South African motorcyclist Brad Cox has been awarded the World Rally2 championship in Morocco after an impressive performance at the Rallye Du Maroc. Competing on a 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica, Cox defeated notable competitors to clinch his title while also securing his entry into the next Dakar Rally in the RallyGP class. His achievement has garnered national recognition and sets the stage for increased interest in motorsports within South Africa.
Brad Cox, a 26-year-old motorcyclist from South Africa, has been crowned the World Rally2 champion at the recent Rallye Du Maroc, part of the World Rally-Raid Championship. Competing for BAS World KTM Racing, Cox clinched both the title and the rally victory in Morocco, surpassing competitor Romain Dumontier from Team Honda and finishing ahead of Konrad Dąbrowski of Duust Rally, who secured third place. The South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, lauded Cox’s achievement on social media, noting the significance of his victory as South Africa prepares to host the W2RC next year. Cox achieved this remarkable success aboard a new 2025 KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica, showcasing the skills he honed as a privateer rider rather than a factory-supported athlete. His accomplishment is further highlighted by the fact that his friend and mentor, Ross Branch of Botswana, also triumphed by winning the RallyGP World Championship during the same event. Following his victory, Cox reflected on his journey, acknowledging the hard work that led him to this prestigious title. “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!” – Brad Cox. Earlier in the year, Cox demonstrated his talent in the extremely challenging Dakar Rally, where he finished 13th overall in the Bike Category and remained the only South African within the Top 20 finishers. This success can be attributed to the generous sponsorships he received from various organizations committed to promoting his racing aspirations, including Toyota Gazoo Racing, ASP International Rope Access, Bas World KTM Racing Team, and several others.
Brad Cox’s recent victory in the World Rally2 Championship reflects a significant achievement in the motorcycle racing community, particularly for South African motorsports. The Rally2 class serves as an important stepping stone for riders who are not yet ranked at the RallyGP level. The Rallye Du Maroc is a notable event within the World Rally-Raid Championship calendar, providing a platform for motorcycle competitors to showcase their skills in challenging conditions. This year, Cox’s performance not only secured him the championship title but also highlighted the potential for South Africa to host larger international motorsport events in the near future, generating excitement among fans and promoters.
Brad Cox’s victory as the World Rally2 champion marks a pivotal moment in his career and South African motorsports. His determination and the support of his team and sponsors were key to his success in the Rallye Du Maroc. As he prepares for the prestigious Dakar Rally, this achievement serves as a foundation for future endeavors in the competitive world of rally racing.
Original Source: risingsunnewspapers.co.za
