Save Remove Download Share Subscribe Photos / Galleries / Videos August 5, 2013 LEXINGTON, Ohio – It was a weekend in need of a silver lining, and in the last race of the weekend Steve Doherty came through. Paired with two established Nissan teams racing in the Pirelli World Challenge Series, 2008 GT Academy Europe Champion Lucas Ordonez and 2012 GT Academy US Champion Doherty were sure to make a splash in rounds 11 and 12 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Dogged by mechanical gremlins and tough luck, the four Nissan 370Z NISMOs competing in the GTS class of the Pirelli World Challenge were having a difficult time finishing. Car owner Ric Bushey of SFR Racing had a rare engine failure in Saturday's race one, dropping him out of competition for the weekend. The second team car, driven by five year International veteran Ordonez had a clutch problem two laps from the end of Saturday's race after a solid run. With a new clutch and some car adjustments, Ordonez was ready to roll in Sunday's Race two. As the flag dropped on a standing start, however, a car starting ahead of Ordonez failed to launch. In the ensuing multi-car scramble to miss the obstacle, Ordonez slipped past two cars but was tagged hard in the right front wheel by a swerving Mustang. The resulting suspension damage ended his day quickly. "I was feeling positive about the second race, and I think I had the car to move up in the field," said a disappointed Ordonez. "It was great to come here to this excellent track to race with Steve for Nissan, but I wish I could have gotten a better result for Ric's team. It will be better next time." DWW Racing's owner Brian Kleeman had gearbox issues in race one, but the team's second car with US GT Academy winner Doherty at the wheel fared better. Doherty was able to move up eight spots. Despite a slight understeer, Doherty drove a smooth race to finish 19th. Sunday's race went even better for the first year driver, with handling issues solved Doherty moved his 370Z NISMO up 11 places to win the Sunoco Hard Charger Award for gaining the most track positions during the race. "I'm glad I got this experience and I feel pretty good about bringing the car home in one piece twice and winning Hard Charger for the team," said Doherty. "Mid-Ohio is an awesome track and I really appreciate Nissan GT Academy giving me a chance to compete here. I can't wait for Sonoma." Doherty and Ordonez will race the same 370Z NISMOs in Pirelli World Challenge at Sonoma, Calif. on August 24-25. Media contact: Steve Yaeger, Nissan Motorsports, 615-427-9172 GT Academy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GTAcademyNA?ref=br_tf NISMO USA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/231481633533330/photos-of#!/NISMOUSA # # # Issued by Nissan Files Doherty WC.pdf (53 KB) Save Remove Download Share Photos / Galleries / Videos Subscribe to Email Alerts Files Doherty WC.pdf (53 KB)