HiG4S-
Some organizations may have a different format for the mini classes. In MN, the minis are run in more of a Hare Scramble fashion with no time keeping. The course is entirely off-road, so the lights are not required. (nor are lights required in MN big-bike Enduros, either.)
Rob-nailer- I would focus on the mini class bikes with powervalves- RM80/85 and KX80/100. When my son was 11 & 12, he ran an RM80 with a torque pipe (R&D), and suspension adjusted for off road. IMO, his bike with its MUCH wider powerspread, was so much better than the other kids' stock CR's, YZ's, and XR's, that it was almost unfair. The RM chassis was a bit lacking compared to the other bikes, though, and I think the newer KX80/100's with a powervalve would certainly be an excellent choice, too.