Hayden Paddon and John Kennard celebrate their victory as the 2025 E-Road Australian Rally Champions, marking a significant achievement for New Zealand in the rally scene. The episode captures their emotions post-race and discusses the logistical challenges they faced throughout the season. Taylor Gill shares his journey of narrowly missing the junior world title by just 1.6 seconds, reflecting on the lessons learned and the support he received. The episode also hints at future projects and the evolving landscape of rally racing in Australia.
No matter what side of the ditch you’re on you’ll love this ep!
Hayden Paddon, the first Kiwi since Possum Bourne to win the ARC joins us on the shortcast along with co-driver John Kennard fresh from the podium.
Other than a rogue kangaroo in Canberra and little suspension issue nearing the finish in Tassie (which gave us all heart palpitations) the performance the Hyundai pairing put in this season was sublime!
Good luck getting that massive perpetual ARC trophy in your luggage boys. We’ve got customs on standby in a final attempt to keep it here.
Will they come back and defend it next year plus a little moment of perspective courtesy of Hayden’s hero.
Now in the interests of balancing the great Aussie vs Kiwi sporting rivalry (it’s passionate but friendly in rallying) we’ve added some Green & Gold to this otherwise Silver Fern convo too.
In the 2nd half off this shorty Taylor Gill joins us. He went so bloody close to winning the Junior World Rally Championship in recent weeks.
How he’s coped with that heartbreak and why it won’t define him.
Plus his determined bid to get behind the wheel of a Rally 2 car at the highest level….and maybe the odd ARC appearance, if it all lines up.
Head to Rusty's Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and give us your feedback and let us know what you want to hear about in future Motorsport Brief episodes with Rusty.
"following the final round of the E-Road Australian Rally Championship that will appeal to listeners in New Zealand"
This is a racing series in Australia where drivers compete in rally events. They drive on different types of roads and terrains, testing their skills and the performance of their cars.
The E-Road Australian Rally Championship is a series of rallying events held in Australia, featuring various stages and terrains. It showcases the skills of drivers and their vehicles in a competitive environment.
"notifications on Joanne Chaconte ahead of the final round of the F1 Academy at the Las Vegas Grand Prix."
This is a racing program aimed at helping young female drivers get into Formula 1. It gives them a chance to race and improve their skills.
The F1 Academy is a racing series designed to support and develop female drivers aspiring to compete in Formula 1. It provides a platform for young talent to gain experience and exposure in motorsport.
"the final round of the F1 Academy at the Las Vegas Grand Prix."
This is a Formula 1 race that takes place in Las Vegas. It's known for being exciting and has a lot of fans because of the city's entertainment vibe.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race held in Las Vegas, known for its vibrant atmosphere and challenging circuit. It attracts a global audience and features high-speed racing on a unique track layout.
"Little suspension issue on the left front and we were a bit worried about what was going to transpire."
The suspension is what helps your car stay smooth and stable while driving. If there's a problem with it, like a suspension issue, it can make the ride bumpy and hard to control.
The suspension system of a vehicle is crucial for handling and comfort, as it connects the vehicle to its wheels and absorbs shocks from the road. Issues with the suspension can affect the vehicle's stability and performance.
"...mpions for 2025. In the great tradition of trans Tasman sporting rivalry it means the trophy is headed ov..."
The Kia Tasman is a medium-sized SUV that can fit a family and their gear comfortably. It's designed to be a good option for people who want a reliable vehicle that can handle everyday driving and weekend trips.
The Kia Tasman is a mid-size SUV that is designed to offer a blend of practicality and modern features for families and adventure seekers. It is part of Kia's expanding lineup and is aimed at providing a competitive option in the growing SUV market.
"...there are some very driven members of Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia who won the manufacturer's crown..."
Toyota Gazoo Racing is Toyota's racing team. They build fast cars and compete in races to show how good their cars can be. They also help make Toyota cars better by testing new ideas in racing.
Toyota Gazoo Racing is the motorsport division of Toyota, focusing on developing performance vehicles and competing in various racing events. They are known for their involvement in rallying and endurance racing, enhancing Toyota's brand image through motorsport success.
"...Gazoo Racing Australia who won the manufacturer's crown incidentally that are keen to see that drivers t..."
