BOWMANVILLE, ON., July 5, 2001 -- Sony Computer Entertainment Canada and the Grand Prix at Mosport announced today that PlayStation®2 game, Gran Turismo™3 A-spec, the third installment of the hugely successful Gran Turismo franchise is the title sponsor of the American Le Mans Series – Grand Prix at Mosport. This event will be known as the "GT3 Grand Prix at Mosport" and will be held in Bowmanville, Ontario on August 17, 18 & 19th. Coinciding with the summer release of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, the GT3 Grand Prix at Mosport is the fifth event on the American Le Mans Series schedule, broadcasting live, across North America on NBC.
"PlayStation is one of the world’s most popular brands, so we are thrilled to attach Gran Turismo 3 A-spec to the Grand Prix at Mosport," said Mosport Executive Raceway Director, Myles Brandt. "Mosport and the American Le Mans Series receive recognition worldwide and the Sony Computer Entertainment Canada’s sponsorship further reinforces consumers’ awareness of the Grand Prix at Mosport."
"PlayStation has a rich racing heritage with its sponsorships of Formula 1, Le Mans, and CART teams around the world so we are pleased that Gran Turismo 3 A-spec will be the title sponsor of the Grand Prix at Mosport," said Butch Freedhoff, General Manager of Sony Computer Entertainment Canada. "Gran Turismo 3 A-spec is the latest installment of the Gran Turismo franchise – the greatest video game racing series in history. Both gamers and race car enthusiasts will enjoy Gran Turismo 3 A-spec because its graphics, physics, and special effects blur the line between game and reality."
Gran Turismo 3 A-spec is set to launch across North America on July 10, 2001. Developed exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system by Polyphony Digital Inc. Gran Turismo3 A-spec harnesses the technological power of PlayStation 2 bringing the most advanced racing game ever.
In anticipation of the launch of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, Sony Computer Entertainment Canada has an extensive launch plan. Promotional activities will kick off on July 9, 2001 with a consumer/media event where attendees will be given a sneak peek of Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, and a chance to play the game before anyone else.
In addition to a full marketing and advertising campaign, on July 10, 2001, game launch day, an exclusive promotion with Future Shop will commence, where consumers will have a chance to win an Audi A4 Turbo. With every purchase of a Gran Turismo 3 A-spec hardware bundle (PlayStation 2 and Gran Turismo 3 A-spec game), consumers will be given a license plate number peel and crack sticker. With this sticker, consumers will be able to check to see if they won the Audi A4 Turbo by entering their license plate number online at www.futureshop.ca.
The GT3 Grand Prix at Mosport, August 17, 18 & 19, 2001 features the American Le Mans Series Prototypes, GTS and GT classification of cars. The weekend schedule will also consist of Championship rounds for the Panoz G.T. Pro Series, Star Mazda Series, Canadian Formula Ford Championship, Canada G.T. Challenge Cup and Canadian ChampCar Lights Series.
Tickets for the GT3 Grand Prix at Mosport are on sale now through the Mosport office at 1-800-866-1072 or online at www.mosport.com and at Ticketmaster. The advance sale 3-day Superticket is only $45 until August 15th. Children 12 & under are free when accompanied by a paying adult. For camping or any other additional information contact Mosport's office by calling 1-800-866-1072 or visit the roadcourse section of www.mosport.com.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStationÒ and PS one™ game console and the PlayStationÒ2 computer entertainment system. The PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system is set to revolutionize the home entertainment market, offering the most compelling interactive content and the capability to be used as a network terminal in the coming broadband era.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PS one game console and PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console and the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
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