Lloyd makes his mark on Ginetta debut

After strong performances in pre-season testing, BRDC Stars of Tomorrow scholarship winner, Daniel Lloyd and his team’s hopes were high ahead of his first race at the historic Brands Hatch circuit in Kent.

However, the Tockwith Motorsport driver discovered a problem with his car on Friday which momentarily upset his preparations - “We had a technical problem which we couldn’t cure, and in the end we simply had to swap to another car. I was still a bit off the pace, but the new car was a definite improvement.” But his dramas weren’t over yet - during Saturday’s practice the catalytic converter failed, necessitating a new exhaust system.

In Timed Qualifying session, Daniel qualified in a respectable 14th place - “I was a bit disappointed to be honest, because I really wanted to be in the top ten - but at least I wasn’t at the back!”

The damp, tricky conditions did little to calm the 15-year old’s nerves as he exited the pits to make his way round to the start for his first ever car race. He got off the line cleanly and managed to work his way up to 11th place. However a mistake saw him spin off the track. Keeping his engine running and with a sizeable advantage over the 12th-placed driver, Lloyd was able to calmly rejoin, holding his 11th place to the flag. “I’m still learning the limits of the car and myself and just dropped it at Clearways. Still, I’m pleased to finish my first ever race in one piece.”

With huge crowds filling the grandstands on Sunday, the Huddersfield Grammar pupil admitted that he was “wetting” himself prior to the race.

Nevertheless he got a great start, passing three cars into the first corner. On the 2nd lap, two cars spun and he moved up to 9th. Carrying superior speed onto the start/finish straight, Daniel caught Cassey Watson on the approach to Paddock Hill bend and dived down her inside. In fact he was so quick, that as he passed Watson, he surprised Aaron Williamson ahead of him, who promptly ran wide, hooked a wheel in the gravel and speared off the circuit - once again bringing out the safety car and promoting Daniel to 7th. The number of safety car periods appeared to take their toll on some of the front-runners, who were beginning to lose their cool. A collision between the two leaders saw Daniel inherit 5th place - becoming the top rookie on the track. A solid, sensible drive to the chequered flag cemented his position to the delight of his team.

Richard Dean, Managing Director of Ginetta Cars commented: “Daniel should be really pleased with himself. Making the transition from karts to cars isn’t easy. Everything’s different – from the starting procedures, to the way you drive. And to have to perform in such of a big crowd on your debut is especially nerve-wracking.”

Daniel said: “I’m glad to have got my first race meeting out of the way now and can’t believe how well it turned out. There’s plenty to build on and I’m confident that, as the season progresses, I can be challenging for podiums.”

With little time for Daniel to savour the memory of his dramatic debut – Lloyd’s back in action next weekend (5 / 6 April) at the Ginetta Festival at Cadwell Park, Lincolnshire.

Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography

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