Huddersfield’s Daniel Lloyd re-joins the Craft Bamboo Racing squad in China this coming weekend as the GT Asia Series reconvenes for the penultimate meeting of the year on the Shanghai International Circuit (September 25-27).
Aston Martin Evolution Academy driver Lloyd will once again partner championship challenger Darryl O’Young in the #99 VLT Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3 as the pair look to close the gap on the championship lead during the weekend’s two, hour-long sprint format races.
Straight off the back of his superb British GT race win at Donington Park just over a week ago, 23 year-old Lloyd is confident of carrying his good form into the closing races of the GT Asia Series where he and O’Young claimed an impressive pole and podium on his championship debut in Sepang last month.
“After our podium last time out in Sepang and then following it up with the win in the British GT, I’m feeling positive heading into the weekend and really looking forward to getting back into the GT3 again;” said Lloyd.
“It’s another new circuit for me to learn so we have a big challenge ahead of us, but the guys at MSA Team UK have been helping me out with work on the simulator in preparation so I’m confident that with the support from Darryl and the Craft Bamboo squad we’ll be right up there challenging for podiums once more.”
The duo face fierce competition from Asia’s top GT teams and racers on the tight and technical Shanghai circuit but Lloyd is determined to continue his impressive run and help re-ignite O’Young’s chances of clinching the championship title, with the 35 year-old heading into the weekend just 4 points off the current leaders.
Lloyd added; “I’d also like to say a huge thanks to The Departure Lounge for sorting our travel arrangements this weekend. Flights and accommodation can be a minefield to arrange at short notice so Jo’s wealth of knowledge has been invaluable.”
Following free practice test sessions on Friday morning, qualifying for both of the weekend’s hour long races will take place at 14.20 and 14.45 local time (07.20 and 07.45 UK time). Round 8 of the GT Asia Series is scheduled for 12noon local time (5am UK time) on Saturday, September 26th with round 9 starting at 16.45 local time (09.45 UK time) on Sunday, September 27th.