Young Andover motorcycle racer targeting nationals success

Beau Morris, 11, originally from Stockbridge, but who now lives in Middle Wallop, races in the Metrakit GP50 British championship – part of the FAB Racing British Minibikes Championship, regarded as a grassroots route towards elite national and Grand Prix paddocks.

He comes from a distinguished racing family, following in the tyre tracks of his father, champion road racer Leon Morris, and his grandfather.

Beau, 11, is following in his father and grandfather's tyre tracks (Image: Leon Morris)

Beau, who only moved from BMX racing to geared motorcycles at the end of 2024, rounded off last season in style by winning the junior Lord of Lydden event at Lydden Hill in Kent. His performances there and in the FAB series have now helped attract local sponsorship.

He is being supported this year by Andover Classic Motorcycle Workshop, a classic motorcycle service and restoration centre in Andover, which is owned by sister company Andover Norton International Ltd.

Andover Norton is a long‑established manufacturer and distributor of genuine spare parts for classic Norton machines, supplying customers worldwide from its Andover base.

Beau in action (Image: Leon Morris)

Leon said the backing is vital if Beau is to keep progressing in such an expensive sport. He said: “With regards to the support we have received from Andover Classic Motorcycle Workshop, motorcycle road racing is an incredibly expensive and time‑consuming sport. For us, we cannot compete without having support from people like Karl and the team.

“The financial support means we can maintain the race bike to the highest standard, we can use new tyres when needed, we can attend practice days in between race meetings and repair the bike when it inevitably gets damaged.

"Aside from financial support, Andover Classics has a team of people that are right behind us every step of the way, whether that be advice, help and exposure on social media, and even coming to the races to support us. It is great to have a local motorcycle company, supporting a local boy.”

Beau in action (Image: Leon Morris)

Leon added that the family are also “very grateful” for ongoing support from Rapid Selfstore, E.C Fenning & Son and Toiletspares.co.uk.

Beau has already started to repay that faith on track. At his second race meeting of the year, held last weekend at Clay Pigeon Raceway in Dorset – a regular stop on the FAB Racing calendar – he secured third place in the final race and finished third overall across the three races. The result leaves him sitting third in the Metrakit GP50 British championship standings.

Karl Smith, managing director of Andover Norton, said the partnership is also helping the business reach a new audience. He said: “Andover Norton has been trading for over 50 years and our customer base is mainly the older generation, as these are the people riding the classic bike. I wanted to attract the younger generation and as Beau is local we thought this was a good match for both of us.”

With local backing behind him and a strong start to the season, Beau now has his sights set on climbing further up the championship table as the FAB Racing series continues at circuits across the UK.