Dan Lloyd is to miss the second half of the BTCC season after being forced to stand down from his drive with Eurotech Racing.

The 24-year-old joined the team at Thruxton back in May after the Honda team was able to acquire a third TBL and produced a series of impressive performances; including qualifying on the front row of the grid at both Oulton Park and Croft.

However, the failure to secure funding from a potential sponsor has now forced Lloyd to stand down from his drive, with Eurotech reverting back to a two-car team this weekend.

“I’m absolutely gutted to be missing the second half of the season,” he said. “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.”

Despite the disappointment however, Lloyd said he was working hard to ensure he was able to return to the series in the future.

“I’ve enjoyed every minute of racing in the BTCC and will be working harder than ever to get back onto the grid,” he said. “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.”