Jann Mardenborough, a British racing driver, transitioned from playing racing video games to winning the GT Academy competition, leading to the release of a film based on his life in 2023. |
His grandparents immigrated to England from Saint Kitts and Nevis in the early 1960s, and he later moved to Cardiff due to his father's football career. |
Beginning his love for cars and racing at a young age, Jann started playing Gran Turismo at 8 and built his racing simulator rig at 17. |
After leaving college due to disliking math, Jann excelled in the GT Academy, securing a professional racing contract with Nissan and earning an international racing license. |
Competing in various races, Jann teamed up with Nissan, achieving remarkable finishes at events like Dubai 24-Hour and Spa 24 Hours. |
In 2013, he debuted at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, later racing in the Formula 3, GP3 Series, and making notable achievements in various championships. |
Tragically, Jann was involved in a fatal accident during a 2015 race at the Nürburgring. |
He found success in the 2016 Japanese Formula 3 Championship and the Super GT series, achieving wins and podium finishes. |
Jann's racing journey continued with the Super Formula Championship, Super GT classes, and a role as a simulator driver for Nissan e.dams and McLaren in Formula E. |
Returning to racing in 2023, Jann participated in the Fuji 24 Hours race in the Super Taikyu Series with Helm Motorsports. |
His story was further immortalized in the film 'Gran Turismo', directed by Neill Blomkamp, where he also served as a stunt driver. |
Recognized as the 50th most marketable athlete globally in 2015, Jann faced challenges like failing his driving test before eventually passing. |
In his spare time, Jann Mardenborough enjoys playing football (soccer). |