Brad Cox Achieves Historic Victory as World Rally2 Champion in Morocco

Brad Cox, a 26-year-old South African racer, won the World Rally2 championship at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc, securing victory in both the rally and the championship title. His win has garnered support from local government officials and sets the stage for his upcoming participation in the Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class. Cox expressed pride in his accomplishment, highlighting the team effort behind his success.

Brad Cox, a 26-year-old racer from South Africa, achieved a remarkable milestone by being crowned the World Rally2 champion at the 2024 Rallye Du Maroc within the World Rally-Raid Championship. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, Cox not only clinched the championship title but also triumphed in the rally, overtaking Romain Dumontier of Team Honda, who finished second, while Konrad Dąbrowski from Duust Rally secured third place. The honor drew recognition from the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa, Gayton McKenzie, who publicly congratulated Cox via social media, emphasizing the significance of his victory as the nation prepares to host the prestigious W2RC next year. This achievement was made even more noteworthy as Cox competed as a privateer on his new 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica, while his mentor Ross Branch from Botswana won the RallyGP World Championship in the same rally. Cox’s win in Morocco is particularly exciting as it qualifies him for the upcoming Dakar Rally, where he will compete in the more advanced RallyGP class. Prior to this victory, he participated in the highly challenging Dakar Rally earlier this year, garnering 13th place overall in the Bike Category, marking him as the only South African to reach the Top 20 in the competition. Reflecting on his accomplishment, Cox acknowledged the tenacity and preparations that led to this success, indicating, “Coming in, I was down eight points… 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.” He also expressed gratitude towards his family, team, and sponsors for their unwavering support.

The World Rally2 Championship is a highly competitive class in MotoSports, particularly designed for skilled riders still transitioning to the elite RallyGP category. The recent events surrounding Brad Cox highlight the rigorous nature of rally racing and the dedication required to succeed in such demanding conditions. As one of the leading figures in South African motorcycle racing, Cox’s recent accomplishments set the stage for not only his career but also the broader promotion of motorsport within South Africa, especially given the country’s upcoming hosting of significant rally events. Cox’s journey and preparation for both the Rally2 championship and the forthcoming Dakar Rally are illustrative of the challenges and triumphs faced by racers globally, especially those from regions with developing motorsport infrastructures.

Brad Cox’s recent crowning as the World Rally2 champion signifies a major achievement in South African MotoSports and encapsulates his commitment to excellence within the sport. His triumph at the Rallye Du Maroc positions him favorably for the forthcoming Dakar Rally, where he will further test his skills against the best in the sport. With significant support from sponsors and the encouragement of his family and team, Cox’s journey is a testament to perseverance and talent in motorsport.

Original Source: risingsunnewspapers.co.za