Snoop Dogg Performs At 10Th Annual Gran Turismo® Awards Where "Best In Show" Winner David Eckert Raced Away With A Feature Spot In The World's Best-Selling Racing Game Franchise

LAS VEGAS, Nov. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) hosted its tenth annual Gran Turismo® Awards at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show last night at the Rain Nightclub in the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, with a headlining performance by Hip Hop icon Snoop Dogg.  Celebrating continuing excellence and innovation in the automotive industry, the Gran Turismo Awards offers SEMA show exhibitors the opportunity to achieve automotive immortality for their vehicle with a feature spot in the world's best-selling racing franchise exclusive to PlayStation®, the Gran Turismo® franchise.  

This year, after heavy deliberations over dozens of entries, the judging panel and celebrated Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi himself, crowned "Hot Rod" winner, David Eckert for his 1969 Ford Mach 40 as the 2012 "Best of Show" winner, to be awarded the honor of being added to the Gran Turismo® franchise, and be driven virtually by millions across the globe.

"For the past ten years, the Gran Turismo Awards has recognized and rewarded automotive enthusiasts who demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for video games, and amazing car design and performance," said Kazunori Yamauchi, famed creator of the Gran Turismo franchise and President of Polyphony Digital.  "We continue to be blown away by the quality of the vehicles that are submitted and are excited to add 1969 Ford Mach 40 to our list of distinguished winners and to the Gran Turismo franchise."

Additional prizes were awarded to: 

• "Best Truck/SUV" – Sean Morris for the 2008 Toyota Dragquoia
• "Best Domestic Car" – Jim Holloway for the 2013 Ford Mustang RTR
• "Best Asian Import" – Felix Marcelino for the 2013 Scion - Evasive FRS
• "Best European Import" – Jamie Vondruska for the 2013 Volkswagon Vortex Super Beetle
• "Best Hot Rod" – David Eckert for the 1969 Ford Mach 40

This year's Gran Turismo Awards also featured a special performance by Snoop Dogg.  The Doggfather of Hip Hop treated SEMA attendees to a set of his greatest hits and best-known raps including "Gin & Juice,"  "Nuthin' But A G Thang," "Drop It Like It's Hot" and "Young, Wild & Free (feat. Bruno Mars)."

"Gran Turismo is the most real-deal driving game I have ever experienced," said Snoop Dogg aka Snoop Lion.  "I have been a PlayStation fan for years, and had a blast helping to make this 10^th year celebration for the Gran Turismo Awards into an 'off the hook' affair."

About the Gran Turismo® Franchise
With more than 65million units shipped worldwide, the award-winning Gran Turismo® franchise for the PlayStation^®, PlayStation^®2 computer entertainment system, PlayStation^®3 and PSP^® (PlayStation^®Portable) is regarded as the best and most authentic driving simulator ever created due to its true-to-life graphics, authentic physics technology and design. Since the inception of the Gran Turismo franchise, famed creator Kazunori Yamauchi and Polyphony Digital Inc. in Japan have revolutionized the racing category as we know it today. His offerings provide the most realistic driving simulation in the industry and a unique medium for automotive manufacturers to showcase their products.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) has rated all Gran Turismo properties "E" for Everyone.  For more information about the ESRB, please visit www.esrb.org.

About Judging For The Gran Turismo Awards
Prior to SEMA 2012, all exhibitors were invited to enter their vehicles into the Gran Turismo Awards, which honor five different categories comprised of: "Best Domestic Automobile," "Best European Import," "Best Hot Rod," "Best Asian Import," and "Best Truck or SUV."  Judges consisted of various respected automotive journalists, with judging for each category based on a balance between performance, style, and speed.  Yamauchi then bestows the "Best in Show" award honor to one of these five category winners. 

For images and video from the Gran Turismo Awards, please visit:
Web Video Package:
https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1786647739/dd8a4befeddc8f134ab50ae69a5c5987?cid=tx-02002208350200000000&s=19105
Photos – PR License Use:
http://mm.gettyimages.com/mm/nicePath/gyipa_public?nav=pr176948506

About Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC
Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® systems, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system, the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system, the PlayStation®Vita (PS Vita) portable entertainment system and its online and network services the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Store.  Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one, PlayStation 2, PSP, PSPgo, PS3 and PS Vita systems for the North American market.  Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC serves as headquarters for all North American operations.

Visit us on the Web at http://us.playstation.com/.

"PlayStation", "PSP", "PS one" and the "PS" Family  logo are registered trademarks and "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. LittleBigPlanet ©2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.  Developed by Media Molecule.  LittleBigPlanet is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.  Sackboy is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC.

SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC