Ricardo Sánchez Shows Jay Leno How Gran Turismo Translates To On-Track Skill

February 19, 2018 by Nissan

Skeptical of how online racing translates to real life, Sanchez hit his marks perfectly

WILLOW SPRINGS, Calif. – Nissan GT Academy winner Ricardo Sánchez recently showed Jay Leno just how well the online racing game Gran Turismo translates to on-track skill in an appearance on Jay Leno's Garage.

In 2014, the Mexican driver beat out 100,000 of his fellow countrymen, as well as hopefuls from five other regions, to become the Nissan PlayStation GT Academy International Winner. As a NISMO athlete, Sánchez has since gone on to compete at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps and in the Pirelli World Challenge series in the U.S.

Despite having never been to Willow Springs track in California, Sánchez was on pace immediately in the Nissan GT-R thanks to practice laps on Gran Turismo.

Leno was initially doubtful of how well the virtual track driving would translate to real life. However, his fears were quickly appeased as Sánchez hit his marks perfectly and didn't put a wheel wrong over during the run.