Paddon's first Australian national title means he's finally on the same roll of honor as Possum Bourne
Photography by Matt Christie / Network R
Words by David Evans, DirtFish Head of Media
After winning four from five Australian Rally Championship rounds, finishing 12th or better in Tasmania should have been a cinch for Hayden Paddon last weekend. And so it looked, until the second run through the season’s longest stage.
Apparently comfortable in second place behind Toyota man Harry Bates going into the 23-miler, Paddon and co-driver John Kennard were hit by a broken damper aboard their Hyundai i20 N Rally2.
“We really had to nurse the car through,” said Paddon. “Things can happen outside of your control, but we got the job done, which is a massive relief.”
Despite having two European and eight New Zealand titles to his name, the Australian Rally Championship held special meaning and significance for Paddon.
He added: “I guess following on from what my hero Possum [Bourne] did was really the inspiration for our team to come over here and compete in this championship and take on the best that Australia has to offer.”
A broken damper couldn't stop Paddon from achieving his year-long goal
Kiwi star Bourne crossed the ditch successfully seven times.
“To put our name alongside Possum feels somewhat surreal,” said Paddon. “It’s very, very cool, and something the whole team can be very proud of, especially being on the road and travelling around Australia and doing it all on what’s pretty much a shoestring budget.
“We’ve loved it over here, I love the championship, love the competition, all new rallies, all new challenges and the team’s just done an incredible job working on the road away from home.”
For former Rally Argentina winners Paddon and Kennard, their Australian success brings further proof of the longevity of their relationship – they’ve been competing together for two decades.
“Getting this championship in our 20th season together is also pretty special,” smiled Paddon. “This is a great way to finish off the season.”
Words:David Evans
Tags: ARC, ARC 2025, Hayden Paddon, Hyundai New Zealand, Rally Tasmania
Publish Date November 12, 2025 DirtFish
Up Next