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• Brad Binder took his first MotoGP win on Sunday (9 August).
• Binder is the first rookie after Marc Marquez to win a race in the premier class since 2013.
• Wheels24 readers send their wishes to the MotoGP rider on his 25th birthday.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
We're pretty sure thousands of South Africans are watching Sunday's Czech MotoGP on repeat to take a closer look at just how magnificent our first premier class rider grabbed his first victory.
KTM's Brad Binder drove a stellar race on Sunday when he started the race in seventh position on the grid, only to sprint to third place in absolute no time. The feat is so amazing because this was only Binder's third race of his debut season.
The MotoGP rider celebrates his 25th birthday on Tuesday (11 August) and we've collated all the wonderful wishes our readers have sent through to him since his spectacular race on Sunday.
READ | Brad Binder, you beauty! The future is bright for South Africa's MotoGP rider
Here's what Binder fans have to say:
From your fans: The Groblers from Randburg, SA: "Brad Binder, you are such a hero! Followed your racing over the last couple of years and almost cried last weekend when you took a seriours tumble, but you do not let anything get to you - you came out in Brno to a rookie-WIN, WOW WOW WOW!
"We almost could not believe it when we saw it in the news, we frantically searched for footage and eventually found the full race on Sunday. We screamed with delight when you went over the finishing line. It was just amazing! Congrats, you absolute beauty!
"We are sure your family in SA and parents went bananas.Keep going, keep winning!
Chris Badenhorst: Brad, Ek was vir 40 min op die punt van my stoel! Great, is all i can say!
The Le Roux's: "Congrats Brad, from all the boertjie supporters in Groblersdal (Don’t even ask)
"You made us all proud and a bit emotional too, well actually a bit more than a bit, we even had our T shirts on (some were Darryn's though), damn it was so special
"Was great, made my whole family very proud, keep it up and go get that title
Jon Daniel: "Dear Brad, I am a South African living in Hong Kong. Congratulations on your epic Moto GP win. I know that an achievement like this comes with a huge amount of sacrifice.
"Happy Birthday. I am sorry your family cannot celebrate your win and your birthday with you in person. Today is my sons 19th birthday too. He is also on his own in New Zealand but is very proud to share the same birthday with you.
"We are all so very proud of you. Well done, Brad.
Ben Snyman: Well done young man, very proud of you.
Neil and Gareth Christie: Brad you biscuit! Everybody's talking about your amazing win.You make us all super proud.Can't wait for the next race.From us all back home.
Karen Breetzke: "So proud of pukka Brad – a true blue South African hero!
"My son died on a bike – he loved Moto GP, and I never thought I could bear to watch biking again – but wow Brad, David was cheering you on from his heavenly rest. Just about your age. Thank you for lifting my heart – in many more ways than one. I don't even know him – but he could be my boy, and he's great, and South African, and humble, and it is super to have a reason to smile.
"Much love from a mom very much yours.
The Wheels24 team members are massive Binder fans too:
Charlen Raymond: Wow. Just WOW! Brad Binder, you legend! To think that four years ago I had the pleasure of interviewing after your Moto3 championship here in Cape Town, and now, again, I'm reporting on your successes.
"Guy, you have impressed immensely since joining the fraternity full-time in 2012, and your climb up the ranks is remarkable. But let's be honest: It was never really a case of when you'd make it to the premier class, but when. And those who are aware of your skills will attest that getting that first win was just a matter of time.
"But the control you had over your KTM on Sunday was phenomenal, and the maturity in biding your time speaks volumes of the rider you're yet to become. There are still 12 races remaining in this season, and you can bet your bottom dollar that we'll be supporting you every step of the way."
Janine Van der Post: "Dearest Brad, I can't stop watching the clips on social media as you drove to victory, and bawling my eyes out every single time. There are so many South Africans who have never watched a single MotoGP race in their life, and now they're fans.
"In this time of darkness, you are a ray of hope and sunshine. Your talent is God-given and you soar with every race, since the beginning of your journey only a few years ago. Yet, you remain humble, and steadfast.
"Even at your first MotoGP race only a few weeks ago, your skill already shone through as a rookie in the premier class. You are a force to be reckoned with. May you continue to enjoy every moment, you have all of South Africa screaming for you at every race. Thank you for being our new hero. May God bless you today on your 25th birthday, and always.
Sean Parker: "Brad, your phenomenal performance in Brno is testament to the fight and determination you’ve shown in your career. It was brilliant to cheer you on with thousands of compatriots and hear Nkosi Sikelel'iAfrika play on the podium.
"You made us proud Brad, thank you and keeping flying the South African flag proudly."
Congratulations again on your win, and know that Wheels24 and the rest of South Africa is backing you all the way.
