As a new MotoGP season kicks off, Bell is proud to announce our partnership with South African athlete, Darryn Binder. We sat down with the 26 year old to chat through his early days on the track, and the people who have inspired Binder to keep pushing. Learn more about Darryn Binder…
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m Darryn Binder. I’m riding in Moto2 World Championship with Intact Husqvarna GP team. As number 15. I am from South Africa, I’m 26 years-old, and I’m based in Andorra during the year. I spend about 2-months out of the year in South Africa if I’m lucky, and the reset of the time I’m here at the race track.
Can you tell us a little bit about growing up in South Africa, and your journey into racing?
I grew up racing in the South Africa championships. I raced against guys like Mathew Scholtz, and Cam Peterson – the guys that are out in America now. I raced everything from 50s and 125s, to even racing 600s when I was 12-13 before I tried out for rookies cup. I then started racing over this side, when I made it over to Moto3 eventually, and then made it over to World Championship in 2015. I’ve had quite a lot of years in Moto3, did a season in MotoGP, and now this is my second season in Moto2.
What hobbies outside of riding do you have?
Most of my hobbies are related to racing, to training. I try to make everything I do a hobby so I can enjoy it a bit. When I’m away from the track, I’d say you can find me on a bicycle. I’d say that’s one of the things I do the most. I love a bit of motocross, I love a bit of golf, and every now and again, love doing nothing – chill on the couch, play videogames with the boys.
Do you have anyone you look up to in the sport?
Growing up my biggest hero was Valentino Rossi. As I progressed in the sport, and started getting closer-and-closer to the championship, I started looking up to every single one of the guys in MotoGP. It’s all the best in the world racing each other. I most definitely look up to my brother. He’s set a good example to follow in his footsteps, but I’m always trying to chase him down.
