Could Binder be the next Rossi?

How many of us have wondered who could potentially fill Valentino Rossi’s shoes the day he retires. Yes, sadly, that day will come, when our beloved Doctor takes his boots and helmet and leaves the two wheeled race track. For a short time, I thought perhaps Jorge was up for the challenge, but then his ego got the better of him and it started to show. There really isn’t anyone with that natural born talent for shaking the race track to the core and showing what true motoring sportsmanship is all about. That may have been true, until this weekend.

Local boy Brad Binder echoed the 2011 Japanese GP of Marc Marquez, starting at the back of the grid after his qualifying times were disallowed and coming through the pack, to take a spectacular 3,4 second lead win.  The 20 year old KTM racer, from Potchefstroom, took his 1st Moto3 victory and the first GP victory for South Africa since Jon Ekerold back in 1981  at the Italian GP.

With many proud hearts beating as one, we watched a humble Binder take the top step of the podium while the SA national anthem roared out.  Here is what some of his fans had to say on Facebook:

Camilo Ramada: “Starting from last position, taking them one by one and coming in first? Yeah either you're dreaming or you're Brad Binder”

Sherrie Ann New: “Weird to hear the SA national anthem!”

Anthonie van der Walt: “I knew Brad Binder's first moto3 win was imminent, but who would've imagined the style he did it in!”

And from Brad himself: “Stoked with my 1st victory. 35th on the starting grid to win the race! Great day for me and my country. Thanks so much to my team @redbull_ktm_ajo for all their hard work”

I firmly believe this local talent will be the next big name to watch, his charismatic personality and humble victory, reminds me of a once young 250 champion back in 1999. I know many local supporters have watched him since he departed for his overseas career and following his first Moto3 victory, he will have many more supporters watching for his next victory.

The next Moto3 race is the 8th of May in France and we look forward to much more this season from Binder, who extended his class lead to 15 points.