Brad Cox, a 26-year-old South African competitor, was crowned the World Rally2 Champion at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, racing for BAS World KTM Racing. His victory secured him a place in the next Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class, following a successful year in MotoSports. Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, publicly congratulated him, acknowledging the significance of his achievement and the upcoming W2RC event in South Africa. Cox is recognized for his commitment and teamwork alongside sponsors as he pursues further success in the sport.
Brad Cox, a 26-year-old competitor from South Africa, has achieved a significant milestone in his motorsport career by being crowned the World Rally2 Champion at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, part of the World Rally-Raid Championship. Racing for BAS World KTM Racing, Cox not only won the event but also clinched the championship title, surpassing Romain Dumontier of Team Honda, with Konrad Dąbrowski from Duust Rally finishing in third place. Cox’s accomplishment has garnered recognition from South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who praised his achievement on social media, remarking, “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.” Cox’s victory came on the new 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica motorcycle, which he rode as a privateer, marking an impressive feat as his friend and mentor, Ross Branch from Botswana, claimed the RallyGP World Championship during the same event. The RallyGP class is reserved for the most experienced riders, while Rally2 is available for competitors not yet categorized as RallyGP. Following this victory, Cox is set to compete in the upcoming Dakar Rally within the RallyGP class. Reflecting on his triumph, he 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. 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!”
The World Rally2 Championship is a prominent event in the motorsport scene, focusing on rally racing for both amateur and professional riders. In 2024, South Africa’s Brad Cox distinguished himself in this competitive field, ultimately winning the championship in Morocco. This achievement not only marks a personal victory for Cox but also serves as a significant achievement for South African motorsports as he prepares to advance to the prestigious Dakar Rally in the more challenging RallyGP class. The Dakar Rally is widely acknowledged as one of the most demanding races globally, testing the limits of endurance and skill in extreme conditions.
In conclusion, Brad Cox’s recent crowning as the World Rally2 Champion represents both a personal achievement and a proud moment for South African motorsports. With strong support from sponsors and the motorsport community, he has shown exceptional dedication and skill in his racing career. Looking ahead, Cox’s victory serves as a promising foundation as he prepares for the upcoming Dakar Rally in the highly competitive RallyGP class, where he will aim to further establish his presence in the world of rally racing.
Original Source: risingsunnewspapers.co.za
