From Gamer To Race Car Driver | SC Featured | ESPN Stories

SC Featured chronicles Super Formula driver Jann Mardenborough's journey from Gran Turismo video gamer to professional race car driver.
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[@JohnGeorgeHill]

Jann was racing with us in a console league series, (either Race Pro or Codemaster's F1, I forgot) and he had already told us about his getting into the last group of contestants for GT Academy. I believe we were all in a race room online when he came in and told us he won the event, and I remember feeling so happy for him. Glad to see he took this one opportunity (which could have ended if he didn't have the natural talent) and progressed far beyond expectations. There will be more Jann-like stories in the future of sim racers going real pro, but the Jann Mardenborough story will always be special.

[@kimjunguny]

Its what is going to keep racing alive.

[@cityoftrees9953]

And now there is a movie about him

[@paxhumana2015]

@JohnGeorgeHill, I feel bad that people that are in North America, particularly the USA, don't seem to think beyond the realms of NASCAR, World of Outlaws, late model dirt track racing, NHRA events, or random bored teenagers doing informal street drag racing in the middle of the night in many sleepy small towns. I would love to see someone that is from some place, like, say, the southeastern USA, get into racing organizations like this one.

[@JohnGeorgeHill]

@@paxhumana2015 Actually had a friend who I raced with on Forza. He was from the Midwest. He won some major competitions, was flown out to drive an Audi A8. He did not have a lot of money. Ended up driving in these junk car oval races. Did great but no where to go after that. There is a local dirt track in Ventura, CA. I’ve been there. It’s great. But worldwide, it’s road racing, because originally everyone was racing on real country roads. It’s two different skills really, and only a few can master both.

[@paxhumana2015]

@@JohnGeorgeHill , if I recall correctly, Laguna Seca is in California as well. Also, thanks for not being narrow minded and elitist. Also, a county that was near mine in my birth state of Tennessee, USA had a rally racing event as well, and it is not the only place that had one as well. Chattanooga is possibly going to have one soon.

[@Russell_the_NPC]

Just watched Gran Turismo in theatres randomly and I actually enjoyed it more than Oppenheimer and Barbie. Such an inspiring story. Underdog stories are the best.

[@shaygan2654]

Same for me it’s the movie of the year

[@michaelr1184]

Same here. Great movie

[@Mohagnito94]

Why would you watch Barbie? 😂😂

[@Russell_the_NPC]

@@Mohagnito94 my girlfriend bro

[@eugenecheong7066]

@@Russell_the_NPC 'girlfriend'...riiight...only kidding man...know the feeling...I went with my ex to watch The Devil Wears Prada...and I was 1 of only 3 guys there watching the movie...every guy was there with their girlfriends...

[@MartyBee414]

Who’s here after the gran turismo trailer dropped? 🐝

[@PowCarsandCoffee]

Yoo

[@Me4u2c42]

🤚🏼

[@dumamay283]

yo

[@aaronjaggan]

bruhhhh!

[@dharmawiguna3232]

bruhhhh

[@caifabe8050]

i love the effort put into just the intro here. making all the credits look like the PS3 menu and/or actual queues from GT5 is so cool.

[@2zcrazed6]

I entered GT Academy that year, unfortunately without any steering wheel setup I was unable to compete against those who did... however with a final ranking of 551 in the USA and 54th with only the controller I was still very impressed with my attempt 😂

[@PetrKL21]

wow! congrats!

[@2zcrazed6]

​@@PetrKL21Thanks,....

[@szewei85]

​@@2zcrazed6not bad can say you racing at almost 50% handicapped but you performed like 90% great hahahaha hope you be more fire 2 join again this time with an effing wheel hohohoho

[@MAdDyMatt]

Good stuff 😊

[@faves2012]

Attempt again

[@SaraLarios]

So this is the guy the Gran turismo movie is based on, that's so great!

