PWC: Davison parked for first Utah race

Pirelli World Challenge driver James Davison has been parked by the series for the first race of this weekend's event in Utah.

According to the series, per section 1.11.3 in the PWC rulebook, the driver of the No. 33 Always Evolving/AIM Autosport Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 has been suspended "from participation in Race 1 at the next round that the competitor participates," and given a "$5000 fine and an additional 3 race probation."

The penalty comes in response to a clash with McLaren driver Colin Thompson that took place at Turn 4 on the opening lap of the Mid-Ohio PWC GT race on July 30 while Davison was on probation from contact registered earlier in the season.

British driver Craig Dolby has been drafted in to wheel the No. 33 Nissan in Davison’s absence. Citing experience with the manufacturer and the team, Dolby is said to be part of the team’s evaluation for future consideration in PWC as a third Nissan GT-R is expected to appear in 2017.

“It feels mega to be back with the Always Evolving team and crew from AIM Autosport,” Dolby added. Although PWC's ruling only sidelines Davison for the first race in Utah, Dolby will likely remain in the car for the entire event.

Davison currently holds sixth in the PWC GT standings heading into the doubleheader at the Utah Motorsports Campus, and teammate Bryan Heitkotter sits in eighth.

"We’d love to have James and Bryan back with us next year,” Always Evolving team owner Erik Davis said, “but Craig is certainly one of the guys on our radar for the expanded program.”