It's not unusual in this day and age for major auto makers to partner with entertainment companies to cross-promote events and even give away promotional devices with the purchase of a 2012 Nissan vehicle. So, when the Japanese car company linked up with Sony again, it made complete sense.

 

Nissan will again be partnering with Sony Entertainment and Polyphony Digital for a second season of reality series "GT Academy" on Spike TV. "GT Academy" puts video gamers up against real race fans, competing in online races featuring Nissan vehicles with the winner getting a change to drive a real race car. Last year, 53,000 people joined the contest nationwide, Californian Bryan Heitkotter took home the checkered flag. He's gone on to represent Nissan, racing in events throughout the US, Middle East and Europe.

 

"Nissan GT Academy is a truly unique opportunity," says Heitkotter. "For me traveling and racing around the world has been an amazing, life changing experience so far, and I know we can achieve even more."¹

 

This year's contest starts with 32 spots open spots with the top 16 players moving on to "GT Academy's" boot camp. There, gamers face a week-long physical and mental challenge, which includes driving a Nissan GT-R and Nissan Maxima on closed courses.

 

Players can download "GT Academy 2012" at the PlayStation Store. An 8-week period allows players to track their best times through PlayStation3. The final week features the aforementioned online time trial challenge. Winners with the fastest lap times will be chosen for the series.

 

Spike TV will air "GT Academy" in late 2012.

 

If you want to test drive a Nissan vehicle, but don't think you can handle a PS3 controller, come to Royal Nissan in Baton Rouge, LA. There's plenty of new and used Nissan vehicles waiting.

 

Source: ¹http://www.sacbee.com/2012/05/01/4457318/nissan-north-america-and-sony.html