look forward to meeting you in a little over a weeks time mate

Bad luck Dan, just curious as to what was your reason for your poor showing in the final race- nerves, not knowing the track well, the other cars? Good luck in the next years academy.

 

[Duke of Pendle]

Bad luck Dan, just curious as to what was your reason for your poor showing in the final race- nerves, not knowing the track well, the other cars? Good luck in the next years academy.

It wasn't a 'poor showing'. Just some bad luck involved.
The car in front of Dan ran wide on a left-hander, early in lap 1. In trying to avoid that competitor, unfortunately resulted in a spin. Being in last place, and now some distance behind, Dan had to drive the remainder of the race at ten tenths.
As we all know, driving with that commitment on the Nordschliefe is probably going to lead to further mistakes, which is what in fact happened. Still a great drive, managing to reduce the deficit in the remaining race distance.

 

[Hyper-Dan]

Bad luck Dan, just curious as to what was your reason for your poor showing in the final race- nerves, not knowing the track well, the other cars? Good luck in the next years academy.

Thanks. 👍

I know the track well enough, my mistakes came from pushing too hard.. too soon, I was eager to get passed Davissi, as the 2 at the front where pulling away early in lap 1. Unfortunately he went off and I followed him. I then lost touch of him as he got back on track much faster and facing the right direction. I managed to catch him again by the carousel, and spun for the 2nd time. Was a horrid lap 1 for me, lap 2 I remember having a very small off and I pushed as hard as poss and my lap time was 7'30.xxx.

Still, I had a wicked day @ Brands. and I was fast when I was on the Black stuff.

 

[Racer_LP]

Wow . Just reading about it is giving me goosebumps. Must have been awesome to be there.

Big congrats to prudent and Ingram for qualifying for Silverstone. Also well done to Dan and Davissi for getting into the final. All 4 of you deserved to go to Silverstone 👍.

 

[gtacademynews]

. Massive credit to legendary F1 journalist Tony Jardine and his team for actively seeking out this forum and its members (are you reading this Charlotte?? ),

You know I am reading this ! Must say it was lovely to have met all of you and Im really glad that you had such a good time!

All the best,

Charlotte

 

[AleksandarSRB]

As for the ring... Anybody who says the ring looks rubbish, it's "flat trees" make the game look awful, I think need a slap The lighting, the detail, the depth... it's almost perfect!!! This picture shows the background and how far they have gone with detail. With that much mapped of the GT track, I'm sure it will be in the full game.

Anyway, great meeting everyone and a massive congrats to the 2 winners 👍 Thanks alot Maz for the guest spot and here is to GT5

This ring look much better than GT4 ring!!!

 

[i-Plume]

Congrats to Prudent and Ingram and thanks for the write ups guys, it sounds like it was an amazing event. I passed my driving test on the 10th so if Academy happens again I hope to join in the fun

 

[markyboy92]

markyboy92,
Are you the finalist from New Milton?

I just needed to ask because I just live a few miles from you if you are. (Lymington)

Yes mate, and wow what are the chances of that.

 

[Synwraith]

I arrived still half asleep to be found by Maz and Dan with MASSIVE smiles on their faces (a little like this ),

Come on Jacko, I would imagine you're more than used to being woken up far too early in the morning, found by your friends in unfamiliar surroundings

As a teaser I have some great stuff to add to the already epic reviews of the day but I'm afraid you'll have to wait a little bit longer. As GT fans you will no doubt be up to the task.

Very much looking forward to your vids John, especially "headcam"

Guys, all of you have done GTP proud. 👍 👍


Being part of the GTP Race Administrative Team, I am aware of just how much work goes into upholding fair play within the racing community and there had been times in the past when I personally wondered if it was all worth the effort. Well, after reading all the positive comments here I can now honestly say that it was. Thank you guys. 👍 👍

I almost forgot Jerry, we found a nice present for you, Sjaak and Kevin that may save you some work in the future...

