A YOUNG Cornish moto racer is set to speed around the track as he gears up to compete against some of the best in the world at an upcoming championships.

Kai Hawken from Launceston is hoping to display his talents as he prepares to take on some the world’s best young moto racers at high speeds at the 2026 MIR Racing Aspar Cup in Spain later this year.

Aged only 12, Kai has always loved motorcycle racing, being brought up around bikes it was only natural for Kai to want a bike of his own, and after watching some of the legends on the track, Kai got his first race bike for his eighth birthday.

Over the past four years, Kai has been showing his skills on the track, competing at a top level, and now he’s heading to the continent for his next big race.

The 2026 MIR Racing Aspar Cup championship in Spain boasts riders from more than 30 different countries and aims to offer young riders a genuine career ladder to MotoGP.

Having previously raced on minibikes, Kai is taking things to a whole new level, competing on a 250cc 4-stroke bike with 22bhp and 17inch wheels.

Commenting on his son’s passion, Kai’s father Leigh Hawken told the Post: “Kai loves going fast! He enjoys battling out for positions, learning new skills which come with riding a new bike and new tracks he doesn’t mind a bit of wet weather either. And enjoys the paddock life playing with his rivals off track. He particularly enjoys fast flowing tracks and can’t wait to transition onto bigger GP style tracks like Jerez and Valencia on a 250cc Moto 5 bike.”

With now four years of experience under his belt, Kai has plenty of experiences he has already enjoyed.

“My top memories are winning my first race and coming third in my rookie year on minimotos,” said Kai. “Moving to bigger geared bikes which I loved. Last season was my first on a geared bike in a big grid of competitive riders a my aim was to get top ten positions in the races so I was pleased to finish with five top five positions and a third overall.

“I’m really exited to have been given the opportunity to ride with XE racing team this year in the Spanish championship on GP tracks around Spain. I’ve been training in Spain with them a lot over winter and it’s helping me prepare for 2026 season.”

Despite his excitement, both Kai and his father know that this season is going to be a challenge.

“In the Spanish Mir Racing Aspar championship it’s going to be a lot of learning at new tracks on a new bike,” Leigh added. “We are lucky to be riding with a team so we will have technical and mechanical support and coaching at each round Kai’s aim is to listen and learn as much as possible and gain positions consistently and progress as much as he can.”