Brad Cox Triumphs as World Rally2 Champion in Morocco
Brad Cox from South Africa has clinched the World Rally2 championship title at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, enabling him to compete in the Dakar Rally’s RallyGP class. His victory has been celebrated by Minister Gayton McKenzie and marks a significant milestone as he participated as a privateer. Cox’s success was aided by strong support from sponsors, and he expressed pride in his achievements along with gratitude towards his team.
Brad Cox, a 26-year-old South African motorcyclist competing for BAS World KTM Racing, has been crowned the World Rally2 champion following his remarkable performance at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, part of the World Rally-Raid Championship. His victory marks a significant achievement not only in rallying but also positions him to compete in the prestigious Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class. In the Morocco rally, Cox secured the championship title from competitor Romain Dumontier of Team Honda, with Konrad Dąbrowski from Duust Rally finishing in third place. Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, publicly celebrated Cox’s success on social media, highlighting the importance of his win given that South Africa will host the W2RC event next year. Cox’s victory came aboard a 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica motorcycle, and notably, he achieved this success as a privateer, distinguishing himself from factory riders. His friend and mentor Ross Branch from Botswana also achieved great success by winning the RallyGP World Championship in Morocco, further enhancing the emotional impact of Cox’s achievement. In his remarks after the rally, Cox expressed his determination and ambition, reflecting on how he entered the competition eight points behind. He said that for the week to yield a championship result, everything had to fall perfectly, which 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!”. Earlier this year, Cox participated in the Dakar Rally, regarded as one of the most challenging motorsport events, where he achieved an impressive finish of 13th overall in the Bike Category, the only South African to reach the Top 20. His journey has been supported by substantial sponsorships, which include Toyota Gazoo Racing, Bas World KTM Racing Team, and others, all playing a pivotal role in enabling him to chase his racing dreams.
The World Rally2 championship segment of motorsport is tailored for racers who have not yet reached the RallyGP level, providing a platform for emerging competitors. Brad Cox’s recent ascension to the championship title is indicative of his growth and accomplishments in the sport, culminating in a year filled with extensive competitive experiences. Additionally, the Dakar Rally is known for its grueling nature, testing the endurance and skill of participants, which makes Cox’s success there all the more commendable. His achievements also resonate with the cultural significance of motorsport in South Africa and its growing prominence on the world stage.
In conclusion, Brad Cox’s victory as the World Rally2 champion showcases his relentless pursuit of excellence in motorsport, underlining the importance of teamwork and support from sponsors in achieving success. With his sights set on the upcoming Dakar Rally, Cox’s journey reflects not only personal ambition but also the pride and determination of South African motorsport, paving the way for future athletes in this arena.
Original Source: risingsunnewspapers.co.za
