James Dorlin has signed with Restart Racing for his second season in the British Touring Car Championship, taking over the Hyundai i30 N Fastback previously raced by Daniel Lloyd.
Dorlin, 26, made his début in touring cars last year, joining the Speedworks Motorsport-run Toyota team.
He gained momentum during the part-season he completed, with a best result of seventh in races two and three at Thruxton in June.
Dorlin continued to challenge for top tens, but stepped back from racing after the Knockhill weekend in 2025 ‘by mutual agreement’. At the time, the team insisted Dorlin remained in their ‘future plans’.
The former GT racer, who won the 2022 British GT Silver-Am Championship and the 2020 Porsche Sprint Challenge GB titles, is looking forward to the forthcoming season.
“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to join Restart Racing for the 2026 season, especially off the back of the success they had last year,” said Dorlin.
“After the disappointment of having to cut my season short in 2025, a lot of effort has gone into making sure I’m back on the grid and ready to fight properly this time around.
“I think we’ve got a really competitive package at Restart and a great group of people behind the team, so I’m looking forward to getting in the car at Croft and seeing what we can do.
“Thanks to Pete, Chris and everyone involved in making this possible.”
Pete Jones, Team Principal of Restart Racing, welcomed Dorlin to the team.
“James showed last year that he has real pace in the BTCC. Now he has the car and the team around him to show what he can do,” added Jones.
“Dan did a fantastic job for us last season, and now we’re excited to give James the opportunity to build on that.
“We’re really pleased to have him join the team, and I’m looking forward to seeing him out in the car at Croft.”