When it comes to BMX, remember the name Karepa Heke Kaiawha – the Maungatapu Primary School pupil who caused a bit of a stir at this year's North Island championships with his riding skills.

The 11-year-old managed to pick up two titles at the tournament as well as finishing second in the Mighty 11 Class, held in Taupo.

Karepa Heke Kaiawha (centre) getting lined up for a race. Photo: Supplied.

The youngster was one of around 35 riders from the Tauranga BMX Club who recently took part in the event. More than 670 riders from all over the North Island competed.

Karepa's dad Des says he is proud of his son's achievements.

'He started off riding a bike with no training wheels as a two-year-old,” explains Des.

'So I took him to the BMX track at Sulphur Point. He's come a long way from then and I'm really proud of him. He worked really hard to get to where he is today.”

Des says the North Island champs were a gruelling encounter for Karepa.

'He was the only kid there that raced in three classes. All of his finals were within 35 minutes of each other.”

The youngster raced in the 11-year-old Boys' class, the Mighty 11s class and the Cruiser class for 11-to-12-year-olds. Karepa finished first, second and first respectively.

'He raced 23 motos over two days and he won 20 of those,” says Des. 'He was disappointed not to ake the Mighty 11 Test Team, so he had nothing to lose.

'I entered him as a late entry into the other classes and he just took it one race at a time and took it in his stride. He was determined to get a win.”

Des says his son is always focused when it comes to racing.

The next big event for Karepa and the other members of the Tauranga BMX Club will be the nationals being held in Pukekohe on Easter Weekend next year.