The top three from the Independent Drivers’ standings were also celebrated at the annual TOCA Night of Champions at Silverstone last weekend. Daniel Lloyd, Árón Taylor-Smith and Josh Cook all enjoyed their moment on the stage, as the trio looked back on the highs and lows of a memorable campaign… 

Independent Drivers’: 3rd place – Daniel Lloyd 

In his first year piloting the Team HARD. Racing CUPRA Leon, Daniel Lloyd built on his impressive 2022 performances to get stuck-in with the Independents’ fight.  

The Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils driver sealed third place with consistency, having secured 14 Independent rostrum finishes, including one win during the first half of the campaign at Snetterton. 

The heartache of a broken driveshaft prevented Lloyd from scoring an overall victory at Donington, but his undoubted pace and ability has again been proven throughout the season.  

Independent Drivers’: Runner-up – Árón Taylor-Smith 

Taylor-Smith enjoyed a fantastic campaign in 2023, with his first outright podium in seven years at Donington, quickly followed up by another trip to the rostrum during the following event at Silverstone. 

As far as the Independents’ trophy, Taylor-Smith’s performance throughout the season were strong, but it was the second-half of the calendar where his prowess truly shined, with four victories across three events. 

Securing second in the Independent Drivers’ Championship, Taylor-Smith will be aiming for one better next season after recently extending his deal with the CarStore Power Maxed Racing squad. 

Independent Drivers’: Champion – Josh Cook  

From the outset, Cook proved the dominant driver in the Independents’ battle, taking one victory and four runners-up points hauls in just the first two events. 

Since then, the One Motorsport with Starline Racing star claimed a further 13 independents victories, as well as five outright podiums, to secure his second successive Independents’ title, which he did with one event to go! 

While Cook clearly holds intentions to fight for the overall title, he and his team can be proud of their performance… adding yet more silverware to the cabinet! 

Our final look back at the TOCA Night of Champions will be posted early next week as we look back at the ultimate championship podium… the top three in this year’s overall Drivers’ championship!