Dan Zelos out of the running for final EXCELR8 seat

Dan Zelos has become the latest driver to rule himself out of competing in the British Touring Car Championship this season.

The three-time MINI CHALLENGE JCW champion had been the lead contender to fill the fourth and final seat at EXCELR8 Motorsport, with both parties believed to be working hard behind the scenes to put a deal in place.

Despite stating that a deal was almost complete, Zelos has unfortunately confirmed he will not line up on the grid of the UK’s premier motorsport series for 2025.

Zelos – who made his BTCC debut last year in the Hyundai for the final three round and claimed a Jack Sears Trophy win – is now evaluating his racing options for the forthcoming campaign.

“This year I will not be racing in the BTCC,” said Zelos in a video on social media. “It has been a difficult few months going back and forth; one minute we’re getting there and then the next we aren’t.

“We were certain we were there and ready to be on that grid with EXCLER8 this year however other things to the side that I won’t go into mean that it’s not going to happen. All of the partners tucked in and we were so close, sadly it was not to be.

“The door isn’t completely shut, hopefully we can be on the BTCC grid in the future. It’s been tough for a lot of people and we’ve seen a number of other drivers announce they aren’t doing it either. We won’t give up though and keep trying!”