| Fri, Jul 30 5:35AM (NZ) |
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This website is now dedicated to covering the Black Bullets. Current Black Bullets news is now provided on iSportz » with past news archived here for your continued reference.
This weekends International Rally of Whangarei is an event that is very significant to Paddon Direct Team Green driver Hayden Paddon and co-driver John Kennard for more than one reason. This year's event is not only a round of the New Zealand and Asia Pacific Rally Championships, but also the first qualifying round for the Pirelli Star Diver award.
Last year, at the age of 20, Hayden took his debut rally victory at the event, fending off the challenge of not only a strong national field, but also some highly regarded international drivers, and a year later he is firmly focused on repeating the feat.
"Last year was certainly a bit of a shock; something we weren't expecting. Now this year, as I've said a few times, the aim for every rally is victory and that's what we're all working hard towards again here. Whangarei is one of my favourite events, the fast flowing cambered roads suit my driving, the car and our BF Goodrich tyres."
Currently lying 2nd in the Vantage Aluminium New Zealand Rally Championship, a good result in the rally would help eat into the points deficit to championship leader Richard Mason, but also help the Team to compete in the Pirelli Star driver award later in the year.
Hayden recognizes the scholarship as a massive opportunity to propel himself onto the world stage, which has been his goal almost since birth! The top two teams from Whangarei with drivers under 27 years of age will receive financial assistance to compete at the Asia Pacific round in Malaysia in October, where the slate is wiped clean and the fastest qualifying driver wins a fully funded campaign in the 2009 Production World Rally Championship.
 "It's a massive opportunity for us, and one I'm working 110% on. I only have one focus this weekend and that's to win, which will be the best possible result for both the scholarship and our NZ championship. That'll be no easy task, but we've completed some good development testing since Otago, and I feel we're up for the challenge."
Mitsubishi also currently lead the NZRC Manufacturers Championship and with their Evolution 9 being the car of choice for many teams, Hayden hopes to help extend the advantage over nearest rival Subaru.
The rally kicks off with a ceremonial start from the Whangarei town centre from 6pm on Friday 06 June, then tackles 15 high speed gravel special stages over the following 2 days.
Quick facts
Event: NAC Insurance Rally of Whangarei
Round 3, Vantage Aluminium New Zealand Rally Championship
Round 3, FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship
Qualifying round, Pirelli Star Driver Scholarship
Special stage distance: 256 km
Longest stage: 35.97 km
2007 Winner: Hayden Paddon
Quick Links
Team Green – www.hayden-paddon.com
Rally Whangarei – www.rallywhangarei.co.nz
Live results – www.chrissport.co.nz
2008 Vantage Aluminium New Zealand Rally Championship standings:
R. Mason 129
H. Paddon 100
S. Taylor 95
C. West 76
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