It was only a matter of time before Justin Brayton stepped onto the box. Image: Simon Cudby.

Muscle Milk Honda’s Justin Brayton took a breakthrough podium in St. Louis, after showing promise with heat race wins, fast practice times and solid performances in the past.

With both Chad Reed and Trey Canard out with injuries, Brayton has been thrown into the deep end in his first year as a full factory rider.

Being Honda’s only full-time rider on the track, this result will bring great relief to Brayton and his whole Muscle Milk Honda team.

After suffering a leg injury in San Diego which completely stopped him from riding mid-week, Brayton has shown he has the determination and ability to keep his Honda up-front.

“This has been a long time coming, I feel like I should have been up here a while ago but the crash in San Diego has prevented me practicing during the week.” said Brayton.

“I felt great all day and I am excited to really build off this finish and get myself up where I know I belong.

“I had a lot of friends and family here, so I’m glad I was able to make it to the podium tonight.”

Brayton now sits seventh in the overall points as the series rolls into Daytona for round 10.