The Toyota Crown is a big, fancy car that people often buy for a comfortable and nice driving experience. It's known for being reliable and has a lot of cool features that make it enjoyable to drive.
The Toyota Crown is a full-size luxury sedan that has been a staple in Toyota's lineup since 1955. Known for its comfort, advanced technology, and smooth ride, it has a significant presence in markets like Japan and has recently gained attention in other regions due to its blend of luxury and performance.
"...are you hoping of you know ending up in a Toyota or in a Skoda"
Toyota is a car company that makes many different types of vehicles, including some that are used in racing.
Toyota is a well-known automotive manufacturer that produces a wide range of vehicles, including those designed for rally racing, like the Toyota Yaris WRC.
"...the Toyota and the Skoda are probably the strongest cars at the moment..."
Skoda is a car brand from the Czech Republic that makes cars that are usually affordable and practical. They are part of a larger group that includes Volkswagen.
Skoda is a Czech automobile manufacturer that is part of the Volkswagen Group. They are known for producing practical and affordable vehicles with good value for money.
"...the average cost is about 150,000 Australian dollars to do one WRC rally in Europe..."
WRC is a big rally racing series where cars race on different types of roads, like dirt and gravel. It's known for being very challenging and exciting.
WRC stands for World Rally Championship, which is a prestigious international rallying series. It features various types of road conditions and challenges, testing both drivers and vehicles.
"...how good the chassis are the brakes the power everything like it's unreal..."
Brakes are what help a car slow down or stop. Good brakes are especially important for fast cars to ensure they can stop safely.
Brakes are the systems in a vehicle that slow down or stop the car. High-performance brakes are crucial in racing and sports cars, providing better stopping power and heat resistance during intense driving conditions.
Grip is how well a car's tires stick to the road. More grip means the car can go faster and turn better without sliding.
Grip refers to the friction between a vehicle's tires and the road surface, which affects how well the car can accelerate, brake, and corner. Higher grip levels allow for better handling and performance, especially in racing scenarios.
"...how good the chassis are the brakes the power everything like it's unreal..."
The chassis is like the skeleton of a car. It holds everything together and affects how the car drives and handles on the road.
The chassis is the base frame of a vehicle that supports the body and all other components, including the suspension and drivetrain. A well-designed chassis contributes to a car's stability, handling, and overall performance.
"...how good the chassis are the brakes the power everything like it's unreal..."
Power in a car means how strong the engine is. More power usually helps the car go faster and perform better.
In automotive terms, power usually refers to the engine's output, often measured in horsepower or kilowatts. More power typically means better acceleration and performance capabilities for the vehicle.
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Welcome to the Motorsport Brief, a rally special as a likeable Kiwi takes the Aussie
title and a young star reflects on the world championship that got away.
Get everybody rusty here, we have two short casts dropping for you this week, this one
with a rally focus following the final round of the E-Road Australian Rally Championship
that will appeal to listeners in New Zealand as well and keep an eye out in the next couple
of days for notifications on Joanne Chaconte ahead of the final round of the F1 Academy
at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
Lots of cool other content in the library for you too, Tony Quinn opening up on his family
Bathas 12 hour bid and what he thinks of Roland Dane going to AAA plus a Gary Rogers tribute
that runs nearly two hours with all sorts of fresh interviews and wonderful memories in
there for you.
There's also a new feature app with Motorcycling Australia CEO Peter Doyle growing up around
some legends and getting serious about a career on the engineering side which led
to team leadership and an enviable record in the United States with Suzuki and Matt
Milladon for example as well as the world's superbike championship, a real straight shooter
at the helm of two wheel motorsport down under who I've been able to get to know a
little bit better through the Australian Motorsport Hall of Fame too.
Shortly to our first guests in this ep, Hayden Padden and John Kennard have sewn up the
Aussie title of the season ending rally of Tasmania.
I spoke with both of them in service park just after the podium and there was quite a
supporters club gathered too including family and friends as they cross the finish line
for the final stage of the year.
They call to the Tasmanian tour of 2025, hello, how are you Esther?
I'm fine thank you.
This is a pretty cool moment isn't it?
It is, it's very cool.
He's done some amazing things along the way in his career.
He has definitely.
He's a lovely Grinch and I'm sure he is there and you wouldn't miss this moment would you?
