At just 11 years old, Emilio Pereira has already achieved something no other young rider has managed before.
The Normanby motorcycle racer has been crowned 2026 FAB Racing MK50 Champion, adding another major title to a season that has seen him establish himself as one of the brightest talents in junior bike racing.
The latest triumph comes just months after Emilio secured the British Mini Bikes (BMB) 160/50 Championship, making him the first rider to win both championships in the same season.
(Image: Angelo Pereira)
Emilio's dominance in the MK50 class helped him wrap up the title before the final two rounds of the season, meaning he didn't even have to take to the track in the last two races to be confirmed as champion.
His father said: "Emilio has done it. He's won the only other racing championship, the FAB Racing 2026 MK50 Championship.
"He's the first kid to have done it."
The statistics behind the title-winning campaign tell the story of a season built on remarkable consistency.
Emilio Pereira powers through a corner during a championship-winning race on his number 31 motorcycle. (Image: Angelo Pereira)
Across seven rounds, Emilio started 19 races and finished every one of them.
Eighteen of those finishes ended on the podium, including eight victories, nine second places and one third place.
His only finish outside the top three was a sixth place caused by mechanical issues.
Along the way, he also claimed three pole positions and set a lap record, underlining the speed that has made him one of the standout riders in the paddock.
The title caps an extraordinary year for the 11-year-old, who also finished runner-up in the FAB Racing 160/50 Championship, leaving him just short of what would have been a clean sweep of all three major titles available to him.
Emilio Pereira leans low through a bend while competing on track during the 2026 season. (Image: Angelo Pereira)
For a rider who stepped up from rookie mini moto racing only a couple of seasons ago, the progress has been remarkable.
Behind the success is a family effort that has seen relatives and friends travel the country to support Emilio's racing ambitions.
Among his biggest supporters is grandfather Des Wardell, who has been a familiar presence at race meetings throughout the season.
Emilio's father previously praised his grandfather's encouragement and commitment to attending race weekends, saying his support had helped keep the youngster focused and in the right frame of mind.
His father also paid tribute to Emilio's brother, Gino, for the sacrifices he has made to help the family attend practice sessions and race meetings, as well as the many sponsors, supporters and fellow competitors who have played a role in the youngster's success.
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Reflecting on the season, he said: "This really is a 'we made it'.
"Emilio couldn't have done it on his own."
With two national championships and a vice-championship already to his name at the age of 11, 2026 will be remembered as a landmark year for the Normanby racer.
For now, however, Emilio and his family are looking forward to a well-earned break before preparing for the next chapter of what is shaping up to be an exciting racing career.