Daniel Lloyd put in a sensational performance in the inaugural TCR UK Championship season opener, taking pole position and both race wins in the WestCoast Racing Volkswagen Golf GTI at Silverstone (31 March – April 1).
Having penned a last-minute, one-round deal with the Swedish-based squad only 5 days before the maiden TCR UK round, Lloyd showed his class over the weekend and comes away from the opening weekend with an incredible 25-point lead at the top of the Championship standings.
The weekend started well for the 26-year-old during Saturday’s highly-competitive qualifying session. Mixed weather conditions saw times tumble during the closing minutes, and Lloyd manged to snatch pole position on his last flying lap in the VW Golf.
Cool-headed Lloyd kept his composure for the entire 31 lap opening race, piloting the WestCoast Racing Golf GTI to a commanding lights-to-flag victory, with a 2.255 second gap at the head of the pack and writing his way into the history books as the first-ever TCR UK race winner.
With his second fastest qualifying lap time putting him into P2, the top 10 reversed grid format saw Lloyd start race 2 from the fifth row in P9. An incredible opening lap drive however, saw the Yorkshireman carve his way up through the field and into 3rd place. Biding his time, Lloyd then took the opportunity to take the race lead on lap 5 where he remained untroubled for the remainder of the race, taking the second race win of the day and cementing his advantage at the top of the Championship standings.
“It’s been an incredible weekend;” said Lloyd. “We knew we needed to make the most of the weekend coming here with such a last minute deal in place, so to come away leading the Championship and with both race wins is a dream!”
“We were really strong in all sessions and our risk running on the slicks when we did in qualifying really paid off with the last lap pole position. It was a really tough session but thankfully we made it counted when it mattered most.
“I got a really good start in the first race and managed to set the pace and build up a gap from there. 31 laps at Silverstone is a long race and I really concentrated on looking after the tyres and not pushing over the track limits.
“It was an awesome feeling to get the first-ever TCR UK win and the race got some excellent coverage, especially after coming into the Championship so late in the day.”
“Race 2 was even better!” continued Lloyd. “The opening lap was probably one of the best first laps I’ve ever done. I was totally focussed on getting my way to the front of the pack and every move I tried came off. It’s a mega feeling to come away with both race wins and leading the Championship. I’m over the moon!”
“I’d like to say a massive thanks to Dick Jönsson Wigroth and all of the team at WestCoast Racing for giving me the opportunity and such a great car;” Lloyd added. “The team were faultless all weekend, incredibly professional and it’s great to be sitting at the top of the Team standings with them as well.
In spite of his record-making weekend, Huddersfield-based Lloyd is still looking for new partners and backers to come on-board to help secure his drive for the remainder of the season. The 26-year-old is working tirelessly to raise the necessary budget to allow him to continue his Championship leading campaign, but needs additional support to ensure he returns to the grid to contest the remaining six race weekends.
“There are so many positives coming out of the weekend, and I’d love to carry that momentum into a full season programme with WestCoast Racing;” explained Lloyd. “We’re working hard on making that happen and the TCR UK coverage online and across TV and traditional media is fantastic. The Championship already has a strong fan base and loyal following right across Europe and the World even so it offers excellent brand exposure, promotional opportunities and value for money for any companies looking to get into motorsport.”
The TCR UK Championship returns at Knockhill Racing Circuit in Fife for rounds 3 and 4 on May 12-13.
