Dan Lloyd’s 2021 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship campaign gets back underway this weekend with the long-awaited return of trackside fans – after an 18-month hiatus – at Norfolk’s Snetterton circuit (12/13 June).
Having made his Adrian Flux with Power Maxed Racing debut behind closed doors at the season opener in May, the 29-year-old is looking to maximise on his top-five finish at Thruxton and collect another strong points haul for his championship tally in the #123 Vauxhall Astra.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year – the 300 circuit layout is also poised to feature two of the series’ most entertaining features in the ‘Top Ten Showdown’ format for qualifying and Goodyear’s ‘Option’ tyre.
Hosted for the first time last season, the new qualifying format gives drivers a reduced window of 25-minutes to secure a spot in top ten lap times – with those successfully making it through competing for the chance to take pole position in a further ten-minute showdown.
Lap times will be reset following the first session, with all ten competitors heading back out to complete as many flying laps as possible during the final ten minutes – adding an extra element of drama to Saturday’s qualifying proceedings.
In addition – the Goodyear ‘Option’ tyre format stipulates that the option tyre must be used at least once during the three races, with the teams and drivers having to confirm choices and unveil their strategies before qualifying.
“I’m really looking forward to the weekend ahead and feeling super positive,” said Lloyd. “I haven’t raced at Snetterton for a very long time but I do like the circuit. I recently did some driver coaching there so I feel a bit more on top of it than I did at Thruxton.
“I managed to get a good simulator session in last week in preparation for the weekend. Hopefully, we can get to grips with the set-up much quicker than we did at Thruxton and show more of our potential. The Top Ten Showdown is going to make things very interesting in qualifying and adds a new element, as will the return of the option tyre.
“It’s going to be such a buzz racing in front of the BTCC fans, family and guests again. It just hasn’t been the same without them there. I’m sure we’ll all put on a good show for them.”
The Yorkshireman currently lies seventh in the Independents’ standings, with the Adrian Flux with Power Maxed Racing Team leading the Independent Teams’ and third overall ahead of the second meeting of the season in Norfolk.
