RORY Collingbourne says he does expect to take part in the next two rounds of the Renault UK Clio Cup at Croft in North Yorkshire.

The Newport teenager admits there has been some doubt over his participation following engine problems during the Oulton Park double-header last weekend.

More mechanical issues meant Collingbourne could only manage finishes of 16th and 18th, results which saw him drop a place to 15th in the championship.

Mike Bushell continues to lead the series after a win and second place in Cheshire – he heads Ant Whorton-Eales by 14 points ahead of the trip to Croft on June 18-19.

As for Collingbourne, he and his Team Cooksport bosses will go back to the drawing board to see if they can get the youngster’s car up to scratch.

Reflecting on the difficulties he faced at Oulton Park, Collingbourne said: “There was a problem with the air intake cooler and that shuts off the boost which means you don’t have any power.

“In both races I went from around 16th to 10th on the first lap before going back down the field because I couldn’t keep up with the other cars.

“We’re looking at different things to fix the problem but some are expensive, though we should be going to Croft.”

He added: “I’m 15th in championship, this time last year I was eighth. I’m just getting fed up with problem after problem.

“It’s just annoying because guys I was beating last year are now finishing fifth and sixth.

“I really hate giving excuses but we had problems with the suspension at Brands Hatch, the gearbox actuator at Thruxton and the engine at Oulton Park.

“In testing we are in the top five and sometimes first, but I’m not enjoying finishing where I have been.

“I love racing but I hate finishing well back.”

Collingbourne’s teammates Lee Pattison and George Jackson sit fourth and 13th respectively in the overall standings, while Team Cooksport lie fourth in the team championship.