In conjunction with the annual SEMA Convention, the Gran Turismo Awards are back, ready to ring in its 8th birthday in true Las Vegas fashion. These awards will recognize the best vehicles shown at SEMA in five separate categories, culminating with the selection of the Best in Show vehicle. Heading the panel of judging will be none other than the creator of Gran Turismo himself, Kazunori Yamauchi, who will personally announce the Best in Show selection at the prestigious Gran Turismo Awards ceremony. The chosen vehicle will become playable in an upcoming release of the Gran Turismo franchise, joining the illustrious ranks of past winners that are permanently enshrined in digital form within the world’s best driving simulator.

The Awards event will be held on Wednesday November 3rd in The Joint, within the world famous Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Doors open at 9PM.

Leading up to SEMA and the Gran Turismo Awards, exhibitors have been invited to submit their vehicles into one of five categories: Best Hot Rod, Best Asian Import, Best European Import, Beat Domestic Automobile, and Best Truck/SUV. All categories will be judged by panelists representing the leading automotive media, where one top vehicle is selected for each category. From there, it is up to Kazunori Yamauchi himself to select which vehicle is worthy of the Gran Turismo name to be recreated within a future installment of Gran Turismo.

Guests at the event are invited to test drive Gran Turismo 5 prior to its launch, with all past GT Awards Best in Show vehicles being showcased in the software. Additionally, two very special musical guests will help ring in the occasion, making for a true night to remember. If you are in Las Vegas planning to attend SEMA, feel free to come by with your badge and enjoy the GT Awards ceremony, get some hands-on time with the game, and what's sure to be an incredible night of music.