[@harrisonatkinson7595]

Tried this with mafia city. Got killed by a level 35 boss instantly

[@PokeeonIsTheShit]

Wow I remember that competition, can't believe it's been 6 years. Really interesting story on this guy's journey since

[@melxb]

and it's a movie now, insane can't believe that crash actually happened

[@dennesehamlet6558]

And it's 6yrs now since u left that comment 😅... I pray ur in good health 🤗

[@saabaru007]

I watched the advance screening of Gran Turismo and it was Awesome! Jann's crash in 2015 was portrayed exactly in the movie. This was the best racing movie I've seen in a while since Ford vs. Ferrari.

[@szewei85]

Both are great double feature. Haha. One le mans 1960 and the other le mans of today. Hoho.

[@dielog2211]

bro where can i watch FvF ? Netflix doesn't have it.

[@szewei85]

Disney+ have haha

[@dielog2211]

@@szewei85 no way...

[@Nihittt]

Watch Rush as well, it also portrays race car drivers lifestyle. And of course features legendary Nikki Lauda & James Hunt

[@jeffdunehew]

Just got out of the theater from seeing the movie. It was fantastic! I intentionally did not look up any info on the true story until I was done with the movie.

[@y0Fiqqy]

so devastating with the crash that killed the person watching, prayers to their family

[@paxhumana2015]

Well, to be fair, the crash was not the fault of the driver, rather, it was the fault of how Nissan had designed that particular racing variant of that particular car, which led to it being redesigned. What had happened was that there was simply not enough down force, as well as weight, that had kept the car grounded on the track, thus the air that went through the vents, as well as the air that went through the space that was between the car and the ground, had created enough lift that had caused the car to literally fly off of the track. Mercedes-Benz also had a similar problem with its cars at around the same time, and NASCAR also went through a similar problem with its Car of Tomorrow (which was just one of MANY of the problems of that car), so that made not just changes on the same racing organization that the car that Jann Mardenborough had crashed on, but also with many other ones as well.

[@mattygee79]

Those cars should have enough downforce to drive upside down at high speeds for this exact reason.

[@dmitrykim3096]

Also spectators should not be allowed to get there if this zone is so dangerous

[@melxb]

​@@dmitrykim3096yeah it's crazy they didn't move out the way in time

[@Atrain009]

​@@melxb yo those metal rockets are moving at 200mph+, unless they have spidey senses or entered the matrix, no one's dodging that. Spectators are just allowed too close.

[@exa0247]

I saw his movie, the best movie of 2023, so inspirational

[@nunya6537]

A true gamer moment

[@TurnOne350]

fr fr

[@Gdupfromthefeetup]

Truly inspiring! What a beast!

[@epicgamer7472]

Cheers to all legends who saw the Gran Tursimo movie! In 2023❤❤🤩🤩🤩

[@livinthatlife]

OMG!! this video only has 4000 views and 9 comments!? This is an amazing story! had to watch it again! never heard of this driver but i just shared it on IG you betta bet!😝

[@anjaspurwanto9789]

after Gran Turismo movie there is a big improvement, you must comeback and see this😂

[@Clark_808]

They called me a mad man

[@jerryr7181]

All I have to say is, what an inspiration 🏁

[@Mr_Blue25]

so this is what the new movie is about

[@sreehariraj4525]

Yeah we found it ig👍

[@enzyme181]

The crazy part is even the best can expect the philosophy of chaos, that anything that can go wrong will go wrong at some point. He still has his edge and I hope keeps doing good🤘

[@bvicc20]

Sony/Playstation are some real ones for making a movie about bro 💯💪🏾

[@SlwE92]

“I kind of won gt academy “ like the movie

[@Whopcap]

And here we are, waiting for August 2023 to watch the Official Gran Turismo Movie based on this story 😍

[@ketoking9435]

He's done well,followed his dream,,,I owned cars such as the 1970 Pontiac GTO and can say on Forza it behaves the same for sure,,,as real as is possible,,,nothing prepares you for accidents,,,like this guy was sadly involved in,,,,,but wish him well on his racing career,,,

[@dylansykes3676]

That is truly unbelievable going from a to a full ledge race car driver

[@trashcustrashford9001]

I bet this videos is going to blow up now

[@Sebkrist]

The movie was very fun! Had a great time at the cinema. I actually did not know about this story. I've heard about it, but thought it was like a joke or something. I'm very impressed. What a cool guy and what a good movie! Thanks bro 😁

[@Yoona_lim_husband_potus]

Thanks for making one of my car dreams true

[@renzen666]

Now they are now making a biopic about his story and the game itself

[@GamerVoid06]

Cant wait for Gran Turismo Movie 🥳

[@virginiasibanda740]

Literally searched for the back story after the Gran Turismo trailer. 😂😂😂

[@sawwaa]

The movie was amazing as wel

[@BruceLeroyUK]

Just watched the movie. Loved it!

