2016 FIM Moto 3 World Champion Brad Binder was announced as the Bridgestone SA / SAGMJ Motor Sportsman of the Year at a function in Johannesburg this week. Binder was recognized for his dominant performance on his Red Bull KTM last season,
Zwartkops Raceway owner, Peter du Toit received the 2016 Colin Watling Award for extraordinary contributions behind the scenes of South African Motorsport. Six other motor sportsmen were awarded new awards in their various categories for the first time this year.
Dakar hero, Joey Evans, who was paralysed in a race crash ten years ago fought back to accomplish the impossible dream of finishing Dakar 2017 on his KTM. His efforts paid off as he took the Off Track Rider of the Year award. Double SA Rally and Cross Country Champion, Leeroy Poulter won the Off Track Driver of the Year prize.
Other awards included
- Binder for the Circuit Rider of the Year Award
- European Audi Sport TT Cup racer, Sheldon van der Linde, who won four races — more than any of his TT Cup rivals in 2016 — received Circuit Driver of the Year.
- 12-year old Rotax World Mini Max Karting Champion, Jayden Els took the Junior Driver of the Year prize
- 15-year old KTM 390 Cup winner at home and in the UK, Brandon Staffen, took Junior Rider honours.
- Certificates of recognition to all nominees, circuit drivers, circuit riders and the Colin Walting Award nominees
“Brad thanks Bridgestone, the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists and its members for this great honour and he congratulates all of tonight’s winners and nominees for their contributions to motorsport while flying the South African flag,” says Binder’s longtime advisor, confidant and sponsor Rob Portman on accepting the Bridgestone SA/SAGMJ Motor Sportsman of the Year on Binder’s behalf.
”Brad is an exceptional talent who comes from a tremendous family with a tremendous story to tell — his ultimate goal is to win the MotoGP World Championship for himself, his family and for South Africa and this award will only help heighten his resolve to pull it off.”
Upon accepting the the Colin Watling Award eagle trophy, from the late Watling’s parents, Dennis and Hester, Peter du Toit says, “I’m lost for words with this magnificent bird in my hand commemorating the great Colin Watling. I’d like to extend a special word of thanks to all competitors, their families and supporters who make a facility like Zwartkops work and I would like to dedicate this award to our passionate Zwartkops staff — special thanks to all of you!”
“We have been involved for 24 years and motorsport is part of Bridgestone’s DNA and we look forward to continuing and growing our involvement in future,” Bridgestone SA’s General Manager Marketing: Consumer, Patrick Leslie explained. “Bridgestone extends a special thank you to the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists for the continued success of this great initiative, never mind all that Guild members do for motoring, road safety and motorsport — we need more of you.
“Bridgestone salutes the winners and nominees tonight — not just the motor sportsmen, but also their families, their supporters and all of those behind them who make it all happen.”
“The Bridgestone SA/SAGMJ Motor Sportsman of the Year competition has become an integral aspect of every racing year,” SAGMJ Deputy Chair Eugene Herbert concluded. “Motorsport and safety go hand in hand and the Guild would also like to thank SA’s top racers and Bridgestone for their invaluable contribution to road safety.”