In a significant move for the upcoming 2026 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season, Restart Racing has officially confirmed the addition of James Dorlin to their roster. Dorlin, who has shown considerable promise in his racing career, will take over the wheel of the Hyundai i30 Fastback N, a vehicle formerly driven by Independent Drivers’ Champion Dan Lloyd.
The integration of Dorlin into the team marks a pivotal moment as Restart Racing aims to build upon the success of their championship-winning 2025 campaign. Notably, Dorlin has already made a name for himself by showcasing remarkable talent during the 2025 season, where he consistently reached the Q3 qualifying shootout and secured four top ten finishes despite an early end to his 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 James Dorlin. He reiterated his eagerness to hit the track, stating, “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.”
At just 26 years old, Dorlin has already gathered an impressive racing resume, including victories in the 2022 British GT Silver-Am Championship and the 2020 Porsche Sprint Challenge GB title. His versatility as a driver has been recognized following his tenure as a McLaren Development Driver, where he honed his skills across various racing disciplines.
As Restart Racing looks towards the future, Team Principal Pete Jones expressed his confidence in Dorlin’s capabilities. "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. 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,” Jones remarked.
Restart Racing will continue to showcase two Hyundai i30 Fastback N vehicles, both powered by Swindon engines, as they aim to maintain the momentum generated from their Independent title victory in 2025. Dorlin’s partnership with the team not only signals a strong strategic direction but also a united front, as he will now share the track with teammate Smiley, with whom he competed fiercely last season.
Dorlin is set to make his debut in the Hyundai during the official BTCC pre-season test, scheduled for March 24th and 25th at Croft. This test will provide an opportunity for the team to gauge their performance and for Dorlin to acclimatize to his new racing environment, setting the stage for what hopes to be a successful season.
As the start of the 2026 season approaches, expectations for Restart Racing and Dorlin remain high. Racing enthusiasts will be keen to observe how the new addition to the team will influence their strategies and outcomes in the fiercely competitive British Touring Car Championship.