10^th November 2025 – Hyundai New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon has etched his name into the history books, securing his first-ever Australian Rally Championship (ARC) title after a determined and calculated performance at Rally Tasmania over the weekend.

Paddon and long-time co-driver John Kennard entered the season finale with an 85-point lead in the ARC standings, knowing that a consistent finish would be enough to clinch the title. Over two demanding days and 16 competitive stages, the pair expertly balanced pace with precision aboard their Hyundai i20 N Rally2, ultimately finishing third overall and wrapping up the championship in style.

The Burnie-based event lived up to its reputation for unpredictability, with changing weather and fast, narrow forestry stages testing competitors throughout. Paddon held second place overnight on Saturday, just 7.4 seconds off the lead after eight stages. But Sunday brought fresh challenges, including a broken damper on the rally’s 44-kilometre test, forcing the team to shift focus from chasing stage wins to preserving their car and ensuring a finish.

“There was a lot of pressure this weekend just to get the car home,” said Hayden Paddon. “Performance wasn’t the priority; it was about being smart and finishing the job. It’s been a long campaign, and to come away as Australian champions is incredibly special. It’s something our whole team and Hyundai New Zealand can be proud of.”

The result caps an outstanding 2025 season for Paddon and the team, highlighted by success across the world, literally, with victories in New Zealand, Australia and Europe. It also marks a major milestone in the eleven-year partnership between Paddon Rallysport and Hyundai New Zealand, as they continue to add more accolades to the trophy cabinet.

“Hayden, John and the team have been exceptional all season,” said Leighton Agnew, General Manager Sales, Hyundai New Zealand. “Winning the Australian Rally Championship is a huge achievement, one built on consistency, pace, and teamwork.”

With the ARC crown now secured, Paddon and the team will return to New Zealand for a hard-earned break before put plans in place for next year’s season. “Watch this space” says Paddon smiling referring to next year’s plans.