Meet Hayden Paddon, a trailblazing rally driver.

From the moment he first sat behind the wheel, Hayden's journey has been fueled by a relentless passion for speed, precision, and the thrill of the chase. Growing up surrounded by the sport, with his father as his earliest influence, Hayden quickly developed a deep connection to rallying that would shape his future. With idols like Possum Bourne and Colin McRae inspiring him, he set his sights on the global stage, determined to make his mark.

Hayden's career is a testament to hard work, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Known for his ability to stay cool under pressure, he thrives in the high-stakes world of rallying, where every second counts and the slightest mistake can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Yet, it's not just the adrenaline of the race that drives him—it's the pursuit of perfection, the desire to be the best, and the sheer joy of winning that keeps him pushing forward.

KingGee sat down with Hayden and his crew to explore his journey and what drives him. For Hayden, it’s never been about the spotlight; it’s about the collective effort. Every person on the team is vital to reaching their goals. Whether he’s behind the wheel or in the pit, Hayden leads with purpose, pushing himself and his teammates to new heights, always striving to elevate those around him.

In 2016, Hayden achieved a lifelong dream by winning the World Rally Championship event in Argentina, a moment that solidified his place among the sport's elite. As he continues to carve out his legacy, Hayden remains a symbol of determination and passion—a rally driver who not only competes at the highest level but does so with a unique style and an unyielding drive to be the best. For Hayden, it's never been just about personal glory; it's about being part of a team, where every member plays a crucial role in achieving success. Whether on the track or in the garage, Hayden leads by example, always striving to elevate those around him.

"My inspiration to become a rally driver started with my father, who was a driver here in New Zealand. I grew up around the sport, attending events all over the country with him as a toddler. Later on, Possum Bourne and Colin McRae became my idols, fueling my desire to take it to a world level."

"What I love most about driving is the moment when I put on my helmet and get in the car—every problem in the world disappears. It's just you and your co-driver, competing against the clock. I love the isolation and the feeling of being in control of your own destiny. Of course, I also love the speed and adrenaline, but what I love even more is winning. It's always about wanting to be the best and continuously improving."

"Rallying is a massive team sport. You're only as strong as the weakest link. From the people putting on the tires, fueling the car, to the truck drivers and media, every single person in the team is crucial to reaching the start line."

"I've had many memorable moments, and it's always hard to pick just one. However, it's hard to overlook our victory in the World Championship event in Argentina in 2016. It was one of those moments where everything seemed to slow down and freeze. Winning the stage by 11 seconds and then the rally itself was the culmination of over 20 years of effort. Finally ticking that off the list felt like a huge accomplishment."

"It's important to be proud of the work you're doing. Whether it's the car you're working on, or a part you're engineering or designing, take a moment to step back, appreciate the effort that went into it, and enjoy that moment. This is key to continued success and moving forward."

Now, Hayden is taking on a fresh challenge in Australia, competing in the Australian Rally Championship (ARC) in his New Zealand championship-winning Hyundai i20N Rally2 car. Facing new rallies, new stages, and tough local competition, he’s ready for the challenge. “We know the locals will be fast, and you don’t win the championship at the first round,” says Paddon. “Our goal is to be consistent, build momentum, and put points on the board.”

A key partner in this journey is KingGee, joining Paddon Rally Group for the next two years. With a shared focus on quality, durability, and performance, KingGee’s premium workwear will support the team’s demanding needs both on and off the track. Hayden always strive to be the best prepared, and having KingGee on board ensures our team is equipped with high-quality gear that stands up to the challenge.

For fans eager to follow Paddon’s Australian campaign, all six ARC events will be broadcast live via the ARC’s Facebook and YouTube channels, offering a mix of on-stage action, interviews, and analysis.

As he continues to carve out his legacy, Hayden remains a symbol of determination and passion—a rally driver who not only competes at the highest level but does so with a unique style and an unyielding drive to be the best. Whether in New Zealand, Argentina, or Australia, his mission remains the same: push harder, drive smarter, and never stop striving for excellence.