Nissan GB launches race academy for future GT R owners

RICKMANSWORTH, England — Nissan GB is inviting GT-R pre-order customers to attend its Race Academy, which will stage driving events in August and September at the famous Nürburgring in Germany and Silverstone Circuit in England.

Long before they get their hands on their own GT-R — the first U.K. retail deliveries aren't scheduled until next March — customers can get up close and personal with the supercar with more than 45 minutes of track time. Attendees will also have the chance to test their driving skills with a drift lesson in a Nissan 350Z.

The Race Academy program is being coordinated by Silverstone International, the new manufacturer logistics division of Silverstone Circuits. Instructors and staff from the British Grand Prix circuit will manage the events at both venues.

"The GT-R epitomizes Nissan's passion for cars, and we want to share the excitement and the thrill of the GT-R with our customers. To do that, we will give those GT-R customers the chance to spend some quality time with the car before they take delivery of theirs," said Vincent Wijnen, marketing director for Nissan GB.

Participants will spend time learning how to get the most from their GT-R on the track, and they will also be offered the opportunity to further their driving skills even more and eventually get a Motor Sport Association (MSA) approved racing license.

What this means to you: These events will give future GT-R owners a chance to unleash the supercar's potential legally on the track. — Mike Lysaght, Correspondent