Gran Turismo Drive is Bathurst's newest street
The City of Bathurst has named an internal road on the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit after Polyphony Digital's racing sim.
Gran Turismo Drive was unveiled this morning at an on-site ceremony, celebrating the upcoming release of Gran Turismo 6 - the first in the series to feature the famous Mount Panorama track.
Racing veteran and gaming fan Shane Jacobson officially opened the newly-christened street together with Bathurst mayor Gary Rush.
Gran Turismo 6 is alos being added to Bathurst's National Motor Racing Museum, allowing visitors to try a virtual recreation of the local circuit.
"We are extremely proud to be acknowledged by the City of Bathurst for the years of dedication we have invested in recreating Mount Panorama in Gran Turismo 6," series creator Kazunori Yamauchi said.
"Since its inception 15 years ago, Gran Turismo has listened to fan feedback and added extra features so that we now offer 1,200 cars and 33 circuits from all across the world. It seems only right that the legendary Mount Panorama circuit is included as fans will now have a chance to drive one of the toughest tracks out there. With Mount Panorama immortalised in the Gran Turismo series, it is now truly remarkable to see GT immortalised on The Mount itself."
"Driving a lap of our world famous motor racing circuit is a life changing experience for those who have the chance, and Bathurst Regional Council is very excited about opening up the Mount Panorama experience through the launch of Gran Turismo 6 this week," Rush said.
"As custodians of a unique collection of the motor racing history of Mount Panorama at the National Motor Racing Museum, this partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment Australia is a great example of the how our Council is always looking for new and innovative ways to interpret the Mount Panorama experience to the world.
"Mount Panorama is a very special part of the history of Bathurst which will celebrate 200 years as a European settlement in 2015 and this event opens up the opportunity for a new worldwide audience of fans to experience this special place - especially as we believe we are the first council in Australia to name a road after a videogame franchise."
Gran Turismo 6 is a PS3 exclusive due on December 6. Mount Panorama also makes its debut in Microsoft's rival series this year, appearing in Forza Motorsport 5 for Xbox One.