Better yet how about some on board laps!!

Don't worry mate, I'm sure John will have something nice for us tonight

Congratulations to all the finalists!

Having most of you on my PSN friends list , I knew that the quality of racing would be at the highest. And you didn't disappoint. It was great to read you had such a great experience. Thanks for photos and reports from the event. All I can hope for is that next year my country will also be included in the competition.

Special Thanks goes to Maz for representing T&L crew in truly best style possible! Your sportsmanship and writing skills are second to none!

cheers.

I really hope you get an opportunity too Mac, it would have been beyond brilliant to have you, Mario, Warren, Jukka, Jon, Rune, Kai, Bjorn and Adam at the same event *beats chest*

Just remembering how close Prudent was to missing out in Round 1, the first race was 0.000 with maz, if maz was declared winner prudent wouldve been out because race 2 prudent was a fair way back with me and bansky fighting it out for first after sigma(?) lost in into turn 1 on lap (2).

Don't remind me!

All i was thinking was i had to get first, i like to thought i could have easiely hung onto 2nd in that race but it wouldn't of been any good after my disaster in race 1 so i was pushing to hard. Whole day was a learning curve, still think the best four were in the final four.

Mark, I think you did really well mate and should also be proud of yourself. It must have been intimidating for you somewhat and you're the first to admit you don't do a lot of racing. It was a high pressure environment and you did yourself no harm in anyone's eyes, good on you

Bad luck Dan, just curious as to what was your reason for your poor showing in the final race- nerves, not knowing the track well, the other cars? Good luck in the next years academy.

As others have said, it was a case of being 4th on the grid at such a tight track where the gaps started to open up really quick. You know how it is, you follow someone closely and if they go off you follow them in sympathy! After that Dan was really on the back foot and just risked every corner and kerb, spectacular to watch, especially the last lap where he sliced a ton off the guys in front. I'm sure he really enjoyed himself too

You know I am reading this ! Must say it was lovely to have met all of you and Im really glad that you had such a good time!

All the best,

Charlotte

Forum junkie!

Congrats to Prudent and Ingram and thanks for the write ups guys, it sounds like it was an amazing event. I passed my driving test on the 10th so if Academy happens again I hope to join in the fun

Many congratulations on obtaining your licence mate, look forward to seeing you there next year if we're both lucky enough to make it

All the best
Maz

 

[Stotty]

...

Lucas was waaaaaay outside the white line on the exits of Paddock Hill and Graham Hill in the GT4 350Z on my laps

 

[Synwraith]

Charlotte from Jardine has been kind enough to share some of the official photography from the UK finals with us. Enjoy


The magic all happened here in these pods:

The excellent Alex Buncombe, driver of the GT4 350Z last year with Lucas, interviewed by F1 journo legend Tony Jardine:

The Nissan 370Z Max cup car:

Nissan 350Z GT4 Cup car from last season:

Pirelli Girls with this season's NISMO sponsored 370Z car:

The car by itself, certainly my colour of choice :

The car, the girls, Lucas and Alex. This could be you next year Johnny boy:

The car, Lucas and Alex with all the UK finalists:

"Now cheer!" :

Thank you again Jardine and co

All the best
Maz

 

[Stotty]

MMmmm.... Pirelli girls

 

[P3nT4gR4m]

+1 Do they sell those on ebay?

 

[CodeRedR51]

+1 Do they sell those on ebay?

No kidding.

 

[FLASH48]

You'd best wait and see what gets posted over the next 24 hours

I think Maz might have let the cat out of the bag Stotty! I will be waiting.

 

[P3nT4gR4m]

I'll be waiting but I'm not promising patiently.

Get your arse in gear damnit!

 

[markyboy92]

Just out of intrest how many people were practicing at home before the finals? i only did about a hour since the TT in january and then before the TT didnt really play it for about 6 months upto that point.

