Gran Turismo

In 1998, 'Kazunori Yamauchi' (qv), a Japanese game designer and accomplished racing driver, realised his long-held ambition of creating a true-to-life driving simulator by launching the highly acclaimed Gran Turismo video game series for the Sony PlayStation. A decade later, in 2008, former Nissan Europe executive 'Darren Cox' (qv) founded the GT Academy, a popular television programme offering skilled Gran Turismo players the rare opportunity to embark on a professional racing career with Nissan. In 2011, 'Jann Mardenborough' (qv), a talented SIM racer from Britain, overcame the doubts of his stern father, 'Steve Mardenborough' (qv), to emerge victorious in the competition. Along with 'Jack Salter' (qv), a former race-car driver, the underdog team took on the daunting challenge of competing with the world's most elite athletes, risking everything in the process.—Nick Riganas