[@dubyusmc]

Can’t wait for the movie, I freakin love Gramturismo

[@kashifjohnson3145]

The Gran Turismo movie trailer brought me here.

[@potatoracer6137]

Same here

[@paxhumana2015]

Fun Fact, ESPN actually had an app for the PS3 that could be put on a PS3. The Xbox 360 also had it as well, if my memory serves correctly.

[@doe8939]

Excited for the movie! I okay gran turismo more than any other game

[@raphaelchampion4510]

The Power of PlayStation!!!

[@Legend-tq4pn]

Raphael Champion you ain't lying

[@RandyDubin]

And the older generation always says you can't learn anything from Video Games.

[@reneechristian894]

Thats awesome!!

[@Victor-it6bv]

Talent is talent

[@cal.r35]

I m here after watching the trailer

[@MiChAeLEtMyErZ]

God Bless Beautiful Story Let’s Goooo ❤❤❤❤

[@arenam79]

so this is the gran turismo movie, i remember seeing this 6yrs ago..

[@freddiechipres]

Super inspiring

[@pugshugs2870]

Can’t wait for the movie of this!

[@nagabiru97]

And you got it now dude. The trailer was released yesterday

[@pugshugs2870]

@@nagabiru97 omg

[@nagabiru97]

@@pugshugs2870 yup its Gran Turismo movie

[@LeFuhrer]

Cant wait for the movie

[@super-man1088]

His very talented 🎥🙏🏻

[@daviewavie112]

Great story

[@ej9855]

I got accepted for GT Academy but completed it too late to be able to actually capitalize on it

[@Hotinri]

GRAN TURISMO IS A GREAT MOVIE A MUST WATCH

[@Aninga32]

It's very difficult using only controller, not being able to turn at the right degree, feel the bumps and force of the race car. I tried the academy. Placed at 1300+ with low grade internet (limited internet) and controller. Gran Turismo Fan since first PlayStation.

[@teamguinanaomotorsportsytc4253]

i love Sim Racing.and i love decorating liverys

[@ingridricketts6200]

Who’s here because of Grand Tourism movie ?! 🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@bomorald236]

He is now getting his own movie

[@warriorgp4640]

I can't figure out why people think simulators are not similar or precise to the real thing. That's the whole point of SIMULATION, to mimic the real thing. It's like people can't understand basic English SIMULATE. You can even use flight sims to get real flight hours for flying. The boy is a genius!!!

[@chriswoodard4856]

Phenomenal movie omg I love it!!!!

[@lilbigshooter777]

a dream come true

[@InternetWarrior]

And there is a new film about this

[@allright7789]

I watched this after watching the movie, I did not know he looked like Giannis. 🤣

[@justagamer4339]

Here before this trends again

[@phamily]

Here because of the GT movie trailer 😊

[@harrisonatkinson7595]

Tried this wi minecraft. Got killed by a creeper in 2 minutes...

[@nogi9231]

Thank you SONY!!!❤❤

[@moob7383]

I'll be the 100th like... This story was so good

[@jraybay]

That was a cool intro 👀

[@justkhail]

He was a gamer.

[@DylanScanlon]

Legend

[@nicholaswilliams5865]

We really got to petition Webster’s to officially make “Racecar” 1 word!

[@josh_who_what]

I keep seeing people talking about how Lucas should've been the person they based the movie. Yes, it wasn't that accurate (exactly why it says "based on a true story") and Jann actually had all of these documentaries and was the best person who came out of GT Academy (based on my research).

