Hayden Paddon: 2013 Rally

It has been a while since our last update but all has been very busy with us as we try and put plans in place for the upcoming season. There has been a lot happening recently as below, but unfortunately we still have not confirmed our rally program for this year. We are trying very hard to find the funding to return to the WRC this year and with the near completion of Mitsubishi Evo 9 we are also aiming to do more New Zealand events. We hope to have more news over the next couple of weeks and we will keep you posted.

As mentioned, our Mitsubishi Evo 9 that we crashed heavily 14 months ago, is almost complete and ready for its first outing this weekend at Spur Road – near Fairlie. It has been a massive effort from a lot of people in South Canterbury who have helped to get the car up and running again and in particular Alan Dunn and Coxy. This car has a lot of history and is a big part of our family and to now have it up and running better than ever before means a lot. Now can't wait to drive it this weekend. I will also be driving the Stadium Cars BDA Escort this weekend which will be a lot of sideways fun.

Following this event we will also be running as course 00 car at Westland Rally 2 weeks later. This is a chance for John and I to get back into competition mode together again, before what I hope is a busy rally season.

We are still working hard on securing new partners and shareholders, but it is a privilege to welcome Scott bikes on board in conjunction with Scotty Browns in Christchurch. My new Scott bike is a work of art and has allowed me to step my training up a notch which I have been working very hard on over the past few months. I am fitter than ever and ready to get behind the steering wheel again.

Finally also looking forward to some community events over the next couple of weeks including the PlaceMakers Pass2Pub Mountain Bike challenge, and the Hadlow to Harbour fun run. Should be a good couple of days.

Hope to report to you soon with some good news regarding this years rally program.

A huge thanks to all the following people that have helped with the rebuild of our Evo 9:

Coxy, Alan, Total Automotive, my father Chris Paddon, Neil, Morgan and Brad, Elite Transport refinishers, Brian Terry, Ralliart, RaceFab, Resene, Andar the Front Store, Reaction Racing, Motec, All About Signs, Avesis and Box, Matt Dunn, Stadium Cars, Math and Intune Automotive.