James Dorlin joins Restart Racing for 2026 season

Restart Racing has completed its driver line-up for the 2026 British Touring Car Championship season after announcing that James Dorlin will return to the series, partnering Chris Smiley. 

Agreeing a deal with last year’s Independent Teams’ champions, the Yorkshireman will contest the forthcoming campaign in a Hyundai i30 Fastback N. 

Having been a serial winner on the TOCA support package across a number of years, Dorlin made his eagerly-anticipated debut with Speedworks Motorsport last season, where he went on to make several appearances inside the Quick Six during qualifying and clinched a best finish of seventh at Thruxton. 

The former McLaren factory driver would ultimately go on to mutually agree to step back from his seat with three events remaining.

Now back for his sophomore season, Dorlin is eager to hit the ground running, starting at the annual pre-season test at Croft later this month.

“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.”