Daniel Lloyd will return to the British Touring Car Championship for the rest of the 2026 season, replacing James Dorlin in a Hyundai i30 N Fastback at Restart Racing.
Lloyd, 34, has made 164 starts in the BTCC and claimed five outright victories, the most recent of which came at Silverstone last year with Restart Racing.
The Huddersfield racer went on to clinch the Independent Drivers’ title, but budgetary challenges meant he was unable to piece together a deal to defend that title in 2026.
Now Lloyd, who has been focussing on the development of his sponsorship and management company ProEdge Management this year, will make an ‘unexpected’ return to the driving seat for the final four events of the 2026 season.
“On the one hand I’m obviously delighted to have the chance to return to the BTCC grid for the remainder of the season although at the same time, I feel for James as it’s never nice to have to stand down from a drive – as I know from personal experience,” said Lloyd.
“Last season was an unbelievable experience as I helped Restart Racing to a first win and both Independents’ titles, so this very much feels like home for me.
“A huge thank you has to go to Pete [Jones, Team Owner] and the team for the opportunity to now return, as well as the partners who have made it possible.
“Whilst I haven’t been driving this season, the fact that I’ve been involved with the team off-track means the transition back into a race seat will be relatively straightforward and I can’t wait to get started.
“Unlike last year, I don’t have a championship battle to worry about and my only focus is on pushing for the best possible result every race to help the team end the year strongly.
“The four circuits remaining on the calendar are four where I have been particularly strong in the past and I’m confident of fighting for some positive results before the season is done.”
Pete Jones, Team Principal of Restart Racing, expects Lloyd to continue working well with tream-mate Chris Smiley.
“We’re absolutely delighted to have Dan back in the car as he knows the team, he knows the car and we know exactly what he is capable of,” added Jones.
“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.
“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.”