South African Brad Cox, aged 26, has been crowned the World Rally2 Champion after winning the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, he surpassed Romain Dumontier for the title. His victory was recognized by Minister Gayton McKenzie, coinciding with South Africa set to host the W2RC in 2025. Brad’s achievement will propel him into the RallyGP class at the next Dakar Rally, following commendable support from sponsors.
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, South African Brad Cox, age 26, has been crowned the World Rally2 Champion following his victory at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, part of the World Rally-Raid Championship held last weekend. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, Brad secured both the rally and championship, surpassing Romain Dumontier from Team Honda, while Konrad Dabrowski of Duust Rally finished in third place. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, acknowledged Brad’s achievement on social media, celebrating his victory and highlighting the significance of hosting the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) in South Africa in 2025. The anticipated event will showcase diverse landscapes across North West and Limpopo, with the race route featuring varied terrains such as bushveld plateaus and savannah plains. Excitement surrounding the event has increased following Brad’s impressive rally performance on the new 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica motorcycle, achieved as a privateer. This triumph is even more gratifying as it comes shortly after his friend and mentor, Ross Branch, secured the RallyGP World Championship. The RallyGP class is recognized as the pinnacle of motorcycle rally competitions, while Rally2 is a category designed for less experienced riders. Brad’s recent success will enable him to participate in the upcoming Dakar Rally within the RallyGP classification. In his post-race comments, Brad conveyed, “Coming in I was down eight points and while there was a chance to be champion, really the week had to fall perfectly for me and it did. Every day I got better and better. Having the title ‘World Champion’ next to your name is great, and I’m really proud.” He emphasized the collective effort that contributed to this success, from his team to his sponsors, voicing optimism for the future with the upcoming Dakar Rally. BAS World KTM Racing Team Manager Bart van der Velden praised Brad’s significant progress in navigation and training over the past year, voicing confidence in his upcoming Dakar performance. Previously, Brad competed in the challenging Dakar Rally earlier this year, where he excelled in the Rally2 category, finishing 13th overall in the Bike Category and being the only South African to make it into the Top 20. Support from his sponsors, including Toyota Gazoo Racing, Bas World KTM Racing Team, and Red Bull, was pivotal in facilitating Brad’s racing aspirations.
The recent achievement of Brad Cox marks a significant milestone in the world of motorsports, particularly in rally racing where determination, skill, and teamwork play crucial roles. Rallying is a demanding sport that requires exceptional endurance and technical precision, especially in varied landscapes that test the capabilities of both riders and their vehicles. With South Africa set to host the W2RC in 2025, Cox’s victory positions him as a notable competitor on the global stage, generating enthusiasm for the upcoming event and the sport’s future in the region. The financial and logistical support from sponsors is essential for athletes in this domain, as it enables them to compete at the highest levels.
In conclusion, Brad Cox’s victory at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc and his subsequent title as the World Rally2 Champion not only highlight his exceptional talent and hard work but also pave the way for greater recognition of South African motorsport. His success and the anticipated W2RC event in 2025 are poised to inspire future generations of racers. As Brad prepares for the Dakar Rally, he embodies the spirit of resilience and dedication that characterizes the sport.
Original Source: www.knysnaplettherald.com
