SAM PINTO GOES VAVAVOOM AT NISSAN GT ACADEMY EVENT

 Model-actress Sam Pinto was recently spotted trying her hand in virtual racing at the Nissan GT Academy event held at the SM North Edsa Skydome.

Sam took the wheel in one of the simulator pods and set pulse rates soaring among spectators and fellow racers alike, as she revved up her Nissan GT-R ride. She exuded confidence and determination as she concentrated on her driving, all in an effort to finish with a respectable lap time.

“I have never played Gran Turismo but I accepted Nissan’s invitation because I thought it would be fun to try,” the actress admitted. “I’m sure all the women drivers out there would enjoy the experience too, maybe one of them will even qualify for the Race Camp in the UK”.

With the GT Academy, any player who can prove their driving skills in the world of video games can compete in a real racetrack. From the time trials in the recruitment stage that will run until June, the 20 fastest gamers will advance to the National Finals in July, where they will shift to real cars. The top 6 drivers will join Asia’s best at the Race Camp Week in August at the prestigious Silverstone Racing Circuit in the UK where they will be tested on their strength, stamina, mental agility and of course, driving skills. The emerging winner will join others from the different regions in a series of rigorous training under the Driver Development Program.

“I actually love driving. I feel free and in control at the same time,” Sam related. “My mom’s driver taught me how to drive when I was about 16. I would drive myself to high school secretly and park really far so no one would see me driving. But I let my friends go on a ride with me after school hours,” she chuckled before adding that her school was only 15 minutes away from her house.

“I think of myself as a relaxed driver. Better safe than sorry, I don’t want any accidents. But in the Nissan GT Academy pods, I can drive as fast as I want, the rush is quite addictive,” shared the two-time winner of FHM’s Philippine Sexiest Woman in the World title and former housemate of the reality series Pinoy Big Brother. Sam started her career as a commercial model. Many recognize her for her role as Neneng B in the comedy TV show 'Bubble Gang' where she starred in the segment 'Pick-Up Lines Battle' which became a widespread hit and was adapted into the big screen.

For GT Academy updates and Live Event schedules, please visit Nissan Philippines Inc’s Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/NissanPhilippinesInc.