Ross Branch: Letsile Tebogo’s part in World Rally-Raid Championship victory

Regardless of whether he defends his W2RC title in 2025, it will be a special season for Branch.

A stage will be held in Sun City, South Africa, in May next year, marking the first time that a leg of the championship will be held in Southern Africa.

Because of its expensive nature, the African continent as a whole has struggled to produce many competitors in high-level motorsport, let alone champions.

Yet Branch feels this is something that can change in the future, especially with more events being staged there.

“Having the South African round will open the door for hundreds of riders that are here,” he said.

“It will make it a lot cheaper to participate and break into the market of Rally-Raid racing.

“I have full confidence that in the next two to three years we will see another 10-15 riders come out of Southern Africa. This is huge for us.”

The Sun City stage also provides Branch with an opportunity to compete in front of many of those close to him for the first time in his career.

“As soon as they released the calendar for next year I had at least 100 family and friends book accommodation [to watch the race],” he said.

“I’m excited to host my family and friends and show them what we can do.”

Given the high demands of motorcycling Branch is realistic that, while he is contracted with Hero MotoSports until 2027, his time competing as an elite rider may be limited.

Options for him will not be short once he does call it a day in motorbiking as he is a qualified pilot and is also open to exploring the possibility of competing in the car category of the Dakar Rally and W2RC.

The most recent Dakar Rally champion, Carlos Sainz Sr, became the race’s oldest winner when he triumphed age 61 in January.

When away from racing, Branch does charter flights on a part-time basis for Mack Air in Botswana.

“The love of flying is the freedom we have in the sky,” Branch said.

“I fly over the most beautiful place in the world, the Okavango Delta, which is extraordinary. It’s a big privilege for me to fly and keep doing what I love doing.”

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