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Triple Triumph: Paddon Sweeps Adelaide Hills, Ashley Forest and Bay of Plenty
Hyundai New Zealand rally star Hayden Paddon has continued his outstanding 2025 campaign with a clean sweep of recent events, claiming victories at Rally Adelaide Hills, the Ashley Forest Rallysprint, and the Rally Bay of Plenty.
Paddon and co-driver John Kennard kicked off their winning streak in Australia, taking top honours at Rally Adelaide Hills in their Hyundai i20 N Rally2, securing valuable points in the Australian Rally Championship (ARC). Returning to New Zealand, Paddon then stormed to wins at the Ashley Forest Rallysprint and Rally Bay of Plenty behind the wheel of his Hyundai i20 AP4.
“It’s been an incredible few weeks, the team has been amazing, and both cars have performed flawlessly,” said Hayden Paddon. “To take three wins, both here and across the Tasman, in two different cars really shows the strength and depth of our programme. We’re proud to represent Hyundai and to keep pushing the limits of what’s possible.”
The partnership between Paddon and Hyundai New Zealand is now entering its eleventh year. The i20 AP4, continually refined in Paddon’s Cromwell workshop, sets the benchmark for locally developed rally machinery, while the i20 N Rally2 demonstrates Hyundai’s global competition pedigree on the ARC stage.
“Hayden’s results are a tremendous achievement and a testament to the partnership between Hyundai New Zealand and the Paddon Rallysport Group,” said Leighton Agnew, General Manager Sales, Hyundai New Zealand. “His consistency, professionalism, and results perfectly embody Hyundai’s commitment to performance and innovation.”
It doesn’t get any less busy for Paddon who heads to Sardinia, Italy for Rally Terra Sarda before he turns his focus to Rally Tasmania, where he can seal his first-ever ARC title.
“Our focus is finishing the job in Tasmania and bringing the car home in one piece, hopefully with the ARC Championship in tow,” Paddon commented, reflecting on the chance to add another trophy to the already impressive collection at the Paddon Rallysport base in Cromwell.