Brad Cox Clinches World Rally2 Championship Title in Morocco

Brad Cox, a 26-year-old South African racer, has been crowned the World Rally2 Champion following his victory at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, he successfully clinched the title from Romain Dumontier, securing both the rally win and championship at the same event. The South African Minister of Sports acknowledged Brad’s achievement, celebrating his success as South Africa prepares to host the W2RC championship in 2025.

South African racer Brad Cox, at the age of 26, has earned the prestigious title of World Rally2 Champion following his stellar performance at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, which took place over the past weekend as part of the World Rally-Raid Championship. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, Brad achieved a significant milestone by clinching both the rally victory and the championship title simultaneously in Morocco, overtaking Romain Dumontier from Team Honda for the championship. Konrad Dabrowski from Duust Rally secured third place. This remarkable feat garnered recognition from South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who expressed his congratulations on social media, stating, “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.” The Minister referred to South Africa being set to host the third round of the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) from May 18 to 24, 2025, across the North West and Limpopo provinces. The rally will showcase a variety of challenging terrains, including bushveld plateaus, river crossings, and savannah plains, passing through locations such as Sun City, Thabazimbi, and the rich agricultural landscape of North West. Following Brad’s impressive triumph aboard his new 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica, he stands out as a privateer among factory-backed competitors. This win is particularly meaningful as his friend and mentor, Ross Branch from Botswana, also triumphed by winning the RallyGP World Championship in Morocco. It is important to note that RallyGP represents the top tier for motorcycle racing, reserved for the most seasoned competitors, while Rally2 is designed for those less experienced. With this recent accomplishment, Brad will advance to compete in the next Dakar Rally within the RallyGP division. Reflecting on his triumphant journey, Brad emphasized the tremendous amount of effort required to reach this point, expressing, “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. 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 article discusses the significant achievement of South African racer Brad Cox, who recently became the World Rally2 Champion during the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc. This victory not only solidifies his position as a top competitor in the rally racing arena but also highlights the upcoming hosting of the World Rally-Raid Championship in South Africa, showcasing the nation’s growing involvement in high-profile motorsport events. The article emphasizes the challenges of the event and the support system surrounding Brad, including his team’s efforts and the role of his sponsors. It further describes the different categories in rally racing, delineating the distinction between RallyGP and Rally2, and emphasizes Brad’s transition into a more competitive class as he gears up for future races, notably the Dakar Rally.

In summary, Brad Cox’s crowning as the World Rally2 Champion exemplifies his dedication and skill in the realm of motorsport, marking a significant milestone in his career. Supported by his team and sponsors, Brad’s achievements not only elevate his own standing but also promote South Africa as a burgeoning host of international rally events. His determination and past performances, coupled with the anticipation for future competitions such as the Dakar Rally, foreshadow a bright future for this talented athlete. The recognition from government officials further underscores the importance of his success on a national level.

Original Source: www.knysnaplettherald.com