BTCC: Lloyd returns to Restart Racing for remainder of the season replacing Dorlin

Dan Lloyd is set to make his BTCC return with Restart Racing replacing James Dorlin.

Lloyd is the reigning Independent’s Champion from last season, driving for the team in 2025 in their first season with the Hyundai i30 N Fastback. He would claim an overall victory that year at Silverstone on his way to taking the Independent’s title, Lloyd has amassed a total of five wins and a further four podiums in his time in the series. Initially racing in the BTCC as a one off at Croft in 2010, he returned for a brief stint across 2016 claiming six points scoring results in nine races. He would return in both 2017 and 2018 for more partial season stints with him taking his maiden victory in 2018 at the circuit he made his debut at.

He would return for his first full season in 2021 with Power Maxed Racing claiming four podiums that season to finish eleventh in the overall standings and seventh in the Independent standings. In 2022 he would move to Excelr8 where he would be together a solid campaign with three race wins and only five finishes outside the points. After a difficult season in 2023 with the Cupra, pulling solid results despite being at a deficit, he would take a year away from the BTCC in 2024 before returning in 2025.

Returning for the remainder of the 2026 season, Lloyd with drive alongside Chris Smiley for the final four race weekends of the season. Dorlin will take a step back for the remainder of the season after a solid run of form, but due to issues outside of his control he will be unable to complete the season for a second season in a row.

With the announcement, Team Principal of Restart Racing, Pete Jones said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Dan back in the car. He knows the team, he knows the car and we know exactly what he is capable of. What we achieved together last year was incredibly special, so having the reigning Independent Champion back behind the wheel feels like a great fit for us. Dan has remained a big part of the team this year and has been with us at race weekends in an advisory role, so he has stayed very close to what we are doing and how the car has developed. He also has a brilliant relationship with everyone in the team and with Chris, which means he can come straight back in and get on with the job. We still have a lot we want to achieve this season and there are plenty of opportunities ahead of us. Bringing Dan back gives us a proven race winner who knows how to get the very best out of this car, and I think everyone in the team is excited to see what we can do together over the remaining rounds.”

Dan Lloyd added: “First of all, I want to say that I know this is a difficult situation for James. I’ve been in that position myself before in my career and I know how tough it can be. He’s a very talented driver and a great guy, and I genuinely wish him all the best for whatever comes next. From my side, I’m absolutely buzzing to be coming back. Restart Racing feels like home to me and what we achieved together last year was something I’ll never forget. To win the team’s first outright BTCC race and then finish the year as Independent Champion was incredibly special. I’ve stayed really close to the team this season, working with everyone at the race weekends, so I’ve never really felt like I’ve been away from it. That makes coming back into the car feel very natural. I know the Hyundai, I know the team, and I know how hard everyone works behind the scenes. I’m coming back hungry, I want to enjoy it and, most importantly, I want to help the team finish the season as strongly as we possibly can. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel at Donington.”