South African Brad Cox Crowned World Rally2 Champion in Morocco
Brad Cox, a South African racer, won the World Rally2 Championship at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, successfully clinching both the rally victory and championship title. His achievement has garnered national recognition, particularly from the Minister of Sports, as South Africa prepares to host the World Rally-Raid Championship in May 2025. Cox, supported by various sponsors, is set to compete in the Dakar Rally next and has shown notable improvement in his racing skills over recent years.
Brad Cox, a 26-year-old racer from South Africa, achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the World Rally2 Champion title during the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, part of the World Rally-Raid Championship held over the weekend. Competing under BAS World KTM Racing, Cox not only won the rally but also clinched the championship title, defeating Romain Dumontier from Team Honda, with Konrad Dabrowski of Duust Rally finishing in third place. This significant accomplishment attracted the attention of Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture in South Africa, who commended Cox on social media. The Minister highlighted the importance of this victory as South Africa prepares to host the third round of the World Rally-Raid Championship in May 2025, featuring a challenging route through diverse terrains in the North West and Limpopo regions. Cox’s victory was particularly commendable as he raced as a privateer on the newly released 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica, which underscores the competitive nature of his achievement. His mentor and close friend, Ross Branch from Botswana, also enjoyed success by winning the RallyGP World Championship in Morocco, marking a significant year in rally sports. Having competed in the top-tier RallyGP class—a division reserved for seasoned competitors—Cox’s recent triumph allows him an opportunity to compete in the impending Dakar Rally, further elevating his racing career. In reflecting on his journey, Cox remarked on the trials faced leading to the championship, expressing gratitude for the support from his team and sponsors, which contributed to his success. Bart van der Velden, the Team Manager at BAS World KTM Racing, praised Cox’s dedication and navigational improvements over the years, reinforcing confidence in future competitions, particularly the Dakar Rally. Earlier this year, Cox participated in the daunting Dakar Rally, where he demonstrated excellent performance, finishing 13th overall in the Rally2 category and being the only South African to reach the Top 20 in that event. His racing aspirations have been supported by various sponsors, including Toyota Gazoo Racing and several reputable brands that share a commitment to his racing pursuits. In conclusion, Brad Cox’s achievements in the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc underscores his talent and determination in motorsports. His victory not only marks a personal milestone but also sets the stage for future successes as he prepares for the challenges of the Dakar Rally, shining a spotlight on the rising talent within South African motorsports.
The article discusses Brad Cox’s impressive accomplishments in the world of rally racing, focusing on his recent crowning as the World Rally2 Champion at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc. This victory not only highlights his skills as a racer but also foreshadows South Africa’s role in hosting significant motorsport events in the near future. The article emphasizes the support from sponsors, the dedication of Cox and his team, as well as the competitive nature of the racing categories, illustrating the broader context of rally sports and its challenges.
Brad Cox has made a significant impact on the rally racing scene by winning the World Rally2 Champion title, an achievement that reflects his hard work and the support he received. His performance sets high expectations for the upcoming Dakar Rally, as he transitions into the more competitive RallyGP class. The attention garnered from his victory not only celebrates his individual talent but also spotlights South Africa’s emergence in the world of motorsport.
Original Source: www.knysnaplettherald.com
