With over a decade of history behind it and over 53 million units shipped worldwide, the Gran Turismo series has garnered many die-hard fans over the years. Gran Turismo for the original PlayStation console was the first racing game to introduce realistic driving physics, and created a whole new racing genre, not to mention a whole new generation of car fanatics, in the process. Its influence and power is so widespread that Gran Turismo creator and producer Kazunori Yamauchi has been on Motor Trend's Power List of the top 50 most influential men and women in the auto industry every year since it began in 2005.
A few months ago Sony set out to find the ultimate Gran Turismo fan. Fans were invited to enter by submitting either a video, essay, or slideshow to tell their story and prove why they think they are the ultimate Gran Turismo fan. On top of the bragging rights of being deemed the ultimate Gran Turismo fans by the makers of Gran Turismo themselves, fans competed to win the custom Gran Turismo helmet, driving suit and gloves worn by Rhys Millen for the Gran Turismo TV commercial shoot. The ultimate fan also wins a Gran Turismo PSP Entertainment Pack, and a Gran Turismo poster signed by Rhys Millen and Tanner Foust (the passenger in the TV commercial).
Hundreds of entries came in, but in the end there could be only one. Michael Blevins, a California native currently residing in Colorado, rose to the top thanks to his impassioned story and intense devotion to Gran Turismo. And the passion for racing, fostered by years of playing Gran Turismo, inspired him to pursue real racing, where he has raced dirt circle track for two years and won the championship his first year out. He has since moved up in class and is actively pursuing this passion of his.
After being chosen for this great honor, Michael said, I am a huge fan of Gran Turismo and have been since its debut. I feel I have become a better driver because of the game. Its not that a simulator can replace real life, but a simulator can teach you to push yourself to the edge. Gran Turismo is as close as it gets. I am the ultimate fan.
Coming in second place is Samuel Sligh III, a 25 year old college student and researcher from North Carolina. Samuel loves racing and other sports, cars, reading, studying, cooking, and living life to the fullest. Hes also a big Ferrari fan and loves the Enzo Ferrari, F40, and 512BB. For winning the second place honors, Samuel will receive the custom Gran Turismo helmet, driving suit and gloves worn by Tanner Foust, the passenger for the Gran Turismo TV commercial shoot, as well as a Gran Turismo PSP Entertainment Pack, and a Gran Turismo poster signed by Rhys Millen and Tanner Foust.
Winning third place honors, as well as a Gran Turismo PSP Entertainment Pack and a signed Gran Turismo poster, is Jordan Greer, founder of Gran Turismo fan site GT Planet. Gran Turismo inspired him to undergo extensive training at the Skip Barber Racing School and he will be competing in his first race this year. Plus, the experience and challenges of running GT Planet has also inspired Jordan to pursue a graduate degree in computer science to further his career in technology so he can one day fulfill his dream of owning a home in the village of Nurburg, Germany, home of the famous Nurburgring track, with an E92 BMW M3 GTS in his garage.
Seven additional runners-up for the contest will receive a signed Gran Turismo poster to add to their Gran Turismo collection.
PlayStation and Polyphony Digital congratulate Michael Blevins, Samuel Sligh III and Jordan Greer, and thank them and all of the fans who took the time to enter the contest for their continued support and passion for Gran Turismo.
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