Emilio Pereira, 11, says 'It was a pretty good weekend' after he won another national title and broken a course record

Teesside mini-biking star Emilio Pereira has become a double champion after another title win. Modest Emilio, 11, had "a pretty good weekend" as he won another national title and broke a course record at Llandow Circuit, being crowned FAB Racing MK50 champion, representing Teesside in South Wales.

Over the weekend, the St. Patrick’s Catholic College student climbed the MK-MiniGP50 table, ultimately securing the most points throughout the season, beating the nation’s best 50cc minibike riders. The Middlesbrough rider made eight competitive appearances on the track, near Cardiff, from October 9 to 11.

“It was a pretty good weekend! I won the [50] championship. Although I had a little off in race three, which cost me the championship [in 50-R], I set a lap record!” said the youngster.

The young star was runner up for 2026 FAB Racing MK50-R championship, taking home silver for this specialised configuration of a 50cc race, designed for faster races sharing the track with modified bikes. Emilio still set a record time of 0:48.361 in the MiniGP50-R, just a month after setting the MK-MiniGP50 record at 0:44.947 at the Three Sisters Circuit.

His new trophy will sit alongside his 2026 British Mini Bikes Championship win, marking the end of his first season on a geared bike. Emilio trains on his minibike whenever possible, but often practices on a mountain bike outside the limited sessions for young riders.

“Being a double champion - it was amazing to get it after all the hard work I’ve been putting in, and I almost got the treble!”, said Emilio. “My three main competitors, Caelan, Mason, and Jenson, I’m pretty good friends with - but on the track we’re just rivals!

On his favourite parts of the weekend, Emilio said: “Riding the bike feels great - I love going fast, getting the adrenaline rush. The commentary was really good, I felt like it helped me engage more in the race when I watched it back. About me, they said ‘the bull got stung by the hornet, but he just brushed it off’.

Emilio won the British Mini Bikes Championship championship last month, making him a double champion in his first year on a geared bike. Of 45 race finishes, Emilio has finished off the podium only once this season due to bike issues.

Emilio was no stranger to the podium, though, having brought home gold from the Mini Moto Rookie Championships in 2024. His grandad Des was the family’s only racing fan until Emilio asked his parents if he could have a bike for Christmas, aged just eight, after an outing to Silverstone Circuit. Now, Emilio’s dad Angelo, mum Jodie, and older brother Gino are all happily involved in the world of motobike racing - and Gino is Emilio’s “biggest fan”.

Gino, 12, said: “As much as we sacrifice, our weekends, to watch him, supporting Emilio is mint! I love it, I love watching him win and celebrating all his achievements. I also like to spend time with all the other people in the paddock.”

Emilio’s dad Angelo has said: “in 2027, we are looking to have a bit of a break, we have been so focused on winning that we haven’t done much else as a family. We are planning on doing more fishing, camping and travelling as a family.”

He still recommends the sport to anyone who’s interested, adding: “It’s easy to get into and is fantastic for the kids and families. We suggest you buy a cheap motorbike to start with, and purchase all the leathers and protective gear - Emilio’s are from ARN race leathers”