Daniel Lloyd, driver for Autobrite Direct with Millers Oils, achieved his goal of securing a top-three finish in the Independents’ Trophy after battling his way to a brace of top-ten results in the final meeting of the 2023 Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship season at Brands Hatch (7/8 October).

The Huddersfield racer went into the final meeting of the year eager to try and overhaul Andrew Watson in the Independents’ standings, whilst also hoping for three strong overall results at the home circuit for Team HARD - the team running his Cupra Leon this season.

Two productive practice sessions around the iconic Grand Prix layout saw Lloyd lap within half a second of the pace, leaving confidence high going into qualifying on Saturday afternoon. However, he was unable to maximise Qualifying and ended up back in 18th place despite showing some strong sector times.

Fighting hard in the midfield in the early stages of the opening race, Lloyd was able to battle his way forward into the top 15 to score a championship point before bolting on the quicker soft Goodyear compound tyre for race two.

Showing solid pace, he climbed his way through to tenth place in fine style, but missed out by just one position on being drawn for pole for the final race of the weekend.

Although he lost a spot on lap one, Lloyd charged on once again and made his way through to take seventh overall and second amongst the Independents.

That would prove to be crucial as the result allowed Lloyd to overhaul Watson in the Independents’ standings to secure third place and 13th overall.

Lloyd said:  "We were able to gradually work our way forward in races one and two to get into a position where the reverse grid came into play, and it was a shame that we just missed out as I think the pace was in the car to stay towards the front if we’d been drawn there.

"However, to come away from the finale with two top-ten finishes and third in the Independents’ standings is a good finish and further indication of the progress we’ve made during the season. There is no doubt it’s been a tough year but the potential has been clear to see.

"Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible to be out there without the backing of my partners, and I have to thank each and every one of them for their support this season."