Thanks maz you were unlucky to miss out but id say 10-15 of us are separted by the width of a piece of paper in pace, John and alex showed remarkable consistancy which is more important as it proved.

 

[Stotty]

As Maz said... I got my practice on the access road from hotel to track.

Ran about 10 laps in the tuned car a couple of weeks ago but couldn't get any motivation and tonight is the 1st time I booted prologue up for 3 months... so basically no practice for me.

 

[Synwraith]

Well, I practised loads and still lost, so there ya go

All the best
Maz

 

[davissi]

Hi Mark, my system was to practice alternating the cars and just 3 laps cold, no ghost and the DFP wheel which I bought recently, I got the tuned down to 1'35.8 and the normal down to 1'48.0 so it was quite useful practice and I think it helped me a hell of a lot. The only other thing I did was race with Bruno(meagainstyou) some ridiculously oversteering cars and Suzuka and some GT-R's at Fuji tuned a bit loose. I also did daytona road against the AI with a ridiculously oversteering tuned 350Z and the Nordschiefe in GT4 with another ridiculous oversteer. I just felt we would be spending a lot of time in the tuned.
One of the practice races with Bruno was so difficult to drive in terms of keeping the car on the road we both quit in a heap of sand LOL.

 

[FLASH48]

Off topic a bit, but what do you have on your feet Maz? It's the picture with all the guys and you are standing by Lucas i believe. Anyway i think that is you.

 

[Synwraith]

Off topic a bit, but what do you have on your feet Maz? It's the picture with all the guys and you are standing by Lucas i believe. Anyway i think that is you.

yes that's me next to Lucas and Ian in the group shot, those are my bright red Merrell Striker Goal trainers.

Did I mention what a top geezer Lucas is? He was really interested in the final, was getting a buzz out of watching that race. Top bloke 👍

All the best
Maz

 

[GTP_rpm]

Since Maz has already written everything that deserved to be written regarding the event, with much more accuracy than I could ever hope for, I'll just try to say how it went from my perspective.

As others have all said, the organisation was excellent. There wasn't a member of staff there, who you felt wasn't interested and with Tony Jardine himself commentating on the Final was as exciting as watching any motorsport event I've ever whitnessed. He obviously takes great pride in his company and with such staff, it's easy to see why. Hand on heart I'm greatful for the whole experience, from start to finish. And even though I didn't even make the semi-finals, I didn't want to take my GT Academy t-shirt off!

So, arrived Tuesday evening about 5.30pm. I had been very calm before the event, with my eldest brothers wedding a couple of weekends before and even working a half day in the morning to keep my mind off of things. My girlfriend Kezia had managed to source me a DFGT from a friend of ours, as I guessed this would be the weapon of choice at the Final.

Maz came and greeted us within seconds of arriving at the hotel, we dumped our bags off in our room and Kezia spotted the info pack, quickly found the groups and my heart dropped when I saw Hyperspeed and EDDSKILL in my group Also, being the first group I knew had the potential to make me more anxious.

The night went well, after mixing with the GTP crowd I tried to meet and great as many others as possible. Was a privilege to meet davissi, who spent a few months whipping our butts in a PistonHeads Time-Trial champs. He was an admirable chap and it didn't take us long to get chatting about the event! Also met markyboy92 and had a good chat with him and his step-brother. I tried my best to avoid the Perry's and, I did. Had 4-5 beers, nibbles and wondered off to bed pleasantly tipsy at about Midnight.

Woke up sharp at 7.15am and couldn't believe it - clear blue sky and sunshine! Had a shower, put on my Academy t-shirt and went downstaires to have some breakfast. I went for a bowl of cornflakes and then it hit me - I had zero appetite. Ah...that'll be the nerves then!

We congregated in the hall and went to the Media Centre. Signed in and went upstaires to check the room out...looked spot on 👍

Sat down, the show started and I was first up. I took my shoes off to reveal my secret weapon of an illuminious green sock on my right foot for "go" and a bright red sock on my left foot for "stop". Adjusted the seat and instantly felt right at home and my confidence picked up...the nerves had completely left.

