Paddon Clinches Back-to-Back European Rally Championship Titles in Hyundai i20 N Rally2
15 October, 2024
Hayden Paddon and John Kennard Secure Consecutive ERC Championships with Hyundai New Zealand
Hyundai New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon and his co-driver John Kennard have achieved an extraordinary feat by winning the European Rally Championship (ERC) for the second consecutive season. The duo secured their back-to-back titles behind the wheel of the highly acclaimed Hyundai i20 N Rally2, solidifying their dominance in the competitive world of European rallying.
Consistency Leads to Triumph in ERC Rally Silesia
The final round of the 2024 ERC season, ERC Rally Silesia, held in Poland, witnessed Paddon and Kennard deliver a remarkable performance. By securing third place, the New Zealanders clinched their second successive ERC title. This podium finish followed their impressive victory in the previous round, ERC JDS Machinery Rali Ceredigion in Wales. The key to their success has been their ability to consistently perform at a high level, managing to finish every round, an achievement that has become increasingly rare in the fiercely competitive landscape of the ERC.
Reflecting on their successful title defence, Paddon expressed immense satisfaction with the team’s performance throughout the season:
“The European Rally Championship is such a competitive environment and after a fantastic season in 2023, we had set ourselves the goal of defending our championship. The car and team performed excellently all season long. John and I are absolutely thrilled to add another trophy to the collection”
Their campaign in 2024 showcased not only Paddon’s and Kennard’s driving talent but also the engineering prowess of the Hyundai i20 N Rally2. This rally car, known for its advanced aerodynamics, reliability and speed, proved to be the perfect machine for the team, providing them with the tools they needed to dominate some of the most challenging rally stages across Europe. As the pair continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in rallying, their i20 N Rally2 remains an essential component of their success.
Hyundai New Zealand Celebrates Rally Triumph
The victory has been hailed as a monumental achievement for Hyundai New Zealand, who have been long-time supporters of Paddon’s rallying career. Scott Kelsey, chief executive of Hyundai New Zealand, lauded Paddon and Kennard’s achievements, highlighting the importance of their victory for both the team and the brand.
“Hayden and John’s achievements on the European stage are truly remarkable. Their drive, determination, and consistent success represent the core values of Hyundai. We are incredibly proud of their back-to-back championship wins and how they continue raising the bar for New Zealand motorsport.”
Paddon’s success in the ERC has not only enhanced his reputation as one of the world’s premier rally drivers but has also brought significant international attention to Hyundai New Zealand, further solidifying their commitment to supporting top-tier motorsport talent.
Looking Ahead: New Challenges and Opportunities
As Paddon and Kennard celebrate their latest triumph, attention is now turning to what lies ahead. Although the European rally season has concluded, Paddon’s competitive journey is far from over. He is set to compete in the Rally of Whangarei in November, which forms part of the New Zealand Rally Championship (NZRC). With momentum firmly on his side following his ERC victory, the duo will aim to continue their winning ways on home soil.
Hyundai’s support has been instrumental in enabling Paddon to reach new heights, and as the team looks forward to future competitions, the partnership between Hyundai New Zealand and Hayden Paddon promises to deliver even more success in the years to come.