Gran Turismo has been confirmed as the 'Platinum Sponsor' for next year's Pikes Peak International Hill Climb event.
Kick-starting what's described in the official statement as a "long-term partnership", the new agreement will make Gran Turismo the first ever 'Platinum Sponsor' in Pikes Peak's 99-year history, and officially see the event rebranded as "The Broadmoor Pikes Peak International Hill Climb: Brought to you by Gran Turismo".
In the press release, Tom Osborne (Pikes Peak's Chairman of the Board) stated.it was a "true honor" to "develop a relationship with Gran Turismo, whilst Polyphony Digital CEO and GT creator Kazunori Yamauchi described himself as "thrilled to become a part of one of the most historic and prestigious motorsport events in the world".
The Gran Turismo franchise's new endorsement of the Pikes Peak Hill Climb also fuels speculation as to whether this will lead to the fabled motorsports route being brought to a current of future title. Indeed, not since 1999's Gran Turismo 2 has the 'Race To The Clouds' been featured in a GT game.
Pikes Peak isn't the first motorsports venue to form a partnership with the Gran Turismo series: last year, the Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuir also joined forces with the Playstation-exclusive franchise, culminating in a street near the circuit being renamed as "Gran Turismo Drive".
Image Source: Pikes Peak International Hill Climb