Paddon to compete on home turf in NZ

The World Rally Championship’s continued absence from New Zealand has forced Hayden Paddon to build his own Hyundai rally car to compete on his home stages.

Paddon revealed a new team and an all-new i20 AP4 in New Zealand last week. The car currently has a tuned Hyundai 1800cc turbo engine mated to low-cost ZF transmission. The intention is to develop and build a 1600cc engine, bringing the car into line with Asia Pacific Rally Championship regulations in the next 12 months.

In the meantime, Paddon will drive the car on the next two rounds of the New Zealand Rally Championship, Rally of Otago (April 8-10) and the International Rally of Whangarei at the end of April.

“I’m passionate about rallying in New Zealand,” said Paddon. “This was a good chance to give something back. The 1600cc engine will take a bit more time, but that’ll bring us into line with APRC, making the car a really cost-effective alternative for that championship.”

Testing was expected to start for the first time earlier this week.