\n<\/p>\n
Regardless of whether he defends his W2RC title in 2025, it will be a special season for Branch.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Because of its expensive nature, the African continent as a whole has struggled to produce many competitors in high-level motorsport, let alone champions.<\/p>\n
Yet Branch feels this is something that can change in the future, especially with more events being staged there.<\/p>\n
“Having the South African round will open the door for hundreds of riders that are here,” he said.<\/p>\n
“It will make it a lot cheaper to participate and break into the market of Rally-Raid racing.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“I’m excited to host my family and friends and show them what we can do.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The most recent Dakar Rally champion, Carlos Sainz Sr, became the race’s oldest winner when he triumphed age 61 in January.<\/a><\/p>\n When away from racing, Branch does charter flights on a part-time basis for Mack Air in Botswana.<\/p>\n “The love of flying is the freedom we have in the sky,” Branch said.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n