Brad Cox from South Africa Named World Rally2 Champion in Morocco

South African racer Brad Cox, at the age of 26, has been crowned the World Rally2 champion at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, he won both the rally and championship title, surpassing Romain Dumontier in the standings. His accomplishment has earned him recognition from South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, while also preparing him to compete in the future Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class. Cox reflects on the support from sponsors and his team as essential to his success, illustrating the collective effort in achieving this prestigious title.

Brad Cox from South Africa has attained remarkable success in the world of motorsport, being crowned the World Rally2 champion during the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc of the World Rally-Raid Championship last weekend. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, the 26-year-old racer captured both the rally and the championship title, overtaking Romain Dumontier from Team Honda and securing a third-place finish for Konrad Dąbrowski of Duust Rally. His outstanding achievements have garnered the attention of Gayton McKenzie, the South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, who publicly praised Cox’s accomplishment on social media. In his message, McKenzie stated, “Twenty-six-year-old South African, Bradley Cox has won the World Rally 2 Rally Raid Championship for 2024. This is really fitting because next year we are hosting the big one, W2RC, in SA.” The excitement builds for the forthcoming W2RC event, particularly following Cox’s impressive rally performance aboard his newly acquired 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica. Competing as a privateer, he additionally enjoyed the honor of supporting his friend and mentor, Ross Branch from Botswana, who secured the RallyGP World Championship in the same event. Having recently triumphed in Rally2, a category designed for less experienced riders, Cox is now poised to advance to the RallyGP class in the upcoming Dakar Rally. He shared the sentiment that this championship is a collective achievement, emphasizing the teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice involved in reaching such heights in motorsport. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed, “Having the title ‘World Champion’ next to your name is great, and I’m really proud. Proud of the effort it took and the sacrifices to get to this point. It’s not just me, it’s my team, my family, and my sponsors- it’s a massive group effort and to have it pay off is amazing. Now we get ready for Dakar. This is a building block and has given me the confidence, and hopefully, Dakar can go as well as this week has!” Cox previously showcased his talent at the 2024 Dakar Rally, where he earned commendations for his performance in the Rally2 category, achieving an impressive 13th overall placement in the Bike category and becoming the only South African competitor to secure a position in the Top 20.

The World Rally2 championship is designed for riders who are not yet eligible to compete in the more advanced RallyGP class, which is reserved for the most skilled competitors. This dual-event structure allows emerging riders to gain valuable experience and prepare for higher levels of competition. Brad Cox’s recent victory at the Rallye Du Maroc illustrates both his growth as a racer within this framework and serves as a significant stepping stone towards his participation in the prestigious Dakar Rally, widely regarded as one of the most challenging endurance races in the world. His success is underscored by the support from sponsors and the preparation he undertook to excel in this high-stakes environment. Cox’s achievements not only elevate his status within the sport but also generate anticipation for future events, including South Africa’s opportunity to host the W2RC, further affirming the country’s growing prominence in international motorsport.

Brad Cox’s crowning as the World Rally2 champion marks a significant milestone in his career, reflecting his dedication, skill, and support from his team and sponsors. This victory not only elevates him into the RallyGP class for upcoming competitions but also enhances excitement for the future of motorsport events in South Africa. With the backing of key organizations and the prospect of competing in the Dakar Rally, Cox is poised for further achievements in his racing career.

Original Source: risingsunnewspapers.co.za