EXHAUST specialists King Midas Mufflers will be staging the first in a unique event for racing lovers — a Gran Turismo 5 (GT5) competition.

“Race on the PlayStation3 and not on the roads,” commented Paul Cole, managing director at King Midas, situated on Derrymore Road in Kingston.

Cole tells Auto that the competition, which starts at 6:00 pm tomorrow, is open to anyone with a love for the game.

Since hitting the market Gran Turismo5 has received rave reviews as a “real life” driving experience, not merely a video game.

“The technology has now allowed the game to become a driving simulator rather than just a game,” said Cole.

“You can change gears, accelerate, brake, do all the functions of a regular vehicle.”

According to reports from gaming experts GT5, boasting high-definition graphics, is without a doubt the most complex and complete commercial-racing experience now available.

“It features over 1,000 real-world cars, a huge roster of real-world tracks (many that are familiar to GT veterans, and a bunch of new ones), and a vast number of racing options,” said one report.

GT5 races vary from straight-up competition, often themed by specific types of cars, to special objective-driven missions, including NASCAR and World Rally Championshipbased challenges

Adding to the GT5 test Cole expects to get the participation of real live Dover Raceway drivers to challenge the dexterity of gamers.

“We are trying to get some of the real live racers at Dover involved, people like Joel Jackson, Andre Anderson, Kyle Gregg,” said Cole.

During the day, leading up to the GT5 competition, activities will include a car show where all are invited.

“Its good entertainment,” says Cole. “We will also have a mini car-show, so clean up your ride and come and display it,” he adds.

Plans by the organisers are to have the event at least four times per year, somewhat akin to the racing series at Dover Raceway.

“There is a big following of Gran Turismo out there and this is a good opportunity to get people to know each other,” Cole says.

Incidentally the game offers a comprehensive online racing mode which is considered by gamers as one of the most significant features of the series.

King Midas Mufflers, has been in operation for over ten years, and offers full service mufflers repairs and sale of muffler and exhaust systems.

“Anything to do with the intake and exhaust system of a vehicle that’s what we deal with, from a truck to mini, declares Cole.