Champlain, New York - June 1, 2011
Nineteen year-old Christopher Roberts is going for a practice lap in his basement at his home in Champlain. Not in a real car, but with a simulator for Playstation 3. He is working toward a life-long dream.
"To become a professional race car driver," Roberts said.
Roberts is part of the GT Academy challenge sponsored by Nissan. Over the past few months, the teen spent ten hours a week competing in time trials using the video game, "Gran Turismo 5." There were 53-thousand contestants. The field was recently narrowed down to sixteen. Roberts placed second. "This is a big deal. This isn't just a video game anymore," he said.
From a virtual experience, to reality. The Clarkson University mechanical engineering student now has to drive a real race car at speeds of 140 miles per hour. "This is what I wanted to do my entire life and getting the chance to prove myself and what I believe I have been destined to do, it feels unreal. I have been given this opportunity," he said.
Roberts and the 15 other remaining contestants are at the legendary race track in Silverstone, England this week. They are participating in a grueling race camp where their strength, stamina, mental agility and driving skills will be pushed to the limit. The winner will receive a professional contract and will compete in the European GT4 Series. Roberts only experience in a real race car was last month. He took lessons for two hours. "Getting out of virtual and getting into reality wasn't as big of a step as I thought it was going to be. The only thing that you are lacking is g-forces and vibrations," Roberts said.
We won't know how Roberts performed until the fall. This week's competition is being filmed by the Speed Channel as part of a reality television show. "As far as telling my family, I think they will probably be able to read my face if I won or lost," Roberts said.
A teen - hoping to end up in the winner's circle. "To say I am part of it would mean a lot to me," Roberts said.
That would push his racing career into the fast lane.
Matt Henson - WCAX News
