Restart Racing has announced the departure of driver James Dorlin from the team, with a replacement driver to be announced at 19:00 on Monday.
Dorlin joined the outfit at the start of the season for his second campaign in the BTCC, having previously contested the first 21 races of the 2025 season in a Speedworks Motorsport-run Toyota.
However, for the second consecutive season, Dorlin has stepped down just after the mid-point of the season, having contested 18 races.
During that time, Dorlin has scored a best finish of sixth, on two occasions at Thruxton, in his Hyundai i30 N Fastback, which also equated to his first two Independents’ class victories in the BTCC.
The 27-year-old is currently 17th overall in the drivers’ standings, 24 points behind team-mate Chris Smiley, although he is seven points above his team-mate in the Independent drivers’ standings in sixth.
“I’d like to thank Pete, Chris and everyone at Restart Racing for the opportunity and for all of the work they have put in during my time with the team,” said Dorlin.
“There have been some challenging moments this year, but also some really positive ones, and Thruxton in particular showed what we were capable of when everything came together.
“I’ve enjoyed working with the team, and I’m grateful to everyone involved, as well as my partners and everyone who has supported me throughout the season.
“I wish Restart Racing all the best for the remainder of the year and I’m looking forward to what comes next.”
Pete Jones, Team Principal of Restart Racing, praised Dorlin for his efforts during the 2026 season.
“James has been a valued part of Restart Racing this season, and we have really enjoyed having him as part of the team,” said Jones.
“He is an extremely quick driver, and there have been some great moments along the way. Thruxton was a particular highlight and showed the level James is capable of delivering.
“Motorsport can change very quickly and sometimes circumstances mean things don’t work out in quite the way everyone had hoped. We part on good terms, and James leaves with our thanks for everything he has contributed to the team.
“Everyone at Restart Racing wishes him the very best for whatever comes next, and I have no doubt we will see him competing at a high level again very soon.”