In 1976, at the age of 4, Alan started out on a 50cc Techomoto mini road racer. A bike he shared with his big brother, Brian. Spending hours riding around the family farm enjoying every minute.

Starting Schoolboy scrambling, along with Brian, in the early 80's, they raced at various locations throughout Northern Ireland. Having started in the 50s, Alan moved up through the classes eventually having some success in the 125cc Seniors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1988, Alan moved to the Adult ranks racing on a dual license. With a new 125cc Honda, the plan for 1989 was to race in the grade "C" open championship and selected youth races. Early wins at the "March hare" meant a move to the grade "B" class before the championship began. Both brothers favoured the higher speeds of grass track racing and won Ulster Championships in 1989.

Having achieved championship success, Alan was upgraded to the Grade "A" class for 1990. The next three years were spent contesting the Ulster and Irish motocross championships, with a best championship finish of 8th place and several top 3 race finishes.

Having tested Brian Reid's 600 Regal specification Yamaha, at Kirkistown in the summer of 1993; Alan, Brian and Father Ian decided the time was right to move to short circuit racing. A 125cc Honda was purchased with an agreement to share the bike for the 1994 season. Brian raced the first half of the season while Alan studied for his finals at the Queens University of Belfast.

In July Alan took his turn on the Honda racing in the 125cc Clubmans championship and won first time out. Alan had several more wins in the series and some strong finishes in the national championship. For 1995 a new 125 Honda was bought. Early success at Bishopscourt and Mondello park set up a good season. Alan finished 2nd in the Irish and 3rd in the Ulster Championship.

Alan joined the MSR racing team onboard a 250cc Yamaha in '96. Achieving good results throughout the year a spill a Nutts Corner ended with a broken leg. Again racing for Robert McGlaughlin's team on board a new 250cc Honda, Alan moved his attentions to British level racing with good result including 9th at Knockhill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a split from the MSR team for 1997, Alan retained his 250cc Honda sponsored by his parents. He raced this bike for the next 2 seasons at home in Ireland. Notable successes were achieved at Easter Monday and The Champion of Champions both held at Kirkistown.

Alan retired from competitive racing in 2000 on the arrival of his son, Aaron.