Hayden Paddon completes season with victory in Whangarei

Current European Rally Champion Hayden Paddon has capped off a long and successful season with a decisive victory at Rally Whangarei, driving his Hyundai i20 N Rally2 car.

This is a great result for Paddon, as the two-day Rally Whangarei attracts the best local talent and international competitors as the final round of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship.

Paddon's victory was even sweeter as he also secured his second Asia-Pacific Rally Championship title, marking the end of a busy season.

“It’s been a flat-out year. Between competing in New Zealand and the European Rally Championship, we’ve participated in 14 rallies across nine different countries. It’s been fantastic to get so much seat time, and we couldn’t be happier with what we’ve achieved. To finish with a victory and claim the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship title is the cherry on top.”

Hyundai New Zealand CEO Scott Kelsey shares Paddon's pride: “What Hayden has achieved this year is something we cannot take for granted. It’s been 10 years since Hayden joined the Hyundai New Zealand family, and year after year, he and his team aim high—and they get there. We are incredibly proud of his achievements.”

With the season now officially over, attention shifts to 2025. While Paddon isn’t quite ready to reveal his plans for next year, if 2024 is any indication, big things are expected from the "flying Kiwi" in the new year.