We lined up, EDDSKILL, Hyperspeed, GMDLondon, rpm, Stotty. GMDLondon had an issue with his throttle pedal and within 5minutes a new set of pedals was bolted down. A few niggles here and there and we were off on our practise lap and then into the race.

Group 1, Race 1;

Me, Hyperspeed and EDDSKILL got good starts and were cleanly around the first sector and the rest of the lap it remained like this all within a second of eachother...exiting the final corner, with Ed upfront, Dan in his slipstream and me behind Dan pipped Ed across the line with me just about to pass them both (before turn 1) but as we crossed the line the game finished! They had unfortunately set the server up for a 1lap race lol.

So, restart;

We all got a good start, headed down to turn one with Ed to the inside, Dan behind him so I moved to the left after a bit of slip. I tried to go around the outside of Dan and nearly made it, we scrabbled through but having never raced around here before, I was too eager in 2nd gear (I think) and spun. I recovered last, out of the draft and I remember feeling it was all over as I crossed the line still last. I came down to the first corner and I saw the blue-info bars telling me everyone was overtaking car 2 (hyperspeed). I tackled turn 1, passing a struggling Dan busy doing donoughts on the grass and began to pull in Stotty and GMDLondon as they battled. Beginning of lap 3, I entered turn 1 again and in the pod to my right, Stotty was doing his best chimpanzee impression due to falling off the circuit. Ignoring his grunting and waving elbows, I went through and inherited 3rd now keen on catching GMDLondon but as I exited turn 2 I managed to clip the handbrake button with my thumb!!! I think I spun about 90degrees...Got back on with it, the positions stayed as they were. Result;

Eddskill 6points
GMDLondon 3points
rpm 1point
Stotty 0points
Hyperspeed 0points.

Group 1, Race 2;

Starting grid was the order of the previous race, so we lined up to be the first guys to experience HSR. Felt ok on the warm up lap, though we never got a flat out approach into turn 1...

The start is a bit hazy for me. I can only remember finishing the first lap behind Stotty, with Dan behind me with EDDSKILL and GMDLondon not even in sight behind us. I was in his slipstream and was going to get past into turn 1, Dan got an extended slipstream off of both of us and he too came up the inside. Three a-breast into turn 1 the first time at full speed was going to end in some sort of controversy, baring in mind the one who backed out would've been at some disadvantage. I tried my best to close the door on Dan and at this point Stotty was not in on my screen but was aware he would be somewhere to my right.

The corner profile tightened and as I've backed off to take the speed at what I thought would be appropriate Dan fires it down the inside slightly nudging into my nearside, which sent me out to the right and bang - Oh there's Stotty! I think we all hit the wall on the exit of the corner, with Dan getting away with it OK, me just about hanging onto it after doing my best lumberjack impressions with the wheel and unfortunately Stotty's race was over.

Dan gained about 1.5seconds on me and pulled it out to about 1.9 at the start of lap 3. I worked the maths out in my head, knowing whoever won out of me and Dan would aquire 2nd place in the group - but the gap was too long to pick up slipstream up the main straight. I pulled it down to 1.8seconds, then got the gap down to 1.4seconds but wasn't enough. The road ended for me there

Stotty was debating with the marshalls about the incident at turn 1 on the second lap and he seemed eager to find out who the driver of "the yellow car" was. When I piped up that it was me, I can't remember what was said but he wasn't happy lol. I tried to explain that there was 3 of us going into the turn and Dans nudge up the inside, caused me to move further out knocking him. I had no problem with Dan's move, I saw that race similar to the Formula Ford Festival...for any of us to finish 2nd in the race would mean nothing, but to win means it all.

Once Stotty realised how the event unfolded, he seemed to calm down and those eliminated were able to relax a bit and just enjoy the spectacle about to unfold!

