Nissan GT Academy 2012

Nissan GT Academy 2012

If you've dreamed of becoming a race car driver, but could never find the time or the money it takes to get serious on your own, the Nissan GT Academy is a proven path--but only for a lucky, highly-skilled few. Nonetheless, it's open to anyone who thinks they have what it takes, and it's getting ready for its second season in the U.S.

Getting involved is easy: download the Sony GT Academy 2012 demo for free via PlayStation Network to get a taste, then buy Gran Turismo if you don't have it already, and practice, practice, practice for the event, which runs June 11-24. The top 32 players will make it to the finals, which will select 16 players for the "boot camp," where they'll be exposed to real-world challenges on and off track. The whole thing will be filmed for television on Spike, to air later this year.

Don't think it'll be easy, though, as the easy entry this year will open the competition up to even more competitors--and the ones that have won in the past have gone on to prove their mettle in the real world, including last year's U.S. winner, Brian Heitkotter.

You'll need real skill and determination to rise to the top, but then, there are many of us that have both but lack the finances, time, and opportunity for the rest of what it takes to become a pro driver. This can bridge that gap--but only for one of us.

For more details, check out the official site.