The third and final race took place in Interlagos. All drivers drove the same car - the Red Bull X2014 - allowing for a showdown that would prove a decisive test of skill.
Having secured podium finishes in the first two races, Chile's Fabián Portilla (FT_Mcqueen91) topped the standings heading into the final race. Few had expected such a strong performance from him having progressed through the repechage, but he had established himself as a dark horse and a real contender.
Three points behind Portilla (FT_Mcqueen91) but with firm designs on clinching the title was Brazil's Igor Fraga (IOF_RACING17).
Chile's Nicolás Rubilar (FT_NicoR) had also been one of the hot pre-tournament favourites, but after a couple of serious setbacks in the first two races, he found himself in sixth place heading into the final showdown.

Fortune had already favoured Fraga (IOF_RACING17) before the race had even begun: the final showdown would be taking place on his local circuit. It was therefore little surprise when he took pole position and built up a commanding lead over his rivals.

Rubilar (FT_NicoR) was determined not to leave the Americas finals without a single victory, however, and this determination was evident when an intense burst of driving saw him move up from eighth to fourth place during the second lap.

A battle for second place broke out on the fourth lap. Unfortunately, it saw the USA's Nick McMillen (GumballCGT), a GT Academy winner with real racing experience, enter a spin and fall back to ninth place.

By the eighth lap, Rubilar (FT_NicoR) was in second position, but tragedy was to befall him again.
He entered a spin on the second turn, and in so doing lost any hope he had of staging an improbable victory.

Canada's Jeffrey Gallan (FT_LLOYDZELITE) had put in average performances in the first two races, finishing in fifth place both times, but here he burst into life and on the penultimate lap found himself duelling with the USA's Andrew McCabe (TRL_doodle) for second place. It was an intense but clean battle throughout, with both drivers respecting each other's lines.

By this point, however, Fraga (IOF_RACING17) was absolutely cruising, having built up a twenty-second lead over his nearest rival.

Fraga (IOF_RACING17) had proved himself to be utterly dominant over 22 laps.
Despite his only previous title coming in Test Season 8 of the online series' Nations Cup, Fraga (IOF_RACING17) lit up the regional finals and showed everyone just how talented he really is.

Let's spare a thought, however, for Rubilar (FT_NicoR) - the most decorated driver in all three regions. His talent remains unquestionable, despite his disappointments at the Americas final.

At the end of the day, Rubilar (FT_NicoR) was not able to cope with Fraga (IOF_RACING17)'s overwhelming brilliance, and ended up making too many mistakes. He must have been sorely disappointed, but he was still all smiles after the race.

"I'm disappointed with the results, but I really enjoyed going head to head with the best drivers in the region. Now I'm going to try and do my best to win the world final!"

Rubilar (FT_NicoR) produces videos of himself competing in the online series. When he races, he is cool and expressionless, but in person he is warm, friendly, and generous.

The Champion of the Americas: Brazil's Igor Fraga

“The first race was really tough for me. I think I got my strategy a bit wrong. Fortunately, I was able to learn from my mistakes in the next race. I put in a good performance, and finished in first place. Winning the last race at Interlagos really means a lot to me, as a Brazilian, so I was really delighted to be able to do that.

“I always try to do my best. I've had to work really hard to get this far. I'm so emotional at the moment, it's hard to think of the right words. Winning a race on my home circuit to become the best Gran Turismo player in the Americas... It's a special experience.“

Americas Final - The 10 Finalists