[WATCH] Local boytjie first South African to win GP

Brad Binder, the Potchefstroom-born but Krugersdorp-bred racer, took a third straight win when he finished the Italian Moto3 Grand Prix in just under 40 minutes, placing him first in the World Championship standing with 12 races to go.

On 24 April, the Krugersdorp High School alumnus claimed his very first Moto3 victory at the Red Bull Grand Prix of Spain in the city of Jerez de la Frontera. After that, he won the Moto3 French Grand Prix on 8 May, claiming a second win in the World Championship in Le Mans.

On 22 May, he took his third consecutive win in the Moto3 class in Mugello, Spain.

“Today’s race was absolutely crazy. This weekend was not easy, but with the experience of the team, which has won here three times in the last four years, we had an excellent bike for the race. We are still only six races into the season, so it’s not time to look at the standings just yet,” Binder said after the race.

Brad Binder is the first ever South African to win a Grand Prix in the lowest cylinder class, and the first South African to win a Grand Prix in any class since Jon Ekerold won the 350cc race back in 1981.

Brad wins the French Moto3 Grand Prix:

Binder said that he grew up with motorcycles and inherited his love for the sport from his father, who is also a “bike fanatic”. In 2004, a nine-year-old Binder started off on four wheels, when he won the South African 50cc Kart Championship.

Binder’s younger brother, Darryn, has followed in his footsteps and they shared the Moto3 track last year.

“I don’t really see myself as his role model but I have always raced against him. I hope he continues to race and starts winning some races soon,” Brad said.

Even though he is abroad most of the time, Binder tries to visit his home in Krugersdorp as often as he can.

The next Moto3 World Championship race will take place in Montmeló, Catalunya, on 5 June.

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