No, not for Grinch.
Okay, there you go.
We'll let you enjoy it.
Thank you for letting me talk with you.
I know you didn't want to do an interview there but that's lovely, that's lovely.
Here we go ladies and gentlemen, you can hear the car inbound, Go Padden are the signs,
the cowbells are ringing, it's like shades of Finland but it's the Kiwis that are here
on tour in Tasmania to celebrate a championship.
The first Kiwi to do it since the early 2000s, Hayden Padden and John Kennard are your 2025
E-Road Australian Rally Champions.
We'll let them get out and celebrate the moment with this incredible crowd.
How about it?
Pretty special moment in the history of the Australian Rally Championship because the
Idle that this guy had back in the early 2000s was Possum-born.
Today another Kiwi, a pair of Kiwis enter the Australian Rally Championship Record Books
as the 2025 Champions.
That's got to feel good.
Relief, I guess.
Going into this weekend obviously in the position we were, it was everything to lose and not
lot to gain in some respect so yeah it's just relief to get it done and it was our season
target so to pull it off and come across the ditch with a pretty small team doing everything
on the road.
Something that we can all be pretty proud of.
John tell us about that last minute like almost with the stage to go.
Everyone got out of the heart racing.
Little suspension issue on the left front and we were a bit worried about what was going
to transpire.
Yeah and on the stage we just decided that we had to be gentle with it.
We had about 12 minutes in hand so if we lost a couple of them it wasn't going to be the
end of the world so it was a really sensible thing that he did and he just backed off and
drove around all the big potholes and rocks and got it to the end.
Have you enjoyed this series and everything that it kind of has to offer?
I mean you've got such an amazing record back home across the ditch what you did in the
European Championship and now you've added this one to the tally.
I love to hear like everyone's been so welcoming obviously all new rallies, new challenges so
just the fact that you're on new pace notes and we're pushing ourselves and unfamiliar
conditions is always pretty rewarding.
But now I think for me it's pretty special because we've been trying to come here for a few years
now and it just hasn't worked but you know I had a little possum born statue trophy sitting
on my desk and a couple years ago when things were pretty tough and thinking about I'm too old
for this and then that statue of possum was the inspiration so now I come over here where
he dominated I guess adds value to what we've done and it's what I guess does make it a little bit unique.
Just to underscore what he was talking about before some of the pairing with workshops
here in Australia the hard work that's been required to stitch this together.
Yeah I mean the guys have managed that really really well between working with Lane's team
out of Perth and finding workshops, finding places to be but I mean it's huge cost logistically
so to put it all together is really really good.
Did I spy that you did some driving over the Nullarbor and things like you've
acquainted yourself with Australia haven't you?
Well I was supposed to do it a few times but the schedule didn't quite allow so I only had to do it once
so maybe I dodged the wallet there but you know this truck is coming from Perth from every rally
basically so yeah so logistically it's a big challenge for the team.
You've sat beside him for a long time now you know what he's like with the exception of a wayward
Aussie kangaroo you know even the night time driving that we saw at Gippsland for example
it's been a mighty performance hasn't it?
Yeah it's been 20 years now and I have to say that he's driving at his best now
when the thoughtful side of driving as well as the kind of young enthusiasm that goes with it so it's fantastic.
So where to from here I mean Possum went on to chalk up seven in Australia we'd love you to
to come back and have a crack at another one I know I know you've got quite a trophy cabinet
back home in New Zealand and probably the want to add to that will you come back and maybe
have a play in Australia again?
Oh look we'd love to if we can ultimately it comes into budgets and that's the hardest thing at the moment
so yeah we've got a couple months to try and work out what the next step is and we love new challenges
but we also love the challenge of defending the title like we did with the European Championship
it's a lot harder defending so it would be another new challenge in some respect
and it would be nice in some in some respects to come back and actually utilise the data
and information in the onboard videos that we've captured this year to take things to another level
but hey we've all got a few months to try and work that out.
Final one for you obviously the the world championships in an interesting space you know
for the next 12 months I guess you could say if they do go down a path of perhaps you know
a rally too would a 2027 target for you and to go and play in that in a in a serious way
beyond the on the cards too.
Oh look it's a secret I'd love to have our own New Zealand team in the World Rally Championship
and you know regardless who's driving I just want to have a team there.
