Hayden Paddon and co-driver Jared Hudson have won the Rali Ceredigion event in Wales over the weekend, claiming their first ever tarmac rally victory.
The Kiwi duo crossed the line of the twelfth and final stage to beat their closest competitor, Osian Pryce and co-driver Noel O’Sullivan by 38.7 seconds.
By the end of the first day of the two day event, Paddon had already secured two stage wins before a tough third stage. The fourth stage was cut short that evening due to an accident blocking the course (both drivers were ok).
Come Sunday and a full day of rallying was ahead for the two with close competition throughout. Paddon was just 20 seconds ahead of Pryce after the 27km special stage nine but increased the gap over the next three stages.
Paddon and Hudson ended the rally in first position with an overall time of 1:19:56.0.
“Amazing weekend here at Rali Ceredigion on some very challenging stages which we loved,” said Paddon.
“A massive thank you to the Alabatec Team and organisers who all helped to make this possible, also to everyone who made us feel so welcome! Hope to be back soon.
“Last but certainly not least, massive respect to Jared in the co-drivers seat who faced the task of one of the most demanding rallies in terms of stages and pacenotes, but grew hugely as the event progressed while doing an amazing job.”
Co-driver Hudson had previously won the South Canterbury Rally with Paddon earlier this year which prepared him well for his international rally debut at Rali Ceredigion.
Paddon now returns to New Zealand ahead of Repco Rally New Zealand later this month but will compete in the Ashley Forest Rallysprint on September 17 to 18 beforehand.
Main image: Hayden Paddon Facebook
