Daniel Lloyd has confirmed that he will not race in the 2026 British Touring Car Championship in 2026, as he focusses on other business commitments.
Lloyd, 33, has had an on-off relationship with the BTCC since making his début in 2010. Following that one-off outing, it was another six years before he took part in selected races in 2016.
Another flirtation with the championship followed in 2017 before he moved into TCR racing. A part-season in 2018 yielded his first BTCC win, and it was not until 2021 that Lloyd took part in his first full-time season in the BTCC.
Since then, he has completed four full seasons, with his most successful year coming in 2022 when he won three races on his way to tenth overall in the standings.
Last year with Restart Racing, Lloyd added another race victory whilst also clinching the Independents’ Trophy – marking his first title-winning success in the championship.
The Huddersfield racer had hoped to remain with Pete Jones’ team in 2026, but has made the decision to have a year out of the BTCC to focus on other business commitments, including the growth of his sponsorship and management company.
Lloyd will, however, have other yet-to-be-determined roles in the touring car paddock.
“The 2025 season turned out to a great year alongside Restart Racing, with the win at Silverstone and then the Independents’ title meaning we ended the campaign on a real high,” said Lloyd.
“Having known Pete for a number of years, he was keen for us to continue together into 2026 to try and defend the title and of course, the racing driver in me would love to be out there trying to do it all again.
“However, this is a decision that I’ve taken with my head rather than my heart, and with a focus on my long-term future.
“Last year saw me launch my consultancy business ProEdge Sponsorships and that has already grown and developed more than I expected it to in the first year.
“Going into the new season, the business will be rebranded as ProEdge Management with a number of drivers already signed up, and is going to require more of my time.
“There is also a new business automotive project that I’ve been working on behind the scenes and am planning to launch in the near future, which is something else I need to focus on.
“Considering all that, it’s the right decision to focus on my commitments away from the circuit, take a step away for a year and then focus on coming back stronger in 2027.
“I have to say a huge thank you to the sponsors and commercial partners who I have worked with, and who understand the reasons behind my decision.
“However, my relationship with a number of those partners will continue with my new project, which I’ll reveal in the coming weeks.
“I also have to thank the team for their support last year, and also all of the fans who have cheered me. I fully intend to be in the paddock in other roles this season – so you’ll certainly be seeing me around!”
Pete Jones, Restart Racing Team Principal, praised Lloyd for his success with the team in 2025.
“Dan was a key part of our journey in 2025,” added Jones. “That win at Silverstone, the title, the memories, he gave us so much to be proud of in our first year together.
“While we would have loved to see him back in the car this season, we fully support his decision to pursue exciting new opportunities.
“Dan will always be part of the Restart story. I have no doubt he will be back around the paddock, and he will always be welcome in our garage.”