Dan Lloyd “delighted” by chance to defend points lead

Dan Lloyd says he is delighted to have the chance to defend his lead in the TCR UK Championship when the series heads for Croft this weekend for the penultimate meeting of the year.

Lloyd’s participation in the event was under threat because of a clash with the latest rounds of the Swedish Touring Car Championship – where his WestCoast Racing team also competes – before the decision was taken to split the team to allow it to race in both series’ this weekend.

WestCoast has already wrapped up the Teams’ Championship whilst Lloyd could also secure the drivers’ crown this weekend if results go his way at the circuit where he took his maiden win in the BTCC earlier in the year.

“This is a huge weekend for our championship fight,” he said. “We were never 100 per cent sure of racing here with the team having other commitments, but with the title still undecided, I’m really happy that we’re getting the chance to race this weekend and defend our championship lead.

“Croft has very special memories for me. We’ve had some great successes here over the years and getting my first ever BTCC win here just a few weeks ago, makes it even more special. It’s also one of my local tracks. Being a proud Yorkshireman, we always get great support here from friends, family, sponsors and the local fans. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Lloyd will however face an additional challenge as a result of the five place grid penalty he carries into the weekend as a result of a clash with Stewart Lines last time out.

“The Championship is by no means decided as yet,” he said. “Race one is going to be tough with the five-grid-spot drop. I need to stay out of trouble and bag as many points as possible this weekend to keep our lead at the top of the standings safe heading into the final next month.”