Sam Pinto tries her hand in virtual racing
by PSR News Bureau
Model-actress Sam Pinto was recently spotted trying her hand in virtual racing at the Nissan GT Academy event held at the SM North Edsa Skydome. Sam took the wheel in one of the simulator pods like a pro and set pulse rates soaring among spectators and fellow racers alike. She revved up her virtual car and she exuded confidence and determination as she concentrated on her driving, all in an effort to finish with a respectable lap time.
Nissan GT Academy is opening its doors to Filipinos who can prove their driving skills in the world of video games. Any player who can prove their driving skills in virtual games can compete in the real racetrack. The 20 fastest gamers will join Asia’s best for the Race Camp in August at the prestigious Silverstone Racing Circuit in the UK where they will be tested on their strength, mental agility and of course, driving skills. The emerging winner will join others from the regions in a series of rigorous training under the driver development program.
“I have never played Gran Turismo but I accepted Nissan’s invitation because I thought it would be fun to try,” the actress admitted. “I’m sure all the women drivers out there would enjoy the experience too, maybe one of them will even qualify for the race camp in the UK.”
“I actually love driving. I feel free and in control at the same time,” Sam related. “My mom’s driver taught me how to drive when I was about 16. I would drive myself to high school secretly and park really far so no one would see me driving. But I let my friends go on a ride with me after school hours,” she chuckled before adding that her school was only 15 minutes away from her house.
“I think of myself as a relaxed driver. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, I don’t want any accidents. But in the Nissan GT Academy pods, I can drive as fast as I want, the adrenaline rush is quite addicting,” shared the two-time winner of FHM’s Philippine Sexiest Woman in the World title and former housemate of the reality series Pinoy Big Brother.
Sam started her career as a commercial model. Many recognize her for her role as Neneng B in the comedy TV show ‘Bubble Gang’ where she starred in the segment ‘Pick-Up Lines Battle’ which became a widespread hit and was adapted into the big screen.
Unlike other ‘It girls’, Sam may look fragile but she’s basically the kind of girl that guys would love to hang out with because she likes extreme sports. “I’m one-of-the-boys. That’s why I like virtual racing. I’m inviting everyone particularly driving enthusiasts to join the GT Academy so you guys can prove your driving skills and who knows you can even make it to the real race track. The recruitment stage will run until June, from there the fastest gamers will advance to the finals in July where they will actually shift to real cars. The top 6 will have the chance to join Asia’s best for the Race Camp in August for the Silverstone Racing Circuit in the UK.”
“This is the closest I can get to being a race car driver, they told me it’s open to women too, so I thought I’d give it a shot,” Sam explained. “Driving on the simulator
was a nice escape from traffic, it was fun to be able to just floor it!”
Aside from the race track, Sam is also known as a beach lover. She likes sinking her feet in the sand and she also enjoys surfing. “There’s nothing like going against the current and riding on the wave. It makes me feel ecstatic,” shares Sam on her latest sporting hobby.
The only downside in her sport is the hair damage she might get from being active in water sports such as surfing. But the actress remains unfazed. “I use mayonnaise for my hair. It might smell a little awkward at first, but it works well in keeping my hair damage-free,” says Sam. But for now, let’s allow her to enjoy the adrenaline rush she gets from virtual racing.
