Photo: BTCC

Daniel Lloyd seals BTCC return with Restart Racing

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Daniel Lloyd will make a return to the British Touring Car Championship this year after signing a deal with Restart Racing to race its second Hyundai i30 N.

Talks between the Yorkshireman and the Independent squad have been ongoing for a number of weeks, with an agreement now in place that has sealed Lloyd’s status as a BTCC driver for 2025.

After debuting in the series last year, Restart Racing will switch to running EXCELR8 Motorsport-built Hyundai machines this season – a car that both Lloyd and his team-mate Chris Smiley are well-acquainted with.

The 32-year-old raced a Hyundai in 2022 and enjoyed his strongest BTCC campaign to-date as he claimed three wins and a career-best tenth place finish in the overall championship.

“I’m absolutely buzzing to be back on the BTCC grid with Restart Racing,” said Lloyd. “The last 12 months have been a rollercoaster – I’ve had to fight harder than ever to get back to this point, but that’s only made me hungrier.

“When Pete Jones contacted me about the seat and the investment in the car, I knew exactly where I wanted to be. I know what the Hyundai is capable of, and with the team’s commitment to the best package possible, I’m confident we can be right in the mix this season.

“I’ve got Tom Hunt lined up as my engineer, he ran me in the Cupra and has a fantastic pedigree from his time with Team Dynamics, so having that familiarity and experience alongside me is another big positive. I can’t wait to get to work and see what we can achieve together.”

Restart Racing Managing Director, Pete Jones, added: “From the moment we secured the Hyundai i30s for 2025, we knew we needed a strong driver pairing to unlock their full potential.

“Dan was at the top of our list. He’s a proven winner, has experience with this car, and his determination to fight his way back onto the grid says everything about the competitor he is.

“With Dan and Chris leading the charge, we’re confident that we have a line-up capable of pushing for podiums and delivering strong results. More than that, Dan is another cornerstone in the long-term vision of Restart Racing.

“We’re not just building a team for this season – we’re laying the foundation for sustained success in the BTCC, and Dan is a key part of that journey.”