FIM-E Champions Review – Leah Morrison FIM-E Junior Drag Bike Cup

Although a short season (three events in comparison to five for the FIM-E championship classes), the FIM-E Junior Drag Bike Cup was something of a rollercoaster ride through England, Germany and back to England. The Euro Finals would continue the theme with the destination of the 2023 Junior Drag Bike title not decided until the final round of eliminations with Leah Morrison taking the big Cup back to the south west of England.

How do you look back on the season just gone?

This was my first full season in Junior Drag Bike and my first ever European season. The first meeting at Santa Pod’s Main Event I didn’t make it through the first round of Eliminations. The next meeting was NitrOlympX in Hockenheim I went through to the semi-finals where I broke out, I’d dialled in a 11.60 and ran an 11.59 which left me in 6th place overall for the championship. Onto the Euro Finals I made it through to the finals against one of my best friends Hollie King where the winner would take the title!! I went on to win the race and won the Championship by 1 point!!!

What was your season highlight?

I can’t decide which highlight to choose, it’s between racing in Hockenheim on a new track or winning the meeting at Euro Finals, I never thought I’d come away with the title going into the meeting in 6th place. It was really special for me and my Dad to both win the championship together.

Opportunity Missed?

I really enjoyed my whole season and can’t think of anything I would want to do differently.

Toughest Moment Throughout the Season?

Having to race against my brother Brad and cousin Faith [Morrison who competed at ACU level this year] in eliminations.

Plans for Next Season?

I have a new, faster bike next season. I’m moving up to a 250cc engine [from this year’s 125cc], I’m really excited to go faster.

Sponsors/People to thank?

I would like to say a massive thank you to all my family and my race family for all their support and words of encouragement, especially my Mum and Dad, Alan and Shannon Morrison and my uncle Ross.

The FIM-E trophy wasn’t the only one that the just turned 14-year-old Leah picked up in 2023 adding the ACU and Santa Pod Racers Club championships which, when coupled with her father’s Super Street Bike titles, means there’s going to be an awful lot of trophy polishing going on in the Morrison household during the winter’s break. They won’t be resting on their laurels in 2024, but there will again be a big emphasis on family fun next season.

Text and photo: Ivan Sansom & Rose Hughes