[@cheaurrieymanatad4691]

Dream like me everyday playing Gran Turismo as kid now I'm vlogger of racing game

[@user-xy7le4nb1p]

So they were on those old nissans and not the same ones on the movie?

[@Noesoto4]

Who’ else is here after watching the new movie!

[@izzyraj]

New Grand Turismo movie is based on him.

[@CatsRuleMeow123]

I saw the trailer! It was great!

[@akoproudbisaya4903]

a gamer is always a gamer

[@teeeroyswindowcleaningkeep2381]

I did GT Academy if I only had a wheel

[@Bobcatwill]

That got depressing so fast

[@WilliamEMorgan]

Who's here after watching the Gran Turismo movie?!?!

[@bradygoodwin2871]

i want this game

[@ganj9217]

Tiger woods golf is different though, you are not using an actual club to play that game but you can stimulate actually driving a stick shift vehicle with the whole wheel, pedals, and gears

[@lipz4dayz-370]

Just finished watching the movie

[@sumang5197]

GT 2023 movie was awesome.

[@SirContent]

I thought it is fiction OMG, the movie is really based on true story

[@secretariat1973]

Yes. From game to real life. Thats where i learnt to drive.. professionally..

[@DK-mt1xw]

The spectators' name is Andy gearman

[@jabp1807]

now theyre making a movie right?

[@TheAngeyMovieCritic]

It's a good movie.

[@scottkremers9305]

*Anyone else here from the 2023 Gran Turismo film* ?

[@casualgreg]

Accidentally spoiled the movie watching this after watching the trailer of the movie!

[@user-ou5kn6sr1v]

Who's here because of Gran Turismo?

[@dylanwhitfield1744]

You can to this day get Nissan to sign you if you get superstar status and make a race team through online no needing to sign up on anything but gt

[@chargersfan1111]

That was literally my dream as a kid playing Forza lmao

[@chargersfan1111]

I switched to PS3/PS4 a couple years ago and I still miss Forza on Xbox. There's no other game that competes with Forza.

[@ketoking9435]

I played GTurismo from early days,,,moved to Forza,Assetto,Project cars,,these are my faves,,,but yes sometimes miss GT,,,,,

[@kylescott6698]

chargersfan1111 ok but you can’t ignore how many games are blatantly more realistic than forza. Forza is a fucking arcade.

[@interestingvideos4046]

I own a xbox series x , which racing games and racing wheel and accessories do you recommend to make the experience as close to real driving as possible.?

[@chargersfan1111]

@@interestingvideos4046 Logitech g29 is a good beginner setup. I use a t300rs wheel with T-LCM pedals. There’s a lot more options now!

[@thecollectiveconscious]

I knew about him but I didn’t know all the drama..

[@lazypackhk7623]

anyone come here after watch the GT movie 2023?

[@Hello7488to]

Ye

[@mktheyoutuber9277]

Me

[@phantomgrin6964]

Dope

[@iansaleh19]

Come here after watching the Gran Turismo movie!

[@szewei85]

Haha wonderful

[@acesandjacks7241]

4:14 games should have this where if you go too fast and your car is too light you’ll flip. It’ll prepare people

[@AlexD3rek]

Its clear that you don't know anything. Car didn't flip due to speed, it flipped because at that moment a small bump in the road can make the suspension go a bit too high and the car loseses the ground effect which gives here downforce to take the corners fast and basically makes it a plane.

[@SIFUSAYSRELAX]

​@AlexD3rek the point still stands

[@zombiekiller3259]

​@AlexD3rek lol u just said what he said with more words, the speed of the air under the body caused lift

[@ericwright2194]

@@AlexD3rekdude literally could’ve slowed and hit it just fine those cars are made to slow incredibly fast and speed up incredibly fast he could’ve slowed the same everyone else passed it without coming up.

[@jerryomwansa1030]

Sounds soo much like Jamie Carragher

[@jdmart82]

What happened to the spectators family who died? Did they receive anything from the sport?

[@spolcyc2929]

me here after watching gran Turismo..

[@leonnalee2675]

That game is pretty good 😅

[@tgreg9542]

Movie too