STEVE Johnson made production car trial history when he contested Ilkley motor club's event - driving his autotest Mini Special.

And the Accrington-based firefighter came away with a creditable third in class, and more points in his bid for the ANWCC and BTRDA Allrounders Championships.

Explained Steve: "As the name infers, a PCT is aimed at standard road cars, although organisers include a class of modified cars.

"I had originally planned to use my roadgoing Citroen BX, but there were more points to be had if I used the Mini Special.

"To my knowledge, this is the first time anyone's contested a PCT in an open-topped autotest special."

Over 25 competitors, including leading drivers Nick Pollitt and Neil McKay, tackled a total a total of 40 'hills' laid out by the organisers on land near Poole-in-Wharfedale.

The competitive element in a trial is the ability to climb sections - or hills - of varying difficulty and gradient on a grass hillside.

There is no timing, only the distance covered up the hill, which is judged by observers on each section.

Johnson returns to asphalt action tomorrow in

Huddersfield MC's Steve Powell Memorial autotest.

He is currently leading the SD34 Off Road Championship and in the top three of the ANCC and ANWCC autotest championships following a string of good results in his T. Blank Tyres-sponsored Mini Saloon.

Johnson finished joint second with Burnley's Tim Sargeant at Pendle DMC's event at Rolls Royce, Barnoldswick, before going on to take overall victory at the Bury Automobile Club summer autotest.

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