CHIPPENHAM racer Pete Diccox says this year will be his last in the Castle Combe Formula Ford 1600 Championship after 25 years in the sport.

The 79-year-old considered retiring following a terrifying 120mph accident at the last round of the championship earlier this month, after he and race leader Michael Moyers collided.

But Diccox will return at this weekend’s BARC Motors TV race meeting on Bank Holiday Monday and has vowed to finish the season.

“The cars back together and we’re going to be there this weekend racing,” said Diccox, who started competing at Castle Combe aged 55.

“I keep promising the wife I’m going to finish and said last year was going to be my last. But I’m turning 80 this year and I think I ought to call it a day.

“It’s going to be the last season I think, I’ve enjoyed it and it’s been good all through the years but I want to concentrate on my grandson [Jamie Skuse] and his motorbike racing.

“A lot of people have told me they admire me because I do it at my age, but I don’t do it because of that.

“I enjoy the company of the youngsters and I think that’s what has kept me feeling young because I’ve raced with so many of them.

“I used to be fairly good but I left it late in life and started when a lot of people are finishing their careers.

“I think I better back down and let the youngsters carry on.”