HAILSHAM'S Rick Lemmon has failed in his attempt to win the V6 Eurocar Championship.

But Lemmon is still hoping to clinch second place when the final round of the series takes place at Mallory Park on October 11.

And the 38-year-old has vowed to return next year for another crack at winning the title.

In the penultimate round of the series at Castle Combe last weekend, Lemmon knew a win from him and a bad day for championship leader Steve Dance could have turned the series on its head.

But Dance produced another faultless display to retain his title and Lemmon suffered major disappointments, particularly in the first race.

A steering problem in qualifying meant the Sussex driver had to start from the back of the grid, but he made his way through to third place and was looking to challenge the leading two.

However, an incident saw Lemmon veer off the track and, although he rejoined, he had to settle for tenth place.

Race two was better as Lemmon finished third, but it was not the victory he was hoping for.

Lemmon said: "We have had good results this season, but we have also had some malfunctions. We have only ever had a malfunction, won or come near to it.

"We know the car has the ability to win and that is reassuring.

"We are pleased with the season. It is just that Steve Dance has not had one bit of bad luck in two years and that is amazing in this sport."

Lemmon is looking ahead to Mallory Park, when he hopes to secure second spot in the championship, but he added: "We will be competing again next year in the class, again supporting the NSPCC."

Over the last couple of years, Lemmon has carried the logo of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children on his car.

He raises funds on the back of that and all that money goes towards helping the charity in their work.

The arrangement is like a reverse sponsorship. Rather than being sponsored to race, Lemmon carries the flag of the charity and raises money for them.

It means he does not have the funds of some of his rivals, but he added: "I am just pleased to help publicise the NSPCC and their Full Stop campaign, and hopefully we can stop cruelty for good.

"Our series gets a lot of media coverage and it helps us raise money for them."