Daniel Lloyd will unfortunately miss the second half of the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship after talks with a large backer failed to materialise into expected funding.

24-year-old Lloyd has made a spectacular addition to the BTCC grid since making his debut at Thruxton back in May, securing an incredible two front row qualifying results in the Eurotech Racing Honda Civic Type R at Oulton Park and Croft and winning the Jack Sears ‘rookie of the weekend’ Trophy honours during his three appearances.

“I’m absolutely gutted to be missing the second half of the season;” said Lloyd. “We have been in talks with a large sponsor since the start of the season and all of the plans we were in place for funding for the remaining rounds right up until last week, but then unfortunately it all fell through at the last minute.”“It’s a pretty bitter pill to take especially after the results we’ve had in the three rounds we’ve competed in. The guys at Eurotech Racing have been awesome. I’m really grateful to Jeff Smith for giving me the opportunity to race for the team and also to the lads behind the scenes for giving me a mega car capable of qualifying on the front row, not just once, but twice in a row.”Lloyd and the Eurotech Racing squad enjoyed a productive two day test at Snetterton in Norfolk just last month, with the Yorkshireman showing his capabilities once more by posting the second fastest time on track against the leading BTCC drivers and manufacturer-backed squad’s.“Confidence was really high looking ahead to Snetterton this weekend;” added Lloyd. “We had such a great couple of days at the Dunlop test last month. We made really big steps forward with the car and I think we would have gone into the second half of the season in really good form. Everyone has worked really hard on track and away from the circuit and it’s such a shame that we can’t carry that on.“I’ve enjoyed every minute of racing in the BTCC and will be working harder than ever to get back onto the grid. I have to say a massive thank you to my long term sponsors Mend A Hose, Silver Bay Point, Support Warehouse, The Print Academy and Pro Pack for their help and continued support. I’d also like to thank all of the BTCC fans who have been fantastic and made me feel very welcome. The BTCC is a great Championship and I hope to be back racing in it again very soon.”