Brad Cox of South Africa has been crowned the World Rally2 Champion after winning the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, he managed to win both the rally and the championship title, surpassing Romain Dumontier. His victory has drawn accolades from the South African Minister of Sports as the country prepares to host a future W2RC event.
Brad Cox, a 26-year-old racer from South Africa, has achieved a significant milestone by being crowned the World Rally2 Champion during the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, which was part of the World Rally-Raid Championship held last weekend. Competing under the banner of BAS World KTM Racing, Cox not only clinched the championship title but also triumphed in the rally itself, thereby outpacing rival Romain Dumontier of Team Honda, with Konrad Dabrowski from Duust Rally securing third place. His outstanding accomplishment garnered recognition from South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who extended his congratulations via social media, emphasizing the significance of this win in light of the upcoming hosting of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) in South Africa next year. The Minister stated: “26-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.” Cox’s victory comes shortly before South Africa is set to host the third round of the W2RC from May 18 to May 24, 2025. The event promises varied and challenging terrains, with the racing route spanning bushveld plateaus, river crossings, and the savannah plains of North West and Limpopo regions, encompassing areas such as Sun City, Thabazimbi, and the agricultural heart of North West. The achievement is particularly notable as Cox rides on the new 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica as a privateer, a remarkable feat given that his friend and mentor, Ross Branch from Botswana, secured the RallyGP World Championship in Morocco concurrently. Unlike RallyGP, which is reserved for seasoned competitors and manufacturers, Rally2 allows participation for riders who have not yet attained RallyGP status. Cox will now advance to compete in the next Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class following his recent accolades. Reflecting on his journey, Brad Cox expressed: “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. From the start, I had my goal set and put my head down, knowing that for the next five days I would do whatever it takes to win – and that’s what happened! Every day I got better and better.” He further elaborated on the pride he feels in being labeled a World Champion, attributing his success to the collective effort of his team, family, and sponsors: “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, my sponsors…it’s a massive group effort and to have it payoff is amazing.” BAS World KTM Racing Team Manager, Bart van der Velden, commented on Cox’s performance, affirming that the extensive training and hard work he has dedicated over the past years have culminated in this success. He expressed confidence in Cox’s prospects at the upcoming Dakar Rally, identifying the Morocco event as a pivotal test for the new motorcycle, which successfully yielded positive results. Earlier this year, Brad Cox participated in the Dakar Rally, widely regarded as one of the most formidable races, where he showcased commendable skills in the Rally2 category, finishing 13th overall among bikes and being the only South African to reach the Top 20 in the competition. His pursuit of motorsport excellence has been supported by various sponsors, including Toyota Gazoo Racing, ASP International Rope Access, Bas World KTM Racing Team, and several others. In summary, Brad Cox’s crowning as the World Rally2 Champion exemplifies not only personal achievement but also the growth and potential of South African motorsport on the global stage. With the upcoming Dakar Rally on the horizon, his victory serves as a stepping stone towards further accomplishments in his racing career.
Brad Cox’s recent championship win is part of the World Rally-Raid Championship, highlighting the competitive nature and international recognition of rally racing. The 2024 Rallye Du Maroc provided a platform for Cox to demonstrate his skills and solidify his reputation in the motorsport community. The event’s significance is amplified by South Africa’s impending hosting of the W2RC in 2025, which will draw international competitors and highlight the country’s diverse and challenging terrains for rally racing.
In conclusion, Brad Cox’s achievement as the World Rally2 Champion marks a notable milestone in his career and a significant moment for South African motorsport. With strong support from his team and sponsors, and the experience gained from this victory, Cox is poised to tackle the upcoming Dakar Rally, building on his success in Morocco and aiming for further high-level competition in the RallyGP class.
Original Source: www.knysnaplettherald.com
