Restart Racing has secured the services of James Dorlin for the upcoming 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season, marking a significant addition to the reigning Independent Teams' champions.
The 26-year-old driver will pilot the #132 Hyundai i30 Fastback N, the same machine that carried Dan Lloyd to Independent Drivers' Championship glory in 2025. Dorlin's appointment represents a strategic move by Restart Racing as they aim to maintain their competitive edge following their breakthrough championship-winning campaign.
Dorlin brings impressive credentials to his new role, having demonstrated consistent pace during his 2025 BTCC appearances. The young driver secured four top-ten finishes and made multiple appearances in the Quick Six qualifying session, showcasing the speed that caught Restart Racing's attention.
Beyond touring cars, Dorlin has established himself across multiple motorsport disciplines. His GT racing achievements include capturing the 2022 British GT Silver-Am Championship and the 2020 Porsche Sprint Challenge GB title. As a former McLaren Development Driver, he has built a reputation for adaptability and raw pace across various racing categories.
"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," Dorlin continued. "Thanks to Pete, Chris and everyone involved in making this possible."
Team Principal Pete Jones expressed confidence in his new signing, highlighting Dorlin's proven abilities in the championship. "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," said Jones.
The team boss also acknowledged the legacy left by departing champion Dan Lloyd while expressing optimism about the future. "Dan did a fantastic job for us last season, and now we're excited to give James the opportunity to build on that," Jones explained. "We're really pleased to have him join the team, and I'm looking forward to seeing him out in the car at Croft."
Dorlin will get his first taste of the Restart Racing machinery during the official BTCC pre-season test at Croft Circuit on March 24-25. This initial outing will provide crucial preparation time as he adapts to his new surroundings ahead of the championship opener.
Restart Racing will continue to field two Hyundai i30 Fastback N machines powered by Swindon powertrains in 2026. The team's commitment to the proven package reflects their desire to build upon the momentum generated during their historic Independent Teams' Championship victory in 2025.
The signing represents a calculated gamble by Restart Racing, investing in young talent while maintaining their championship-winning formula. Dorlin's appointment sets up an intriguing storyline as the team attempts to defend their independent crown while nurturing a driver eager to prove himself after his truncated 2025 campaign.
All eyes will be on Croft later this month as Dorlin begins his journey with Restart Racing, with the pre-season test providing the first indication of how this new partnership might fare when the 2026 BTCC season gets underway.