JEP
OPTION 3: TOURING CARS Dorlin found his way back into the sport through a third option.“ It came full circle when I bumped into Danny Buxton at the end of 2024.” By now Buxton was running the Speedworks operation in the BTCC and Dorlin was offered an opportunity to race a Toyota Corolla.
Touring Car racing offers an alternative route to GT and sportscars but first Dorlin had to relearn old habits.“ It’ s a different technique trying to get lap time and manage the tyres, plus the style of racing and qualifying,” he says.
“ Compared to a GT car, they are very finicky and can be very temperamental. There’ s a lot of things that are heavily modified that aren’ t factory-built. I’ ve had my fair share of little things going wrong, but that happens for everyone.”
Having found a full-time drive in the Restart Racing Hyundai i30 N, Dorlin is currently leading the Jack Sears Trophy standings- including three category wins as well as two Independents Trophy victories at Thruxton – which proves that talent shines through. But one difference is the bigger profile, with live TV and huge crowds.
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“ You’ re on track three times a day, you’ ve got engineering meetings, Q & As for your team’ s hospitality, autograph sessions, and still trying to get results. It’ s very intense, but the biggest pressure is that there’ s people spending a lot of money and putting their trust in me.”
Without the resources of a manufacturer or wealthy amateur, Dorlin must raise funds for his racing, but he has developed commercial skills that have helped him build businesses as varied as vinyl wrapping, construction, property and accountancy.“ You’ ve got a tangible offering because of the TV and history of the championship. Most people have heard of it, whereas racing a GT is more of a challenge.
“ Each is a hard sell, but a lot can be done to showcase the value in brand awareness and especially in speech, networking, and extras. Some companies will pay to have a VIP box at football, but motorsport is unique as you can take your clients in the garage and be close to the action.”
Dorlin’ s advice to aspiring racers would be:“ Build relationships. It’ s more about who you know and making sure that people think of you over others. Meet as many people as you can, put yourself out there in those uncomfortable situations, even when you’ re young, and just get talking to people. That’ s where my opportunities have come from.
“ There’ s a lot of pressure to go particular routes, and to spend a lot of money, but I would say go with what you feel right at the time. It takes a lot of sacrifice but don’ t be worried about missing one year of racing to give yourself a better chance the following year.”
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