Brad Cox Crowned World Rally2 Champion in Morocco
Brad Cox of South Africa has secured the World Rally2 championship title at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, defeating Romain Dumontier and Konrad Dąbrowski. Cox, riding for BAS World KTM Racing, expressed pride in his achievement and looks forward to competing in the Dakar Rally within the RallyGP class. His victory drew attention from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, highlighting the significance of this win for South Africa as they prepare to host a major event next year.
South African racer Brad Cox has celebrated a monumental achievement by clinching the title of World Rally2 champion at the prestigious 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, part of the World Rally-Raid Championship. This remarkable accomplishment not only culminated in a thrilling victory in the rally itself but also placed him ahead of competitor Romain Dumontier of Team Honda, with Konrad Dąbrowski from Duust Rally finishing in third place. Representing BAS World KTM Racing, Mr. Cox’s triumph was underscored by the use of a 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica, showcasing his prowess as a privateer in a highly competitive event. The significance of Mr. Cox’s victory has resonated within South Africa, prompting Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, to extend his greetings via social media. Mr. McKenzie stated, “Twenty-six-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.” Moreover, the excitement surrounding this achievement is heightened by Mr. Cox’s friendship with Ross Branch from Botswana, who himself secured victory in the RallyGP World Championship in Morocco. Following his World Rally2 glory, Mr. Cox is now set to participate in the next Dakar Rally within the RallyGP class. In reflecting on his journey, Mr. Cox expressed gratitude to his supporters and the challenges he overcame, stating, “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. 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, he participated in the exceedingly challenging Dakar Rally, where he distinguished himself by finishing 13th overall in the Bike Category as the sole South African to rank within the Top 20. His participation was made possible through the generous support of sponsors such as Toyota Gazoo Racing, ASP international rope access, and others who endorsed his racing aspirations.
The World Rally2 championship comprises a specialized class designed for seasoned competitors not yet classified within the RallyGP tier. Achieving success within this category often propels riders to higher classifications, such as RallyGP, where the competition intensifies and the stakes elevate. Brad Cox’s title in this formative year not only highlights his individual talent but also assures his place in the upcoming Dakar Rally, one of the most formidable events in motorsports, renowned for its rigorous demands and challenges.
In summary, Brad Cox’s recent victory in the World Rally2 championship epitomizes his dedication and skill as a racer. His success serves as a testament to not only his individual capabilities but also the teamwork and support from his sponsors. As he prepares for the challenging Dakar Rally ahead, this title acts as a significant milestone in his racing career, solidifying his status within the motorsport community.
Original Source: risingsunnewspapers.co.za