CORE interviews Mark Shulzhitskiy!
Everyone at CORE is excited to bring you this interview with 2012 GT Academy Champion Mark Shulzhitskiy. Mark is one of an elite group of virtual racers who can claim to have made the leap into the real world successfully, and currently races in the Blancpain Endurance Series for the RJN GT Academy team in the Nissan GTR Nismo GT3.
Here’s what Mark had to say about his ambitions, his time with Gran Turismo and his tips for anyone looking to follow in his footsteps in the GT Academy trials of 2014.
Q: “In 2012, you proved yourself to be one of the fastest Gran Turismo players around. How long were you playing Gran Turismo before you won GT Academy?”
A: “I only really played in GT5! But, when I was young I played a lot of GT4 with my friend in his house. Now I use GT6 when I have time, mostly for learning tracks. The game is great fun!”
Q: “How would you feel if a car you had driven, like the Greaves LMP2 or the RJN GT Academy Nissan GTR, made it into Gran Turismo someday?”
A: “You can find the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 in GT6, and for me this car looks amazing in the game, just maybe more stable compared to the real one! But, if you choose the GT-R GT3 and Silverstone Circuit you can see that the lap times will be very close to real life! It means something!”
Q: “How realistic do you feel simulators like Gran Turismo are now? Would you say that people playing these games are getting a pretty good idea of how life is for you in the race car?”
A: “Definitely yes! GT can help to understand driving lines, braking points and car balance! Of course, you cannot compare to real life fully because you’re seating on a chair at home. You can’t feel danger and speed! But for practice it’s very useful! Today’s racing Sims get better and better!”
Q: “Before you entered the GT Academy, did you ever compete in racing leagues like the ones we run here at CORE?”
A: “Not really! I played a lot just to finish the game, and sometimes just with friends on the internet. I just didn’t really know about racing leagues like CORE.”
Q: “When you entered GT Academy, were you aware of the likes of Lucas Ordóñez already? Were you expecting to win?”
A: “I knew it was not so easy to win because some people have experience, while some are just naturally fast. And it’s not only about driving fast; it’s also very important to have mental skills and fitness! As always, I did my best!”
Q: “Since winning, you've had the pleasure of racing all over the world. What are your ambitions for the rest of your career?”
A: “The racing world is very big, I would like just have chance to drive as long as I can! I know I am a little old for junior single seaters, so I’m looking forward to racing in Prototypes and GT cars!"
Q: “Would Le Mans be somewhere you'd like to race in the future? And if so, would you rather be in a Prototype or a GT?”
A: “Le Mans is a big dream for me! For sure, I would like to drive in a Prototype because it’s more of a proper racing car with lots of downforce, and it’s very light! Last year I did one round of the FIA World Endurance Championship in China with Greaves Motorsport! I will never forget that!”
Q: “And finally, what would your tips be for anyone who wants to succeed in GT Academy this year?”
A: “Preparation is the most important thing in racing! So I can advise you to just be focused and be strong in your head. You’re faster than you think, you just need to analyse and improve every time whether you’re driving in the virtual world or in reality!”
We thank Mark for his time and his answers, and wish him all the best for the 2014 season and beyond.
