Paddon in line for funds, mentoring

Geraldine's Hayden Paddon has had another boost after being named one of three Rally New Zealand Rising Stars.

The 22-year-old, along with Hamilton's Stephen Barker and Whangarei's Ben Jagger, have won their divisions and each driver will receive professional mentoring and funding worth over $50,000 to invest in their 2010 campaigns.

The three-tier Rising Stars programme comprises the scholarship for drivers who have not previously contested the full New Zealand Rally Championship in a Group N car (Barker), the development award for drivers competing in the production car two-wheel-drive (Jagger) and the international award for drivers competing in the production car four-wheel-drive class (Paddon).

During an intense two-day shootout held at Rally Drive New Zealand's Maramarua Forest headquarters, the three categories of drivers – 15 in total – were assessed on their physical fitness, ability to interact with media professionally and to attract sponsors, and the likelihood of achieving their long-term career aspirations.

The scholarship contestants were also tested on their abilities behind the wheel on a closed gravel road.

Paddon won the inaugural International Award ahead of fellow contenders Kieran Hall of Nelson and Josh Marston from Christchurch.

"This is fantastic. It really helps the team for our international campaign in 2010," Paddon said.

The back-to-back New Zealand rally champion will use the money for further international experience.

He already has the Asia Pacific Pirelli Star Driver title, which provides a Group N car and funding to compete in selected rounds of the 2010 FIA Production World Rally Championship.

"The Rising Stars International Award means we can contest the full Production World Rally Championship, plus look at getting some extra experience in Super 2000 cars.

"This is a huge boost for us that ties in with our Pirelli scholarship, meaning we have a great opportunity next year to really make a mark on the rally world."

Paddon said it also meant that his team would be able to compete in extra rounds to ensure that a full, six-round PWRC campaign could be put together.

- © Fairfax NZ News