Jann Mardenborough: Racing Driver

Motorsport trailblazer Jann Mardenborough inspires audiences with his breakthrough journey from gamer to pro driver, sharing high-performance insights on resilience, innovation and pursuing unconventional paths.

Quick Facts:

  • Highlights:
    • Inspiration behind the 2023 Sony Pictures film Gran Turismo Movie
    • Winner of the 2011 Nissan GT Academy, beating over 90,000 competitors
    • Podium finisher at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 class
    • Competed in Formula 3, GP3, Super GT and other global racing series
  • Formats: Keynote speaker, professional racing driver and high-performance mindset expert
  • Audiences: Corporate teams, technology companies, universities, gaming communities, sports organizations and innovation-focused events seeking insights on resilience, performance and unconventional success.
  • Outcomes:
    1. A powerful understanding of how unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary achievement.
    2. Mindset tools for navigating pressure, building resilience and embracing innovation.
    3. Actionable insights on translating digital skills into real-world performance.
Reading time: 2 min
Reviews: (0 reviews)
  • Travels from: London, UK
  • **Fee range: On Request

Talent Services

Keynote Topics:

Jann Mardenborough’s remarkable journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the exciting fusion of virtual gaming, motorsports, and relentless innovation. Born on September 9, 1991, in Darlington, England, Jann Mardenborough has carved a unique path that has captivated audiences around the world.

Beyond his racing accomplishments, Jann has played a pivotal role in the production and promotion of the Gran Turismo Movie by Sony Pictures helping with the script and serving as stunt double for his own character, where he bridged the gap between the virtual and real racing realms.

He’s achieved podium finish at the prestigious 24h LeMans race, competed in the highly competitive GT500 class of Super GT Japan, has held the strategic position of development driver for Nissan’s motorsport programs, earning a reputation as one of the top talents in the sport. Jann’s ability to seamlessly transition between the digital and physical worlds of racing sets him apart as a true pioneer.

Talent Short Bio

Jann Mardenborough is one of motorsport’s most extraordinary real-life success stories, rising from avid gamer to world-class racing driver in a journey that transformed both his life and the landscape of modern racing. Born in Darlington, England, Jann developed an early fascination with cars, but it was the immersive world of Gran Turismo that became the unlikely gateway to his professional career. In 2011, he entered and won the groundbreaking Nissan GT Academy competition, outperforming more than 90,000 participants to earn a coveted seat with Nissan Motorsport.

His rapid ascent through Formula 3, GP3 and elite endurance racing proved that virtual talent could thrive in real-world motorsport. By 2013, Jann earned a podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the LMP2 category, making history and silencing industry skeptics. He went on to compete in premier championships including Super GT in Japan and to drive for renowned teams such as Carlin, Arden International and DAMS, consistently demonstrating technical mastery, adaptability and mental discipline.

Jann’s incredible story became the inspiration for the 2023 Sony Pictures film Gran Turismo Movie, introducing global audiences to his remarkable transition from gaming to professional racing.

Jann Mardenborough’s journey is one of the most inspiring real-life transformations in modern motorsport—a bold leap from virtual racing to real-world podiums. Catapulted into fame through his extraordinary rise from gaming enthusiast to professional racing driver, Jann’s story resonates deeply with fans and audiences worldwide. His unique blend of resilience, innovation, and passion serves as a powerful narrative on how unconventional paths can lead to extraordinary success.

His life inspired the 2023 Sony Pictures film Gran Turismo Movie, starring David Harbour and Orlando Bloom, showcasing the unbelievable reality of a gamer’s dream becoming a racetrack reality. Today, Jann Mardenborough stands as a motivational force, captivating audiences with a message of courage, perseverance, and the limitless possibilities of following one’s passion—even when the route has never been taken before.

Born in Darlington, England, Jann Mardenborough grew up like many young boys with a fascination for cars. However, it was the immersive world of the Gran Turismo video game on Sony PlayStation that became the unlikely launchpad for a professional racing career. His love for motorsport collided with opportunity when Nissan and Gran Turismo created the Nissan GT Academy, a competitive online tournament designed to scout and train virtual racers into real-world drivers. Against all odds, Jann won the academy in 2011, beating over 90,000 contestants to secure a coveted seat with Nissan Motorsport.

Jann’s subsequent rise through the ranks of motorsport was nothing short of meteoric. From virtual races to Formula 3, GP3, and the revered Le Mans 24 Hours, he proved that his digital skills translated into real-world performance. By 2013, he had claimed a podium finish at Le Mans in the LMP2 class—a historic moment that silenced skeptics and validated the revolutionary GT Academy initiative. Over the years, Jann Mardenborough has competed in high-profile championships including Super GT in Japan, and has driven for renowned teams such as Carlin, Arden International, and DAMS, earning respect from motorsport veterans and fans alike.

Hashtags: #JannMardenborough #GranTurismoMovie #GamerToRacer #MotivationalSpeaker #EsportsToRealSports #GTAcademy #MotorsportInspiration #SpeakerProfile #SpeakersInc

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