Paddon and Kennard Claim Third Straight ARC Victory in Gippsland

27 August, 2025

Hyundai New Zealand ambassador Hayden Paddon and co-driver John Kennard have continued their winning run in the Australian Rally Championship (ARC), securing a dominant victory at the Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally in Victoria.

Behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 N WRC2, the Kiwi pairing won nine of the opening ten stages before sealing the win with success in the Power Stage. Their final margin of 1 minute and 7 seconds over Harry Bates and Coral Taylor underlined just how strong their performance was across the endurance-format event.

Paddon said the unique conditions added to the excitement.

“The night stages here in Gippsland were some of the best we’ve done in a long time,” he explained. “Driving in the dark adds another dimension, it’s a real challenge with pace notes and concentration, but also hugely rewarding. We’re really happy with the performance all weekend and to take maximum points is a perfect outcome.”

The win marks Paddon and Kennard’s third consecutive ARC victory of 2025 and adds to their already impressive record following a standout 2024 season that included another European Rally Championship title and multiple international rally wins.

Hyundai New Zealand praised the team’s consistency and pace.

“To win three straight events in such a competitive championship, and to do it with the dominance we saw in Gippsland, is a huge credit to their teamwork and the performance of the Hyundai i20 N WRC2,” said Leighton Agnew, General Manager Sales of Hyundai New Zealand.

The duo will look to extend their championship lead at the next ARC round, the Copyworld Adelaide Hills Rally, running 4–6 October in South Australia.