MICRA man Steve Johnson claimed his hat-trick of SD34 Stage Championship titles after finishing 43rd and eighth in class on the Neil Howard Memorial Stages.

Johnson, from Accrington, and co-driver Steve Butler made the most of the treacherous conditions, which helped the smaller-engined cars in the event.

A typically neat and tidy drive in the one-litre car put the pair up to 35th overall - out of 72 starters - at the end of the first eight-mile test.

And although drying conditions lessened their advantage, 43rd was enough to take the title.

l Steve Johnson would like to thank Dave Barratt, Steve Butler and members of the CSMA North West and Accrington Motorsport Club for their help this year.