Paddon takes on new challenge

Paddon takes on new challenge

Fresh from winning the South Canterbury Rally by more than six minutes, Hayden Paddon is swapping his Cromwell base for the Circuit d’Essay in France.

The former World Rally Championship driver will be making his debut in the new FIA-affiliated European rallycross series, TitansRX Europe.

Paddon will be among a full grid of 12 drivers competing in identical PanteraRX6 cars in what will be his first rallycross experience and the first time he has raced side-by-side with other drivers. He’s not underestimating the learning he has ahead of him, especially with many experienced and competitive rallycross competitors in the field, such as Kevin and Tommy Hansen, plus Irish WRC driver Craig Breen, who was given a one-off seat with Hyundai Motorsport for the Rally of Finland in August.

‘‘I’m sure it will be a lot of fun. It’s a very competitive field so it will be tough, but I think my naturally competitive nature will take over to try and be near the front. I’m hoping it’s something I can learn and pick up on quickly in the intensity of competition. But essentially, I’m going in with zero expectations and just see how it pans out, of course, I will be driving as hard and fast as I can,’’ Paddon said.

His PanteraRX6 car will sport a Hyundai body kit, in keeping with Paddon’s links to Hyundai New Zealand. The double-header weekend features two race days, a race winner crowned at the end of each day, and drivers earning points towards the series winner’s title after six events and 12 race days.

Paddon is scheduled to compete in all six TitansRX Europe rounds.

‘‘I was invited to make a guest appearance in the series, but after our WRC discussions fell through, I had more availability so asked if was possible to do more rounds,’’ he said.

Paddon made his thoughts on not being approached by Hyundai Motorsport for the Finland drive clear on his Facebook page this week.

‘‘My passion is still very high for WRC and I feel I’m at my prime at present. I know the car well and was prepared to jump straight in and do a good job for the team.

‘‘So naturally you can understand we are very upset. I have given my life to this brand in everything I do. Our NZ business, our NZ Hyundai partnership, purchase of a TCR car, everything we possibly could do! And yet we were not even spoken to about this event despite us offering our services several times.’’

You can follow the rallycross series at www.titansrx.eu. There will also be coverage on Three’s CRC MotorSport next week.

 - by Catherine Pattison

Photo: TITANSRX EUROPE

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