Meet Daniel Hartley
Daniel Hartley is a young racing driver stepping into circuit racing in 2026, focused on steady development, professionalism, and long term progression.
The story so far
Daniel built his foundations in competitive karting, developing the skills that carry over into car racing: race craft, consistency, smart decision-making under pressure, and strong execution across a full weekend. Those results laid the groundwork for the next step, and the focus is now firmly on circuit racing.
Building on that foundation, Daniel has been selected by Speedworks Motorsport and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK to join their Rising Stars Programme for 2026. This is a major milestone in his pathway and an environment built for development, with support across coaching, engineering guidance, physical preparation, and media training.
Daniel is open about living with autism and dyslexia. He approaches racing with structure and routine, responding to clear feedback and measurable goals—an attitude that shapes his training, circuit learning, and session-by-session improvement.
2026 focus
In 2026 Daniel begins his circuit racing journey within the Speedworks Motorsport and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing UK Rising Stars Programme. The aim is to develop quickly, race competitively, and build momentum across the season through consistent performance and continual improvement.
Driving style and strengths
Daniel is known for a smooth driving style and a calm, focused approach in the car. He is coachable, committed, and takes debriefs seriously. Preparation matters to him, and he puts the work in away from the track so he can deliver when it counts.
Key strengths
- Calm under pressure and focused on the process
- Coachable, with a professional attitude and strong work ethic
- Analytical approach to driving, feedback and performance
- Reliable representation for partners on and off track
What Daniel is aiming for
Daniel’s goal is to keep building pace and confidence, deliver strong performances, and take a clear step forward at every event. Just as importantly, he wants to build long term partnerships with brands and people who value performance, progression, and a clear plan.