JR Rocha (right), on stage to receive the "Best in Show" award. On the left of Kazunori Yamauchi, is the legendary Formula D drifter, Tanner Foust. He was the host for the awards ceremony.

On November 6, 2008, Gran Turismo made the final selection for the "GRAN TURISMO AWARDS SEMA", at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada. The "Best in Show" was awarded to JR Rocha's 2007 Infinity G37.

The "Best in Show" is selected by Gran Turismo Producer, Kazunori Yamauchi from one of the cars selected as the winner the five divisions of the awards.

This years winners in each division are as follows (Owner name in parenthesis):

･Best Domestic: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Rally Sport (James Shipka)
･Best Truck/SUV: 1938 Chevy (John Wargo)
･Best Japanese Import: 2007 Infinity G37 (JR Rocha)
･Best European Import: Volkswagen Concept Car (Robert Gal)
･Best Hot Rod: 1933 the Factory Five Racing Hot Rod (Jason Lavigne)

This is the 6th time the "GRAN TURISMO AWARDS SEMA" has been held here during SEMA in Las Vegas. The awards are given to hot custom cars and tuned cars that follow the philosophy of Gran Turismo, being both "Cool" and "High Performance". The winner of "Best in Show" will have the honor of being placed into a future rendition of Gran Turismo in all its glory.

The winners of the awards partook in the awards ceremony held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, to share their excitement. The awards ceremony was hosted by the superhero of Formula D, Tanner Foust, and in the show following the ceremony, Hip hop star Ludacris appeared with DJ Z-Trip, and special guests Tommy Lee of Motley Crew, and Dave Navarro, formerly of Red Hot Chili Peppers joined in on stage.

*The SEMA show is the largest custom car and parts festival held every year in the fall, in Las Vegas, Nevada. This year it was held from November 4 to November 7. SEMA=Specialty Equipment Market Association

SEMA SHOW Official Site

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