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Chromeburner

Family ties in road racing

Is it in the genes?

Take a look at the current Grand Prix start lists and you'll notice immediately that you regularly come across the same surname. Is it a coincidence that the brothers Espargaro, Marquez, Binder and Fernandez are all in the best road racing classes or can you actually have fast DNA?

Let's be clear to you right away. Anyone who thinks we have conducted an extensive scientific study for this purpose will be deceived. No, we did not put on white lab coats to scrutinize the DNA of these fast families, nor did we dive into the books to find out all the ins and outs about genetics. So while we are not going to get to the bottom of whether fast DNA actually exists within this article, it is very interesting to take a longer look at the fact that there are quite a few racing families active at the highest level after all. Last year, season 2022 that is, we even saw three pairs of brothers competing in MotoGP with Marc and Alex Marquez, Brad and Darryn Binder and Aleix and Pol Espargaro. Six riders with solid and close family ties and each of them also among the best riders in the world. And if we look a little further, we also see the Lowes brothers (identical twins Alex and Sam), Oncu (identical twins Deniz and Can) and Fernandez (Raul and Adrian) active at the global level. Obviously, that cannot be a coincidence.

Unique character

So while we are not going to conduct in-depth DNA studies, we can say that these racers with strong family ties grew up in the same nest, and with that we also hit the core directly. Indeed, the racing brothers received a similar environment with two important things influencing the path they have taken so far. Through the genetic fusion of their parents, they received a certain character and their childhood was characterized by the same way of parenting.

Although each family member obviously possesses a unique character and thus differs, many similarities can also be found. This is also evident from various studies, in which scientists came to the conclusion that 20 to 60 percent of our character is determined by the genes and that the remaining percentage is formed during the growing up phase. So, with that fact in mind, it is not surprising that family members are quite similar in some respects and not much different in terms of character.

Common goal

If raised in a similar way and also little difference in critical characteristic (for example, perseverance and winner's mentality), it is possible for several family members to be able to act at a very high level. A good example of this is brothers Brad and Darryn Binder, who have had a common goal in mind all their lives; to be successful in the world of motorsports. Thus, during their upbringing in Potchefstroom, South Africa, they encountered the addiction to speed early on. "Since we were born, motorcycles were all around us," explains Brad Binder. "Every time we got older there were bigger bikes waiting for us." Although they experienced their first race miles and championships in a go-kart, it is not surprising that they later made the switch to competition on racing motorcycles. Their father Trevor serves as an example in this regard, who also got involved in local motorcycle racing later in life. Brad and Darryn quickly made an impression in their own country and ended up in the Grand Prix paddock via the Red Bull Rookies Cup. The shared adventure AND goal makes them strong, as the brothers find support in each other to get through even the tough moments. "It is not easy as a South African rider to go to the World Championships, because in our country the road racing scene is not that big. If you then move to Europe to practice your sport, it is at least nice if you can do it together with your brother," Darryn believes.

The brother of

Because they both possess a competitive nature, they also know how to encourage each other to work hard for their dream. In this, too, it helps that they are related. "We train together, including cycling. We can be cycling very quietly, but then when a climb comes up... Then a battle automatically develops. I always want to see Brad beat me," lets the younger of the two Binders know. Brad adds: "It always keeps us working hard and you enjoy your workouts more anyway if you can share them with someone. It would be really annoying to always go alone. So the same goes for living together and traveling."

While the influence of family can have very positive effects in reaching the top of motorsports, there is also a downside. That comes around the corner, for example, when there is a lot of difference in the performance achieved. Although there are two world titles behind Alex Marquez's name, he will always be in the shadow of his older brother Marc. Purely due to the absurdly good results achieved by the eight-time world champion so far. If Alex is interviewed, his brother Marc will still unintentionally serve as the main topic of conversation. It is not easy for the 26-year-old Ducati Gresini rider to always deal with that continuous pressure, which probably makes him think at times that being 'the brother of' is actually a disadvantage.

Doors open

The main thing for Alex Marquez is to turn that lesser aspect into something positive, so he doesn't have to bother with the questions about brother Marc. That requires a strong mindset. Zonta van den Goorbergh can also talk about that. The 17-year-old Moto2 rider can't relate to a racing brother, but as the son of a famous Grand Prix rider, he also has to deal with the pros and cons of family members who are in road racing. On the positive side is of course the fact that he came into contact with motorized two-wheelers at an early age (mainly trial and motocross), that his father Jurgen has a good trainer around him, and that doors were opened that might otherwise have remained closed. In addition to an upbringing partly centered on motorcycles, Zonta also appears to have the right character traits to join his father, uncle (Patrick) and grandfather (Piet) in competing at the highest level, the Grand Prix world. Although the ideal ingredients are present with Zonta, father Jurgen knows that it cannot be taken for granted that his son too will now race at the global level. "A huge number of factors play a role in a career, even at a young age. Interest can disappear, a serious injury can throw a spanner in the works, but also think of puberty. That is a difficult period for many young people. There is a lot of talent out there, but enough fast riders die at a young age. It's not easy to break through."

More attention

With 165 Grand Prix starts behind his name, Jurgen van den Goorbergh has at least gained enough experience in road racing and can keep his son Zonta from making crucial mistakes on many fronts. "That saves a lot of time, money and energy. If you don't know anything about the sport as a father, you are automatically already at a disadvantage. It doesn't mean you're not going to make it, but it can make it more difficult as a result. Zonta lands in a well-spread bed in that respect." The 17-year-old driver realizes all too well that this has put him on a faster path to success, thanks to Van den Goorbergh's earlier generations. "In addition, his last name automatically ensures more attention and that is of course nice, provided you know how to deal with that pressure," explains father Jurgen. He can obviously help in that too, but also Zonta's personal character has a certain influence on how he deals with tension and other mental issues. "Obviously there is a mix of his parents in him, which influences his character. I personally feel that Zonta is cut from the right cloth, and I noticed that when he was crossing. He goes flat out and doesn't hesitate. Zonta is a bit stubborn, but I don't find that very strange. I can be that too. Plus, that is not necessarily a bad thing. He is also very driven, just like his sister. So that clearly runs in the family. Of course, you never know one hundred percent for sure if the top is achievable, because many different things affect a career. All we can do is work hard and hope that something beautiful will emerge."