It's probably looking unlikely for 27 at the moment because you know the regulations haven't actually been officially published
so until we have those in our hands it's as hard to plan but I think 2028's realistic and
hey you've got a dream big may not be realistic but we've got to try and push for it.
Cool one final one for you for the both of you for this incredible team there was an army in the forest this weekend
Patton's pack were out in force what was a 30 of them I think your your Nana Esther was among them
that was awesome mate wasn't it?
It was amazing I got amazing support no matter where we go around the world and always pretty vocal as well
and it's always it's cool to see the flags out there and you know when you're in a bit of pain
you see the flag you just go toughen up it just gives you that little bit of extra spur on if you like.
Good on you.
To you both congratulations pretty special place in the in the record books
Well done Australian Rally Champions for 2025.
In the great tradition of trans Tasman sporting rivalry it means the trophy is headed over the ditch
and there are some very driven members of Toyota Gazoo Racing Australia who won the manufacturer's crown
incidentally that are keen to see that drivers title back in Aussie hands in 2026.
When we come back a young star recovering from the heartbreak of missing out on the junior world title by the narrowest of margins.
This is the motorsport brief our garage shortcuts we have some feature EPs in the pipeline including Colin Bond and Kevin McGee
and a few more.
We released a two-parter in recent weeks with legendary commentator and author John Smales too
that is filled with all sorts of stories including an elbowing incident with Kimmy Reichenan
and the streaker in the back of an interview with Wayne Gardner.
Now to a true professional who is well beyond his years.
Taylor Gill was with us a couple of months back ahead of the title decider of the junior world rally championship
in theory he was in the box seat having firmly established himself in that group of the best up-and-comers on the planet.
I'll let him tell you how it all played out.
Suffice to say it went gut wrenchingly close.
He is determined not to let the result define him and there's lots of positive stuff in the pipeline.
In a perfect world you'd rather be driving than commentating but you got to do a bit of that this weekend did you enjoy it?
Yeah I did actually it's a different sort of pressure when you're on live TV I suppose
so yeah it was something new for me but yeah I did enjoy it it was quite cool.
You and I caught up I don't know probably two months ago now and it was all about previewing that final round
there was a huge amount riding on that for you.
Take people there I know it's been quite well documented there's been some unbelievable support for you made from Colin Clark
the world rally championship community generally man you went close to winning that junior world title didn't you?
Yeah I mean it was so close yet so far at the same time but yeah in the end we obviously we missed the title by just 1.6 seconds
on the very very last stage so it was a huge fight all weekend at the Central European Rally which was out
the last round of the junior world championship and yeah unfortunately a small mistake from me on the first day of the rally
saw us get a puncture and lose about a minute and then we you know went after it like a dog with a bone
and clawed it back all weekend but yeah just ultimately fell slightly short.
Give us a sense of how you've compartmentalised that how you've dealt with that because I know there's a huge blow to go that damn close
and to know that for 2026 the prize pool that went with that win would have set you up so well wouldn't it?
Yeah exactly you know like you say obviously there was a lot riding on that championship in getting the prize
and getting the drive in WRC too for next year you know now we miss that so it creates a difficult situation where
you know we have to raise the budget to do it ourselves next year so I mean if we could fund our sales non-kind words
then would be most of the way there already but yeah ultimately it just comes down to the budget and you know we'll
see what we can do hopefully get at least a few events off the ground for next year.
Cool yeah I mean hopefully someone listening is you know maybe more than one person listening can contribute in that regard
when you put the heartbreak aside for a moment and just kind of report card on the year that it was
the calibre of the competition your own growth as a driver there are lots Taylor of positives to take away from this aren't there?
Yeah exactly and I mean if you look at the overall result sheet we won the first two rallies we were second in the last three
so you know ultra consistent every single rally we won stages we fought at the front you know we went into every rally
with the mentality of right we're here to win then we're gonna try and win and you know we fought for that at every rally
sometimes it went our way sometimes it didn't but ultimately you know the results were still consistent
and the results were strong and you know we know that in any other series with a let's say more traditional points system
that would stand us in really good stead so you know there's a lot to be proud of and also I'm proud of the fact that we were
quick on a diverse range of events as well.
