CHIPPENHAM racer Will Di Claudio is hopeful that changes to his car will keep him in the hunt for this year’s Saloon Car Championship when he competes in the next round at Castle Combe.

The 35-year-old is currently tied on points with Simon Norris for the outright title with only three rounds remaining, including the double-header on Bank Holiday Monday.

Di Claudio had planned to swap cars midway through the season from his Class D Citroen Saxo to a Class C Peugeot 106 but has decided against the change to focus on the championship.

“We have been tinkering with the car a little bit. We’ve been playing with the engine as the cam timing was not quite right and some suspension setups,” said Di Claudio, who has claimed three outright championship wins in his 17 seasons in the sport.

“My car might be quick enough but I’m not able to say as I haven’t had chance to test it.

“I wouldn’t say I’m confident but I’m going to give it a damn good go.

“It all depends what happens, if I have issues or if Simon does.

“The car I was obviously thinking about changing if I wasn’t in with a chance of the championship halfway through the year.

“The 106 I have built is better prepared and a quicker car than my Class D and I think it’s quick enough to be up the front with the big cars.

“I’m going to race the car at the final round in an open race to give it a good shakedown.”