By David Jenkin

The first award of the evening went to Zwartkops Raceway owner Peter du Toit for his contribution to the sport in South Africa. He received the 2016 Colin Watling Award, which recognises contributions and achievements by people who are not competitors in motorsport, in memory of the renowned photographer, Colin Watling.

The award for Off Track Rider of the Year went to Joey Evans, who completed Dakar 2017 on a KTM, despite enormous technical challenges. His accomplishment was especially noteworthy as Evans was paralysed in a race crash a decade ago, but made a recovery and fulfilled his dream of completing the gruelling rally.

Double South African National Rally and Donaldson Cross Country Champion, Leeroy Poulter, was named Off Track Driver of the Year. Poulter was the Motor Sportsman of the Year in 2011.

17-year-old Sheldon van der Linde, European Audi Sport TT Cup racer, who outdid his TT Cup rivals with four race wins in 2016, received the Circuit Driver of the Year Award.

12-year-old Jayden Else, Rotax World Mini Max Karting Champion, took the Junior Driver of the Year Award, while the Junior Rider of the Year Award went to 15-year-old Brandon Staffen, 390 Cup winner. 

21-year-old Brad Binder, who took the award for Circuit Rider of the Year and the Motor Sportsman of the Year title, was not able to attend the evening in person, as he was overseas. His advisor, confidant, and sponsor Rob Portman accepted the trophies on his behalf.  Portman called him an exceptional talent who enjoys tremendous support internationally. Binder’s ultimate aim, said Portman, is MotoGP; “He wants to win it, not only for himself, but for South Africa.”

Patrick Leslie, Bridgestone SA’s general manager of marketing, said in his address, “We’ve been involved with the awards for 24 years. Motorsports is part of Bridgestone’s DNA and has been for many, many years, particularly here in South Africa. So, for us, it’s a natural synergy that we certainly will be taking on in the future as well.” He thanked the Guild for tireless work and said the industry needs more such people, and then praised the nominees and the families and communities that support them.

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