Tordoff withdraws from Knockhill BTCC round

Tordoff scored his first win of the season in the opening race of the previous round at Thruxton, and the Honda pilot currently lies ninth in the standings.

A statement released on social media read: “My wife Georgina and I are heartbroken to say that our beautiful baby boy, Arlo George, passed away peacefully on Saturday.

“After arriving safely on Monday, 2nd September, it transpired that his kidneys were not formed properly. Sadly no cure or treatment could save him.

“We are devastated, but truly grateful for the precious days that we got to spend with our perfect baby boy. We ask that our privacy be respected at this painful time.”

UPDATE: On Tuesday it was announced that two-time Renault Clio Cup UK champion Mike Bushell will replace the absent Tordoff at Knockhill.

The decision to put Bushell in the car has been made with the full agreement of Tordoff and his family, with team boss Shaun Hollamby commenting: “Sam and the Tordoff family saw Mike as a natural choice."

Bushell, 30, raced for Team HARD last season and was due to stay on for a second season, but on the cusp of the new season his backing fell through and he was replaced by Jack Goff.

Since then he has worked as a race engineer on Rory Butcher’s AmDTuning.com Honda and has helped the Scotsman to two victories this year.