FIM-E Champions Review – Alan Morrison Jnr – FIM-E Super Street Bike
Yeovil’s Alan Morrison Jnr grabbed attention on the FIM-E circuit with a breakthrough win at the European Finals in 2022. Boosted by the confidence gained, Morrison Jnr and the Protek prepped team headed into 2023 with a degree of focus. A clean sweep at the opening Main Event at Santa Pod in May led to a relatively hurried rescheduling to enable the British team to make the subsequent events in Sweden and Germany over the summer.
How do you look back on the season just gone?
This was my 3rd year in Super Street Bike but my 1st full season competing in the FIM-E series. Last year we struggled with handling issues but figured things out for the final round of 2022 which sent us into the winter with a new PB of 6.82. Knowing we had resolved our handling we could now concentrate of developing the bike and trying new ideas etc. I didn’t plan on doing the FIM-E series, however after our 1st outing in 2023 at the Festival of Power at Santa Pod we soon realised the potential of the bike. The 1st FIM-E meeting at Santa Pod in May saw some awesome track and air conditions and allowed us to come away with the event win and also setting the track and the European Speed record at 230.22mph.
Sweden in June was a fantastic experience for both me and my brother Ross, making our way there for the 1st time we got to enjoy the beautiful views that this amazing country had to offer. We were very impressed with Tierp Arena and its facilities and the track was also awesome. Unfortunately rain stopped play and we were unable to complete eliminations however I’d qualified 1st and managed to gather some important points. Round 3 in Tierp saw more rain on and off so despite an awesome effort by the track crew we were unable to finish.
Hockenheim was also a 1st for me and although I qualified 4th we managed to go through each round of eliminations getting quicker and quicker and then getting a PB in the final with a 6.71 to take the NitrOlympX title.
The final round at Santa Pod was very competitive amongst the top 5 in our class and we knew we had to be on the ball. Elimination day and all I had to do was get past my brother Ross and I would be crowned Champion. No team orders, me and Ross were left to fight it out and oh boy what a race! One of the best and closest races of 2023 and my championship depended on it [6.79 to an earlier leaving 6.93]. We went on to meet Jake [Mechaell] in the final and I took the win with a 6.76.
What was your season highlight?
I can’t give one highlight as there’s so many, resetting the European Speed Record at the Main Event, winning in Hockenheim, and my daughter Leah Morrison winning the FIM-E Junior Drag Bike Championship.
Opportunity missed?
Gotta be missing out on eliminations in Tierp [twice!] due to rain
Toughest moment throughout the season?
When your part of a family team of 9 bikes, 3 of which are in Super Street [father Alan competing in the class at UK domestic level] there is always going to be tough moments. The season was full of a lot of hard work making sure everyone gets to the line with competitive machinery.
Plans for next season?
Nationally I plan on concentrating on tuning and looking after my Dad in the ACU Super Street Bike Championship. Myself and brother Ross plan on testing at the Festival of Power [Easter at Santa Pod] and then we’ll be following the FIM series for 2024, try and get some PBs, try defend the FIM title and most importantly have fun!
Sponsors /People to thank?
I would like to send a massive thank you to former FIM-E champion and crew chief Rick Stubbins who has been a huge contributing factor in our team’s success throughout the 2023 season both in the FIM-E and the ACU Championships.
After taking a championship on his first full season on the European tour [and adding to it with the 2023 ACU and Santa Pod Racers Club domestic titles] with consistency and performance, coupled with the craft and experience of Protek Racing’s Rick Stubbins in one of the most competitive classes on the FIM-E ledger, we wouldn’t bet against the Morrisons adding to their trophy haul and taking a second title, and in doing so matching Stubbins as a two-time champion, sometime very soon.
Text and photo: Ivan Sansom & Rose Hughes
