The Australia vs. New Zealand rivalry is legendary across sports. In cricket, it’s the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy; in rugby, it’s the Bledisloe Cup. Now, rallying is revving up for a fresh chapter in the trans-Tasman scrap—and Hayden Paddon is leading the charge.
For the first time since the late, great Possum Bourne’s seven-year reign over the Australian Rally Championship (ARC), a Kiwi is crossing the ditch with the intent to dominate. Paddon, a former World Rally Championship (WRC) winner and two-time European Rally Champion, has set his sights on bringing the ARC title back to New Zealand.
Paddon’s Australian Challenge Begins in Canberra
Starting in March, Paddon will contest all six rounds of the 2024 Australian Rally Championship in a Hyundai i20 N Rally2, marking a major step in his already illustrious career.
“It will be special to compete in Australia this year,” said Paddon, who grew up watching Bourne’s legendary battles.
“After the many years of success that Possum Bourne had there and watching that as a kid, to now take our own Kiwi team across the ditch and rejuvenate that trans-Tasman rivalry is going to be an exciting and fun challenge.”
While he has competed in Australia before—coming agonizingly close to winning the 2018 Rally Australia, finishing second to Jari-Matti Latvala—this will be his first full-scale ARC campaign.
A Battle Against the Next Generation of Australian Rally Stars
During Bourne’s golden era, Australian rallying had Neal Bates as one of its biggest names, consistently pushing the Kiwi legend. Now, history is set to repeat, as Paddon will face off against Bates’ sons, Harry and Lewis.
“I’m really excited to finally put together a campaign for the Australian Rally Championship, something we have been trying to make happen for a couple of years,” Paddon admitted.
He’s also well aware that it won’t be an easy task.
“We are under no illusion that it will be a tough challenge, going up against some very fast competition on unfamiliar events and terrain,” he explained.
But if anyone is up for the challenge, it’s Paddon and his powerhouse PRG (Paddon Rally Group) team. With his vast experience on the global stage and the raw pace of the Hyundai i20 N Rally2, he’s determined to go all-in to bring the title back to New Zealand.
Can Paddon Reignite New Zealand’s Dominance?
It’s been far too long since a Kiwi controlled the Australian Rally Championship, and Paddon is more than just a competitor—he’s on a mission. With the battle lines drawn, the trans-Tasman rally rivalry is officially back, and this time, New Zealand has a serious contender.
The question now is: Can Paddon pick up where Possum Bourne left off and reclaim rally supremacy for the Kiwis?
Buckle up—this fight is just getting started.