Dan Lloyd’s Return to the British Touring Car Championship
Four-time British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) race winner Dan Lloyd is set to return to the series in 2025, driving a Restart Racing Hyundai i30 N Fastback. The 32-year-old Yorkshireman has had a tumultuous journey since the collapse of Team Hard in 2023, which led to his departure from the BTCC grid. During the interim, Lloyd competed in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, honing his skills and maintaining his competitive edge. This return to the BTCC marks a significant comeback for the seasoned driver, who is eager to prove his mettle once again.
Reuniting with Familiar Faces
Lloyd’s return to Restart Racing is particularly noteworthy as it reunites him with several key figures from his past BTCC experiences. Team principal Ben Taylor and team-mate Chris Smiley were both part of BTC Racing in 2018 when Lloyd clinched his maiden race victory. Additionally, managing director Pete Jones was a sponsor at Excelr8 Motorsport during Lloyd’s successful 2022 season, where he scored three more wins. Race engineer Tom Hunt, who worked with Team Dynamics, will also be returning to Lloyd’s side. This familiarity and shared history are expected to provide a strong foundation for the team’s efforts in the upcoming season.
The Car: A Return to Familiar Ground
Restart Racing has made a strategic move for 2025 by switching to new-build Hyundai i30 N Fastbacks, which will replace the ex-Hard Cupras used in their maiden BTCC season in 2024. For Lloyd, this transition back to the Hyundai model is significant, as it was the same car he used during his most successful BTCC campaign. This continuity should help him quickly adapt to the new machinery and maximize its potential. "I know what the Hyundai is capable of," Lloyd stated, "and with the team’s commitment to the best package possible, I’m confident we can be right in the mix this season."
Lloyd’s Determination and Vision
Lloyd’s determination to return to the BTCC is nothing short of admirable. The last year has been a rollercoaster for him, filled with challenges and setbacks. However, rather than dampening his spirit, these obstacles have only fueled his competitive drive. "I’ve had to fight harder than ever to get back to this point, but that’s only made me hungrier," he said. This resilience and hunger are qualities that the BTCC and its fans have come to appreciate and respect. Jones echoed this sentiment, highlighting Lloyd’s proven track record and his unwavering determination. "Dan is another cornerstone in the long-term vision of Restart Racing," Jones added. "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."
Building a Strong Line-Up
Restart Racing’s decision to bring in Lloyd alongside Chris Smiley demonstrates their commitment to building a competitive and formidable line-up for the 2025 season. Smiley, who has also raced with BTC Racing, brings his own wealth of experience and competitive spirit to the team. Together, the duo is expected to push the boundaries and fight for podium finishes. "Dan and Chris leading the charge, we’re confident that we have a line-up capable of pushing for podiums and delivering strong results," Jones said. This pairing not only strengthens the team’s driving capabilities but also fosters a collaborative and motivated environment, crucial for achieving sustained success.
Future Plans and Team Dynamics
While Restart Racing is focusing on a strong performance in the 2025 season, they are also looking ahead to the long-term future of the team. The addition of experienced personnel like Dan Lloyd and the potential for further bolstering their engineering and management staff with established BTCC names indicate a strategic approach to building a robust and competitive team. Jamie Warren, the team manager from 2024, has moved to Un-Limited Motorsport, where he will take up a similar role. Un-Limited, the only team continuing with the Cupra Leon in 2025, is expanding to two entries, welcoming series returnee Dexter Patterson and Mini Challenge standout Max Hall. Team owner Bob Sharpless sees Warren’s experience as a vital asset in their quest for improved performance. "Jamie’s experience in BTCC will be instrumental as we enter our biggest challenge yet. Having him on board now means we can hit the ground running when the season starts," Sharpless stated.
Pre-Season Preparations
As the 2025 BTCC season approaches, both Lloyd and Smiley are expected to be ready for the first of the pre-season official tests at Croft on April 1-2. The team’s commitment to these tests and their focus on preparation are clear indicators of their ambition. Lloyd’s enthusiasm and the team’s collective drive to succeed are palpable, and fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see how this partnership unfolds. With a mix of experience, determination, and strategic planning, Restart Racing is poised to make a significant impact in the upcoming season.
