I attended the third round of the 2024 Gran Turismo World Series (GTWS) in Tokyo, with the privilege of joining the 40 or so players and partners for a reception at the famous Meiji-Kinenkan, a tour of Japanโs plastic model giant, Tamiya’s flagship store, and a visit to Polyphony Digital, guided by Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi himself. We got to see things like how the engineers scan each car in detail to get the light to reflect the proper way and how each real track gets scanned to achieve utmost reality. The hospitality towards the players and guests by the organizing team signifies the commitment to the series to run the best sim racing competition of its kind.
The Gran Turismo franchise has produced professional racecar drivers like Lucas Ordonez, a former Le Mans and Super GT racer, and the most famous of them all, Jann Mardenborough, whose journey inspired the Hollywood movie Gran Turismo. Ordonez was present on-site as the Spanish language commentator, reinforcing the franchiseโs commitment to its family. Additionally, Igor Fraga, a Japanese-born Brazilian racing driver and former member of the Red Bull Junior Team, was also in attendance. He currently competes in the 2024 Super GT Series for Anest Iwata Racing in the GT300 class, and serves as a reserve driver for Nakajima Racing in the Super Formula Championship. I felt incredibly lucky to be part of this unforgettable experience, witnessing firsthand the thrill of competition and the deep connection between the Gran Turismo community and the world of motorsport.
Igor Fraga / Image: Polyphony Digital
The GTWS features two parallel championships: the Manufacturers Cup and the Nations Cup, showcasing the best of the best in the world of sim racing.
The stage was set at Theater Milano-Za, a brand new venue in the heart of Shinjuku, Tokyo. The excitement was palpable as 900 die-hard racing fans packed the venue, eager to witness a showdown among the elite cars for the Manufacturersโ Cup at Mount Panorama circuit in Australia. All eyes were on Porsche, looking to extend its lead atop the leaderboard, with fierce competition from heavy hitters like Lexus and Honda. This season has been full of surprises; for instance, in the previous round in Prague, Ferrari stunned everyone with an unexpected win, shaking up the championship standings.
The Asia-Oceania region was well represented, with 10 of the 12 drivers hailing from Japan. Each manufacturer fields a trio of elite drivers selected through grueling online qualifiers, and the intensity was evident throughout the race. After a fierce battle, it was Kanata Kawakami who emerged victorious, driving the Lexus RC F GT3 to deliver Team Lexus its second win of the season and solidify its grip on the series championship. Right behind him, the crowd favorite Takuma Miyazono, a former Manufacturer Cup and Nations Cup world champion, put on a strong performance, clinching second place in the Subaru BRZ. This hard-earned finish provided much-needed points for Subaru, offering a glimmer of hope as the teams approach the final event of the season in Amsterdam later in the year.
Kanata Kawakami’s Lexus RC F at a virtual Mount Panorama circuit / Polyphony Digital
After an intermission, the Nations Cup kicked off with a thrilling sprint race on the virtual Tokyo Expressway, where drivers raced head-to-head to determine the starting grid for the final race. The sight was nothing short of spectacular as these machines rocketed down the public highway, reaching speeds of 265mph! The action was intense, but in the end, it was Japanโs very own Takuma Miyazono in a Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, who claimed the victory to take pole position for the Grand Final, edging out Italyโs Valerio Gallo in the Honda NSX Type R.
The stage moves to the Grand Valley Highway, a fictional track set along the Pacific Coast Highway in Northern California, for the finals where all drivers are in the hypothetical concept supercar, the Gran Turismo Red Bull X2019 for the 27-lap showdown. Franceโs Kylian Drumont took first place, followed closely by Spainโs Josรฉ Serrano and Japanโs home favorite Takuma Miyazono third. The excitement reached a fever pitch and had fans roaring as lead changes kept everyone guessing.
The pitstop strategy played a crucial role in the race, as drivers had to change tires and utilize all soft, medium, and hard tires throughout the competition. Deciding when to switch to which tires was a critical choice made on the fly, adding to the suspense of the event. Ultimately, Drumont’s savvy strategy and incredible pace propelled him straight to the checkered flag, with Serrano showcasing his skill to secure second place. Meanwhile, Miyazono thrilled the crowd with a spirited performance leading the race at times, clinching the final spot on the podium and delivering a spectacular show for his home fans. The electrifying atmosphere at Milano-Za captured the essence of racing, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating the next round.
Kanata Kawakami / Image: Polyphony Digital
This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, underscoring how the Gran Turismo World Series seamlessly bridges the gap between virtual and real-world motorsports while showcasing its immense potential for the future. The GTWS serves as a hybrid of both realms, with players and commentators engaging directly in front of an enthusiastic audienceโcloser than youโd find at traditional racing events! While it may lack the scent of racing fuel and burnt rubber, it also spares us from toxic fumes and the arduous travel often required to reach remote racetracks!
Although it may never replace live racing, a few undeniable truths have emerged: sim racing can get a crowd going and is a proven gateway from bedroom to real track, as demonstrated by Lucas, Jann, Igor and many more. The Gran Turismo eco-system continues to pave the way for future talent and will undoubtedly keep proving its value as a stepping stone for aspiring drivers whether we want to believe it or not.
