Daniel Lloyd steps away from BTCC for 2026 season

Daniel Lloyd has confirmed that he will take a sabbatical from the British Touring Car Championship this year.

Taking into consideration the ongoing growth of his sponsorship and management company, and an all-new business project that is set to launch soon, the 33-year-old has made the difficult decision not to take up a full-time drive for the season ahead.

Lloyd has however confirmed that he will instead contest a select number of ad-hoc races in various other series during 2026 as he instead puts full focus into his business commitments, which will include yet-to-be-determined roles in the touring car paddock.

The Yorkshireman made his series debut back in 2010 and has since gone on to start more than 160 races – winning five of them.

After a year out in 2024, Lloyd returned to the grid with Restart Racing last season and enjoyed a stellar campaign that culminated in him scoring a race win at Silverstone, before then going on to lift the Independent Drivers’ title.

“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 2026. 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!”