Results;

Hyperspeed 6points
rpm 3points
EDDSKILL 1point
GMDLondon 0points
Stotty 0points

Overall;

EDDSKILL 7points
Hyperspeed 6points
rpm 4points
GMDLondon 3points
Stotty 0points

Having started the group technically ceeded 4th, to finish 3rd in the group to EDDSKILL and Hyperspeed I feel totally contented. Even if I had not made the mistakes in race 1, I'd not have been able to win either race as EDD seemed unstoppable at Indy and Hyperspeed's determination in Pod no.5 couldn't be matched by any of us at HSR. (as lots of others managed to do from Pod no.5 too!)

Plenty of other great racing, with particularly good efforts whitnessed by me;

Maz for an excellent first race with PrudentBear. I watched and it was a superb drive mate, the best I've ever seen you race without a doubt.

davissi, clearly not a time-trialer only. His unique driving style, not only with the smelly shoes and gloves, but he goes against the theory of "smooth is fast". Was very interesting to finally watch your driving style!

jugstar had an excellent race too, which was a good excuse to go and have a chat with him also

Ingram...what can I say...this guy qualified in 14th, only one place ahead of me but he managed to not only get to the semi-finals, but won both of the semi-finals too . At Daytona Road, where he beat davissi by holding back from passing him into the bus stop, then even feathering the throttle on the final turn on the final lap to get the perfect slipstream onto the straight I was impressed! davissi being a gentlemen did not swerve, or even make him go the long way round but that move, to have that composure to tackle the bus stop with race strategy in mind at THAT level of competiton in that environment was absolutely fantastic. Cool as a cucumber the whole event, he deserved to make the final and was actually faster than PrudentBear at the Ring, just making a couple of errors. My hat off to you, with that mindset you'll have a good crack at the World finals. Well done!

PrudentBear! Me and my girlfriend Kezia spent a lot of the night chatting with John and PrudentClaire and they're a lovely couple. No BS with either of them, both chilled out, honest, decent and funny 👍

After the win against Maz in his first race, which was cruel on Maz, I think his confidence was right where it needed to be. After his win, in his first Semi final he looked like he knew he could do it - not in an arrogent way, far from it. Just a kind of "know" that I think everyone does experience in thier life.

And of course, he did. Stood on a chair I watched his every move at the Ring, he didn't look back, even after minor off's the guy didn't get flustered one bit. John won and he definately deserved it and I had goose bumps for him as he crossed the line.

Can't wait to see you at Silverstone John, you're a great guy that couldn't be disliked by anyone. Bloody well done mate. Apologies I didn't get to say it to your face, I did tap you on your back outside near the pits to try grab a quick word before leaving but you were called to more important duties, understandably

Bad luck for davissi and Hyperspeed, but I think they'd both agree to make the finals is a massive achievement aswell as the fact PrudentBear and Ingram were definately the best two chaps on the day.

Well done to everyone, I really enjoyed myself. There was one negative though and I'm sure you all REALLY want to hear this, but due to not eating breakfast, unable to eat lunch I developed Chronic stomach cramps. The journey home was almost unbearable and even an estimated 8 seconds fart didn't seem to cure anything. It's about 9pm now, so hopefully you've all finished your dinners by now haha!

I of course had a brilliant time, that I'll keep with me forever and having "UK GT Academy 2 Finalist" under my signature on here is something money can't buy.

If I ever happen to win the lottery, I'll buy a centre where we could hold a race-weekend like that in a games room, so we could do it every month.

Cheers guys and again, thanks to ALL and well done to you.

Thanks, Ian and Kez

 

[GTP_CICO]

Congratz, to Prudentbear and al the other drivers. Sounded like it was a really good event with clean driving and some great entertainment:tup:.

Defently my favorite pics. The 370Z looks BEAST in yellow, absolute amazing car. Even though I did like it when it first came out, this makes up for all of it

Pirelli Girls with this season's NISMO sponsored 370Z car: