In 1952, the FIM inaugurated the European Motocross Championships for motorcycles using a 500cc engine displacement formula.
[3][4][5] The following year, he competed aboard an FN motorcycle and won three Grand Prix races to clinch the 1953 European Motocross Championship.
[8] In 1957, the FIM upgraded the series to world championship status and the 36-year-old Mingels would finish the season in sixth place aboard a Saroléa.
[9] Mingels competed for the Belgian team in the 1947, 1952 and 1953 Motocross des Nations events.
[4] He was the fastest individual rider at the 1947 Motocross des Nations event however, the Belgian team finished in third place.