For the second year in a row, Gran Turismo was a main sponsor supporting the “36th Nurburgring 24 Hour Race,” the world's largest touring car event held in Nurburgring, Germany from May 22 to 25, 2008.

The Nurburgring 24H race is one of the most popular touring car events in Europe, with a history dating back to 1970. The event is a most grueling experience, joining the world’s toughest circuit, the Nurburgring North Course, and the grand prix course, for a 24-hour race. However, because of the variety of participant cars and the friendliness of the participants, it is still called the “greatest grass roots race in the world.”

This year 280 cars gathered from around the world with almost 1000 drivers participating. And to watch this spectacular event, over 200,000 spectators lined up alongside the full length of the 20km course. Those not able to make it in person tuned in to watch it on TV, as it was broadcast throughout Europe.

Alongside the top European cars, the best Japan has to offer were also found at the race. Among these were the Lexus LF-A prototype vehicle, appearing at the race before its actual release. Racing rivalries between popular cars such as the Mazda Impreza, Nissan Fairlady Z, and Honda Civic Type R, as well as the battles between the worlds fastest GT machines such as Porsche, Aston Martin and others, gave racing fans something to watch over the course of the 24 hours.

Visit here for more information about the race.