Brad Cox, a 26-year-old South African racer, has been crowned the World Rally2 Champion after winning the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc. His victory was marked by his impressive performance on a new 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica. The event attracted notable attention from government officials and set the stage for South Africa to host the World Rally-Raid Championship in 2025, which includes diverse terrains and significant challenges. Cox credits teamwork and extensive support from sponsors for his success and looks forward to competing in the Dakar Rally.
In a remarkable showcase of talent and determination, South African Brad Cox, aged 26, has been named the World Rally2 Champion following his impressive performance at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, he not only triumphed in the rally but also secured the championship title, overtaking Romain Dumontier of Team Honda, with Konrad Dabrowski of Duust Rally finishing in third place. This achievement garnered recognition from South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who expressed his congratulations via social media, particularly noting the significance of hosting the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) in South Africa in 2025. Cox’s victory also sets the stage for excitement surrounding the W2RC, as South Africa will host the event’s third round, taking place from May 18 to 24, 2025, across North West and Limpopo provinces. The diverse terrain promises an engaging challenge, including bushveld plateaus and river crossings, running through regions like Sun City and Thabazimbi. With this win, Brad Cox impressed the racing community, piloting a privateer 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica. Significantly, his triumph was complemented by the success of his mentor, Ross Branch, who clinched the RallyGP World Championship in Morocco. As a considerable milestone, Cox’s victory in the Rally2 category not only confirms his eligibility for the next Dakar Rally in the more elite RallyGP class but also reflects the dedication and support he has received from a variety of sponsors. In his reflections post-event, Cox stated, “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.” He expressed pride in the collaborative effort that propelled him to success, highlighting the importance of teamwork in achieving such a significant milestone. Bart van der Velden, Team Manager of BAS World KTM Racing, commended Cox’s hard work and the substantial progress he has made in navigation and training over the past year and a half, reinforcing optimism for his upcoming participation in the Dakar Rally. Earlier this year, Cox had also shown commendable performance finishing 13th overall in the highly challenging Dakar Rally while being the only South African to reach the Top 20. Cox’s journey is buoyed by the extensive backing from his sponsors, including Toyota Gazoo Racing and KTM South Africa, among others, all contributing to his racing ambitions.
The article emphasizes the rising star in motorsports, Brad Cox, who has achieved international recognition through his outstanding performance in the World Rally2 Championship. The rally held in Morocco marks a pivotal moment not just for Cox, but for South African motorsport, especially in the context of the upcoming World Rally-Raid Championship event scheduled for 2025. This backdrop underscores the importance of national representation in global sports and the collaborative efforts of teams, sponsors, and the broader sporting community in fostering talent. Moreover, the Rally2 and RallyGP divisions highlight the competitive structure within the realm of rally racing, demonstrating the significance of various classifications that cater to different skill levels.
In conclusion, Brad Cox’s recent accolade as the World Rally2 Champion underscores his dedication and the collaborative spirit of his team and sponsors. His victory in Morocco not only cements his status within the global rally racing community but also presents a promising outlook for his future endeavors, notably at the forthcoming Dakar Rally. This achievement will undoubtedly contribute to increasing interest and participation in motorsport in South Africa as the nation prepares to host a segment of the prestigious World Rally-Raid Championship in 2025.
Original Source: www.knysnaplettherald.com
