YOUNG Zak Corderoy has proved he’s made of championship stuff – after winning a major motorbiking title at the age of nine.

And the mini-moto rider is following in the tyre tracks of his big brother Michael, who took a UK title at the same contest.

Zak, of Westbrook Street, Blewbury, near Didcot, was named British Junior Champion after battling against dozens of other riders in nine rounds across the country.

He rides a 39cc bike.

The nine-year-old, who attends Blewbury Primary School, said: “I’m very proud of myself. I was really surprised I won because there was someone closing in on me and I pulled a big gap on them and won.

“I’m confident from practising so I have got better. I want to be world champion one day.

“Riding bikes is fun and you can get lots of money if you are a champion.”

Michael, 17, who works at Didcot Plant, was named British Champion in the fun bike class, riding his 70cc Metrakit motorbike. He has been following the sport for years.

The former St Birinus School pupil also won two other championships on mini-motos and is hoping to be as successful on a bigger 125cc motorbike next season.

He said: “The people we grew up racing with have gone on to be quite big and they inspired us.

“I was pretty chuffed when I found out I had won. I was expecting to win because I was winning all the way through and I knew I was better than the other people. It’s fun competing with other people and trying to win. The speed is a big attraction.”

Their father, Tim Corderoy, 51, said: “They got into it about five years ago. I’m really proud of them.

“All the big riders start on little bikes and Zak started at a really young age. He could go quite a way if he wanted too.

“I think he would love to ride bikes for a living.

“Michael got into it at the wrong age, but he’s still very talented.

“There’s a lot of good talent out there, which is good, but you have to have a bit of luck too.”

didcot@oxfordmail.co.uk