Blair Morgan
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| Born: | October 9, 1975 Prince Albert, SK CAN |
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| Occupation: | Motocross and Snocross Racer |
Blair Morgan (born October 9, 1975 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan) is a multi-time CMRC Canadian National championship-winning motocross racer. He is also a multi-time World Snocross snowmobile champion and a 5-times X-Games gold medalist. Blair is a fan-favorite in the sport for his sheer speed and determination. He has made several comebacks from devastating injuries, and is crediting with pioneering the modern snocross riding style, drawing comparisons to Jeremy McGrath of supercross for his innovation.
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[edit] Motocross
Blair started racing in his early teens in his home province of Saskatchewan. He progressed through to the ranks of Pro, and made his debut on the Canadian National scene in 1993. After several seasons of working his way up the rankings behind riders like Carl Vaillancourt and Marco Dube, Morgan came into his own in 1997 and decimated the Nationals as a member of Two Wheel Kawasaki. He won the 250 title the next year, but lost the overall crown to Dube. He would regain the number one plate in 1999. 2000 marked a year of significant growth for the Canadian Nationals, and Morgan switched to the Blackfoot Honda team. Injury held him to a #7 ranking for the year, but he would rebound in style in 2001 by battling Jean Sebastien Roy throughout the year. Morgan scored more wins, but the title went to the Quebecer. Morgan won the four-stroke class at the US Open of Supercross that fall, the first win for the Honda CRF450R. 2002 was another season of terrific battles between the two teammates, but again Morgan ended up with the #2 plate. Blair started his own Yamaha team for 2003, but a horrific accident at Nanaimo, BC, ruined his season. A series of nagging injuries from both motocross and snocross held back Blair's pure speed for the next few years. Finally, in 2006, Morgan returned to form with Blackfoot Honda and scored mulitple podiums to finish the year 3rd overall behind Dusty Klatt and Roy.
[edit] Snocross
Blair started racing snocross for Arctic Cat full-time in 1997. His stand-up, high-flying and aggressive motocross style revolutionized the sport, and it would be a long time before Morgan would face much challenge. He claimed the majority of the race wins and championships for the next several seasons. 2001 would see Blair switch to Ski-Doo and continue his winning ways. He never defeated Kirk Hibbert for both titles in 2002 before his 2003 motocross injuries derailed further title hopes. He would bounce back to win again in 2004, and get injured again in 2005. Through it all, Morgan always comes through at the X-Games, finding a way to win almost every year.
[edit] Career titles
- 1999 CMRC National Motocross Champion
- 1997 CMRC National Motocross Champion
- 1998 CMRC 250 National Champion
- 5 X-Games Gold Medals (Snocross)
- Multi-time Snocross World Championships and race wins
[edit] Childhood
Blair was born in Prince Albert Saskatchewan. He was raised on a farm 44km out of the city of Prince Albert. His father Gwyn owns and operates a hog operation along side Blair's older brother Grant. Blair's mother June is a housewife and Mother of 4 children. Blair is the youngest of the 4 children. Grant the eldest of the children followed by Sharon, Rachel then Blair. Blair Was a quite child and most of his time was spent outdoors were the dirt bikes and the snowmobiles where his favorite pastimes. The many hours spent on the two attributed to his comfort and ability in both sports. Blair was raised watching his older brother Grant play and race on bikes and snowmobiles Grant being 9 years Blair's senior it is rare that Blair's racing bug was kept at bay until the ge of 13 where he was finally given his mothers go ahead to try his hand at racing. It was clear that he had a natural ability from that point on and a strong competitive drive.
