South Africa’s Brad Cox Crowned World Rally2 Champion in Morocco
Brad Cox crowned World Rally2 Champion in Morocco after winning the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, ahead of competitors Romain Dumontier and Konrad Dabrowski. His victory marks a significant milestone as he prepares to compete in the Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class. Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, applauds his achievement, emphasizing its importance as South Africa gears up for the W2RC event in 2025.
Brad Cox, a 26-year-old South African racer, has reached the pinnacle of his career by securing the World Rally2 Champion title at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, part of the World Rally-Raid Championship. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, Cox not only claimed victory in the rally but also ascended to the championship, overtaking Romain Dumontier of Team Honda, with Konrad Dabrowski of Duust Rally finishing third. Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture for South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, publicly congratulated Cox via social media, highlighting the significance of his victory as South Africa prepares to host the W2RC event in 2025. Cox’s triumph was further amplified by his use of the new 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica and the fact that his mentor, Ross Branch, achieved the victory in the RallyGP category at the event. Cox’s victory in the Rally2 division, which caters to less experienced racers than the elite RallyGP class, paves the way for him to compete in the upcoming Dakar Rally in the RallyGP category. Following his success in Morocco, Cox expressed pride in his accomplishments, acknowledging the collaborative effort of his team, family, and sponsors. Team Manager Bart van der Velden remarked on Cox’s dedication and readiness for future competitions, noting the extensive training and evolution of his navigation skills. Earlier this year, Cox participated in the Dakar Rally, where he finished commendably in the Rally2 category, further elevating his profile in the sport. His racing endeavors are supported by various sponsors committed to nurturing his ambitions, including prominent companies such as Toyota Gazoo Racing, KTM South Africa, and Red Bull.
The World Rally2 Championship represents a vital category within the motorsport landscape, allowing emerging talents to showcase their skills as they aspire to compete at higher levels, such as the challenging Dakar Rally. The Rallye Du Maroc stands as one of the significant events in this series, garnering participants from around the globe and providing an essential platform for racers like Brad Cox to gain recognition and experience. With South Africa set to host the World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) in 2025, Cox’s victory resonates strongly within the national motorsports community, inspiring upcoming athletes and drawing attention from local authorities and sponsors alike.
In summary, Brad Cox’s achievement as the World Rally2 Champion signals a remarkable milestone in his racing career and sets the stage for future challenges in the elite RallyGP category. His victory not only emphasizes his personal dedication but also highlights the collaborative strength of his support system. As South Africa prepares to host the W2RC event in 2025, Cox’s success serves as a beacon for local motorsport, fostering enthusiasm and aspirations within the racing community.
Original Source: www.knysnaplettherald.com
