New Zealand’s rally star Hayden Paddon, alongside co-driver Jared Hudson, delivered an electrifying performance at the International Rally of Whangārei, held from 8-10 November, to clinch the 2024 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) title. This victory adds yet another accolade to Paddon’s stellar career, marking his second APRC title and following closely on the heels of his FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) triumph in October. Behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20N Rally2, Paddon’s sheer dominance on all 18 special stages solidified his standing as a world-class competitor on home soil.
The event saw the 37-year-old Kiwi and his co-driver Hudson set a blistering pace over Northland’s challenging rural roads, recording the fastest times across every stage. Their performance underscored a perfect blend of precision and power as they managed the notoriously demanding dry conditions, which put tire durability and driver skill to the test. “It’s a fantastic result from a tough event,” Paddon remarked. “The dry conditions were very hard on tyres, as expected, so it was all about keeping it clean, managing our pace, and enjoying it as much as we could.” This level-headed approach was key to Paddon’s remarkable consistency throughout the rally, making him untouchable in the final standings.
The intensity of the competition elevated the event to an impressive showcase of rally talent, with local rivals and international entrants vying for top honors. Second-place finishers Ben Hunt and Tony Rawstorn, piloting a Škoda Fabia Rally2, pushed hard to challenge Paddon but ultimately finished 4 minutes and 42 seconds behind the champion. Hunt, full of admiration for his competitor, said, “There’s no one else I’d rather finish behind. He’s a world-class driver who’s always active in the car, whereas we only compete in five or six rallies a year. It’s been a great weekend.”
Rounding out the podium, Emma Gilmour and Malcolm Read secured third place in their Citroën C3 Rally2, capping a tough yet rewarding event. “Very, very happy,” Gilmour reflected. “It’s been a tough event, a long event, and the heat made it even more challenging. We’ve had an awesome weekend, and finishing third in the APRC is an amazing result given the competition.” For Gilmour, a celebrated figure in New Zealand motorsport, the podium finish served as a testament to her endurance and skill amid formidable conditions.
Pacific Cup and Junior title victories
While Paddon’s victory highlighted the weekend, the rally also saw fierce competition in various categories. Jack Hawkeswood, co-driving with Jason Farmer in a Toyota Yaris AP4, seized the Pacific Cup and Junior title. Hawkeswood’s gritty performance was met with enthusiastic applause, as he showcased the tenacity and focus required to navigate the rough terrain. Tim and Lauren Mackersy, piloting a Ford Fiesta Rally4, claimed the two-wheel-drive title, adding another celebrated Kiwi win to the weekend.
A test of endurance: Challenges on Northland’s gravel roads
The two-day rally covered 237 kilometers of competitive stages, testing every team’s endurance and skill. Northland’s cambered, flowing roads—iconic among rally fans—provided a high-speed platform for the racers but added significant challenges with dry conditions creating a hard, fast surface. Isolated rain patches on Sunday did little to disrupt the pace, but the rugged terrain claimed several competitors.
Robbie Stokes and Ally Mackay’s rally ended abruptly on Saturday’s third stage when their vehicle veered off-road, and gearbox trouble forced Zeal and Waverly Jones to retire after stage 12. Despite these challenges, most of the 11 teams entered for the championship decider managed to complete the event, reflecting the spirit of resilience and determination in rallying.
In recognition of his championship win, Paddon was awarded a prize of NZ$5,000 from the FIA APRC Working Group, while Hunt received NZ$3,000 and Gilmour NZ$2,000. This acknowledgment adds to the significance of the title as Paddon and Hudson prepare to be honored at the FIA Awards in Kigali, Rwanda, on 13 December.
Final Results
Paddon’s commanding final time of 2:24:49.8 was a clear demonstration of his expertise and dominance in the field. The leaderboard reflected his skill and precision, with Hunt and Gilmour following in second and third, respectively:
01: H/Paddon/J. Hudson (Hyundai i20N Rally2) – 2h 24m 49.8s
02: B. Hunt/T. Rawstorn (Škoda Fabia Rally2) + 4m 42.1s
03: E. Gilmour/M. Read (Citroën C3 Rally2) +7m 20.0s
04: M. Young/A. Hudson (Toyota Yaris AP4) + 15m 11.3s
05: T. Mackersy/L. Mackersy (Ford Fiesta Rally4) + 20m 27.5s
06: J. Hawkeswood/J. Farmer (Toyota GR Yaris AP4) + 35m 49.1s
07: F. Takahashi/K. Takahashi (Ford Fiesta Rally4) + 38m 12.8s
08: N. Puligilla/S. R. Thomas (Proton Satria) + 51m 34.0s
09: H. Rihans Variza/M. Fahrezi Fadh (Ford Fiesta R5) + 1h 01m 17.2s
Paddon’s win not only exemplified his skill but also showcased the depth of New Zealand’s rallying talent, with local drivers filling out most of the top positions. The weekend’s rally proved a testament to teamwork, endurance, and the thrill of competition on one of rallying’s most challenging terrains. As Paddon and his team celebrate their hard-earned championship, the International Rally of Whangārei will be remembered as an event that cemented his place in APRC history, elevating the excitement and legacy of rally racing in New Zealand.