On Monday TeamSport Cardiff had a welcome visit from Jann Mardenborough, Nissan PlayStation GT Academy champion.
Jann, who is a 20 year old virtual gaming expert turned real racing driver put his skills to the test at our Cardiff track in front of a number of media attendees as he prepares for his biggest challenge yet, entry into the Dubai 24 hour endurance race which is due to take place this coming January. Jann's first ever karting experience at the age of eight was the turning point and he has been a regular to TeamSport ever since. His passion for racing then led him to enter the GT Academy competition and with over 90,000 gamers around Europe who entered, Jann was deservingly crowned winner. Since then he has been based near Silverstone Circuit undertaking intense driving development in preparation for his main prize - entry into the Dubai 24 hour race.
Since winning GT Academy, I can't believe how quickly the last-five months have gone. I have loved every minute of it. I have experienced some amazing highs in the Nissan race car, but it's been a tough training programme. The New York Marathon was without the hardest thing I have ever done. I've even been put through training exercises in a heat chamber to prepare for the temperatures in Dubai. I am fit as I have ever been and I've gained a lot of experience racing the Nissan 370z GT4 car, so I'll be arriving to the Middle East in great shape and full of confidence. My main goal is to finish the race.