At 31 years old, Dan Lloyd, a Yorkshireman and winner of four BTCC races, is embarking on a new chapter in his racing career. He has recently joined the Toro Verde team, which is determined to establish itself as a serious contender in the motorsport series. Lloyd’s journey in the BTCC started back in 2010, but it wasn’t until 2021 that he finally secured a full season in the series. Last year, he achieved great success, scoring three victories alongside champion Tom Ingram in the Excelr8 Motorsport Hyundai squad. However, with the folding of the Team Hard Cupra line-up, Lloyd found himself in search of a new drive for the 2024 season.
For Lloyd, the move to Toro Verde represents a return to his initial career path. In 2012, he earned Porsche GB’s junior scholarship and went on to secure two wins with Team Parker Racing in the following seasons. This success paved the way for an international GT career in the mid-2010s. The opportunity to work with team boss Julian ‘Jules’ Westwood, an ex-British Formula 3000 ace and former engineer at Parker, adds to the excitement surrounding this decision. Lloyd expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m really excited about it. I’ve got a good history with Porsche, being their scholar, and traditionally I was more of a GT driver than a touring car driver.”
The winter leading up to the 2024 season has been quite a journey for Lloyd. With Team Hard Cupra folding, he found himself exploring various opportunities, ultimately leading him to Toro Verde. The decision to step away from touring cars and embrace the challenge of a new series was not taken lightly. However, Lloyd believes it is the right move for him at this time in his career. He recognizes that, in motorsport, there are no right or wrong decisions, but he is determined to put everything into this new endeavor.
As he transitions to the Carrera Cup, Lloyd is eager to start his testing program, which is expected to commence in March. While he has yet to experience the current 992-spec Carrera Cup car, Lloyd draws confidence from his previous encounters with Porsche vehicles. He raced a GT3 Porsche in the Dubai 24 Hours three years ago and achieved a second-place finish at Brands Hatch in 2016 during a couple of Carrera Cup rounds for In2 Racing. Lloyd is hopeful that he can quickly get up to speed and contribute to the Toro Verde team’s success. He sees his role as not only pushing himself but also assisting his teammates and the team as a whole.
Toro Verde boss David Fairbrother expresses utmost confidence in Lloyd’s abilities and his belief that the team will deliver. Lloyd’s impressive track record and his decision to choose Toro Verde over other series, including BTCC and British GT3, are testaments to the team’s potential. Fairbrother anticipates that Lloyd will continue to showcase his remarkable speed and competitiveness, positioning himself at the front of the pack during races.
This new chapter with Toro Verde marks an exciting turning point in Dan Lloyd’s racing career. With a return to his roots and a fresh challenge ahead, Lloyd demonstrates his determination and belief in the team’s potential for success. As the testing program kicks off, fans and fellow competitors eagerly await Lloyd’s debut in the Carrera Cup, expecting nothing short of impressive performances on the track.
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