The start of Cox’s rally racing career
Local off-road champ Bradley Cox’s successful Dakar Rally debut last week marks the first step of an exciting career in rally racing ahead for the young racer.
Despite hitting a rock in one of the canyons of Saudi Arabia’s desert landscape where the Dakar Rally takes place during stage nine of the race, which caused a fuel tank leak on his bike and set him back from achieving top positions, Cox made a successful finish, placing 25th overall.
He placed second in the Junior Category; third in the Rookie category and fifth in the rally second class.
Reflecting on the race at the finish, Cox said: “What an incredible experience to get my first rally done and dusted. I exceeded all my expectations, which I think was the best part. The mechanical on stage nine impacted the overall result a bit, but I couldn’t ask for anything more than being out there every day with the guys – it was incredible. I am over the moon. This was the stepping stone of my rally career and I’m ready for many more great years to come.”
The Maritzburg College alumnus told Maritzburg Sun he is working towards getting a factory team together and becoming a full-time rally rider in the year ahead. Next up, he plans to race the national cross country and Enduro Companionship.
Follow Cox’s racing journey on social media:
Instagram - @bradcox34
YouTube – Bradley Cox
FaceBook – Bradley Cox