Shane van Gisbergen and Hayden Paddon are the first two drivers confirmed to return to the Battle of Jack’s Ridge rally in November.
The two-day rally sprint set on the sweeping landscape former national rally champion Andrew Hawkeswood’s Whitford property has its second rendition on November 13-14.
Last year’s inaugural event proved to be a huge success.
What was initially a substitute for the cancelled New Zealand World Rally Championship round, the Battle of Jack’s Ridge brought together some of the country’s best rally drivers in one easy-to-follow rally sprint.
Tickets were sold out, and Sky Sport broadcasted the rally live across New Zealand.
Van Gisbergen was eventually crowned winner of the first Battle of Jack’s Ridge, and the Supercars driver is ready to defend his title.
“It was an awesome experience last year and I had a blast,” van Gisbergen said.
“I am super keen to come back and have another go.
“The field will be competitive, and I will have my work cut out again in 2021, but I am really looking forward to it.”
Paddon is the second driver announced to be back for this year’s event.
The Kiwi rally star looked to be the class of the field last year before a big roll-over in the top-eight shootout ruled him out of contention.
“The Repco Battle of Jack’s Ridge was a big success last year and organisers did a great job,” Paddon said.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t get it quite right, so I am determined to come back and have another go.
“Shane was awesome to watch, and it will be great to compete against him again; I know there is a huge interest from some really good drivers, so I expect a tough challenge.
“The layout was great, the fans were awesome and I can’t wait to get out there and put on a show for everyone.”
Like last year, Sky Sport will broadcast the 2021 event live.
Tickets go on sale in mid-August.
Main Image: Matthew Hansen
