BARRY Johnson may be forced to quit the Scottish Rally Championship because his rivals are not prepared to give him a run for his money.

Shildon-based Johnson has romped to victory in the opening three rounds this season to add to the four he won at the tail end of last year.

But even if he lifts the title Johnson, who finished more than 30 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor in last weekend's Granite City Rally, has already said he won't defend it because he believes his domination has left other drivers running scared.

Johnson 'won' last year's championship only to have it controversially taken away from him in a row with rival Raymond Munro.

It has made him even more determined to see off all-comers this time around but sadly Johnson says this will be his last season north of the border.

"It's sad because I started my rallying up there," he said. "They were only too willing to compete against me when I was finishing fifth and sixth and seventh.

"This is just the start of my fifth year rallying and now I have developed my skills nobody will come out and play."

Johnson has already set his sights on another challenge if he is forced out of Scotland.

"I am going to do some World Rally Championship events next year," he said, before adding wryly. "But I might just for devilment turn up in Scotland with a Group N car and try and win it from there!"

l It was a winning weekend all round for Johnson after he watched his sons Daniel (15) and Thomas (11) take class victories in a motorcycle trials event at Butsfield Quarry, Consett.