New Zealand rally sensation Hayden Paddon and co-driver John Kennard is gearing up to make a significant impact as he embarks on his full-season campaign in the 2025 Australian Rally Championship (ARC). The season kicks off this weekend with the Rally of Canberra, scheduled from March 21 to 23.
The Rally of Canberra takes place in the ACT’s Tidbinbilla and Kowen forests—a total of 223km worth of competitive stages throughout the 3-day event. The stages are reowned by local competitors for their complexity and speed.
Paddon, renowned for his achievements on the international rally stage, including a World Rally Championship (WRC) victory in Argentina and back-to-back European Rally Championship titles, is set to pilot a Hyundai i20 N Rally2 car. This venture is a collaboration between his own Paddon Rally Group (PRG) and Rullo Motorsport, forming a formidable ‘super team’ that combines resources and expertise to elevate Hyundai’s presence in the championship.
“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,” said Paddon
“John and I are very much going into the unknown with new rallies, new stages and new competition.
“But we are looking forward to the challenge, and we are ready to go.”
He acknowledges the ARC’s competitiveness, noting,
“We are under no illusion that it will be a tough challenge, going up against some high-speed competition on unfamiliar events and terrain.”
“Our goals are to be consistent and feel our way in for this first event.
“Points on the board is the target to give us a base to build the rest of our championship,” said Paddon
The Rally of Canberra promises to be a thrilling opener. Paddon will face stiff competition from local talents, including Canberra’s own Harry Bates.
Bates, who has clinched the ARC title multiple times, anticipates a challenging season ahead, stating,
“We’re certainly not going to have it our way.”
Fans in Canberra are in for a treat, as the event will feature a pre-rally showcase on Bunda Street in Civic from 5 pm to 6:30 pm on Friday, March 21. This initiative allows the public to engage with drivers and get an up-close look at the rally cars before they hit the stages.
“It’s a really good opportunity for all Canberrans to chat with us before we start the rally and to get up close and personal with the cars, too,” said Bates when talking about the event’s accessibility
As the ARC season unfolds, all eyes will be on Paddon and his team to see how they adapt to the Australian terrains and competition. With a rich history of rally success and a robust partnership with Rullo Motorsport, Paddon’s participation adds a new layer of excitement to the championship.
The 2025 ARC calendar comprises six rounds, starting with the Rally of Canberra and concluding with the Rally Tasmania in November. Each event presents unique challenges, promising an exhilarating season for teams and fans alike.
Paddon spoke to Speedcafe earlier, announcing that his ultimate goal is to return to WRC as a driver and one day as a team owner.
“I’ve got unfinished business there.
“I’d love the opportunity to stand on the WRC podium again. I know we can’t be world champions, and that ship has sailed, but I still feel like I’m driving on a good level. Yeah, there’s unfinished business.” said Paddon
Paddon completed the shakedown and the first half of Recce yesterday.
“The stages are looking great – plenty of variety and some classic Canberra challenges ahead!” said Paddon
Paddon’s entry into the championship elevates the competition and strengthens the trans-Tasman motorsport rivalry, harking back to the days of rally legend Possum Bourne. Fans can look forward to a season filled with skill, speed, and spectacular rallying.
As the countdown to the Rally of Canberra draws to a close, the rally community eagerly awaits the high-octane action that the ARC is renowned for.
Visit the official ARC website for more information on the Rally of Canberra, including spectator instructions and event schedules.
