STEVE Johnson's 1999 autotest season went out with a bang - after he suffered his biggest ever accident.

The Accrington-based Mini man was contesting the final round of the ANWCC championship at Oldham College, when disaster struck just yards into the first test.

Explained Steve: "The brake caliper fractured just as I was stopping on the first line. With no brakes, I ended up hitting the kerb edge at high speed.

"The impact pushed the engine back on its mountings, splitting the sump and damaging most of the front suspension, bodyshell and exhaust.

"Fellow competitor Dave Mosey came to the rescue with the offer of sharing his Mini Special, and once I got used to his car, managed to set some quick times."

Despite being unfamiliar with Mosey's car, Steve went on to finish third in class and fourth overall. "I'd like to thank Gordon Kemp of T.Blank Tyres, Accrington, for his continued support this year, and to Kieron Abbott, of Read Motor Body Centre for the paintwork and hopefully, the body repairs!" added Steve.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.