SA’s newest global superstar poised for a Sunday crowning

By Alec Hogg

Born to an English motorbike-mad father had its advantages. Among them early exposure to motor racing, including MotoGP, a sport at which the country excelled at the time of my youth.

Dad's idea of paradise was driving for hours to spend a day watching racing at Kyalami or Roy Hesketh to see multiple MotoGP world champions Jim Redman and long-time SA resident "Mike the Bike" Hailwood. These giants set the stage for SA superstars like Kork Ballington and Jon Ekerold. But not since the early 1980s has a South African featured at the top of this dangerous and hugely competitive global sport. Until now.

This weekend, a 21 year old from Krugersdorp is poised to become the world champion in Moto3 – the smallest (250cc) of three bike racing categories. Brad Binder has won a staggering five of the 13 Moto3 events contested this season and is so far ahead of his rivals that a top two finish in Spain on Sunday will break a three decade championship drought for his homeland.

Brad, who is in his fifth season of Moto3 and finished 6th in the world last year, has already earned an upgrade to Moto2 for next year. And with his talent and a great heritage to draw upon, surely won't be stopping there. Make a note of the name. You'll be hearing it a lot in future.