What are the learnings and all that because I mean when you talk about that diversity you cannot get more polar opposite
services conditions I mean there's tarmac stuff you've experienced within recent time as well?
Yeah exactly I mean you start the season on snow and then you go to the you know more rougher gravel in Portugal and Greece
which is a really really tough rally and then you go to Finland which is also gravel but the speed is just relentless
you know ultra high speed you know we're doing average speeds of 120, 130 kilometers an hour over you know 20 plus kilometers
so it's crazy the diversity and then you know again to end our season on tarmac which is something I've not been so familiar with
but also something I enjoy it's a different challenge and you know something really unique and
something that takes a lot of detail to get right.
In a perfect world the dream is to put enough together to go to rally to how big is that mission?
I mean if you can give people a sense of what you need now to stitch this together to make that possible
and is the phone ringing are you are you hoping of you know ending up in a Toyota or in a Skoda
what is the preference if you can share that?
Yeah I mean in an ideal world for sure the Toyota and the Skoda are probably the strongest cars at the moment
as far as customer cars to get in and rent but you know the average cost is about 150,000 Australian dollars
to do one WRC rally in Europe so you know then if you damage it then it starts to cost more and more
so obviously that's you know never ideal anyway but yeah if we could get in you know a Toyota or a Skoda
a Skoda is probably a little bit more accessible but you know even if we could just do two or three rallies
it's better than nothing it keeps our name circling around over there
and then when all the regulations change in 2027 then you know hopefully that opens more opportunities as well
but we have to be you know there and kind of on the shopping room floor for that.
I mean that's a I think a really valid point that you've made if you can you've got to commit to that path really don't you?
Yeah exactly I mean you know we have to keep going while our name's kind of fresh in a way
and you know in motorsport everyone forgets it pretty quickly and you're only as good as your last result in a way
so yeah we need to try and keep it over there and to keep moving the career forward
we have to keep our name circling in that area.
Has the reaction been home been good? I know the result has been a bit of pill to swallow in many respects
but you've had huge I mean we're here recording this at the final round of the ARC in Tasmania
lots of people have stopped and chatted with you haven't they?
Yeah exactly I know I mean it's cool and probably hasn't really hit home to me throughout the year
how many people are following and especially listening to some people
and you know people I wouldn't expect saying that they were staying up late
and looking at the split times in Central Europe our last round so then I was kind of like
okay there's actually quite a few people following what we're doing so you know of course at times
it feels quite remote when we're living on the other side of the world competing on the other side of the world
and our lives are kind of based in Europe but ultimately Australia is home
and all these people in the ARC are colleagues, sponsors, supporters, people I've competed with and against
so yeah it's really cool to feel the support.
You've come here and taken this round of the championship in from a different perspective
you've competed in it before obviously how much has it changed since you were a part of it
and what sort of observations have you you got about it and then can I add then with a third prong to that question
if in the event that you can stitch a couple of we'd love you to do the whole championship in rally 2 next year
but if you could stitch a couple together if it permitted would you come back and potentially play in the ARC for example?
Yeah absolutely I mean of course Europe is our priority but you know for me this has been the first ARC
I've been to in a couple of years now and it's cool to witness the growth of the championship
and especially the level has risen especially since Haydn's come in
and you know I guess given people a taste of some you know European pace I suppose
obviously Haydn's been a class act over there for the last few years so it's really good for that
and you know yeah of course if the opportunity came up for me to compete in the ARC it would be great
the roads are good all the events are really good and the people are really cool
so yeah it's something I wouldn't be opposed to that's for sure.
You have tasted rally 2 equipment Richie Dalton who's been competing here this weekend
the smile on his face is I mean even now he's loved driving that car again
can you get some miles at least with you know perhaps his help again or someone like that
just to sort of keep you in that phase of getting reacquainted or acquainted with the equipment?
Yeah for sure I mean you know we have to see what opportunities are out there
but you know even the rally we did in Naruma earlier in this year with Richie's car
okay it was short lived but it was still you know it gives I guess scratches the itch in a way
so you know it keeps me motivated as well to try and be in one of those cars
because when you experience that and you experience you know just how much grip they can create
how good the chassis are the brakes the power everything like it's unreal so yeah
for sure that's a really cool buzz and yeah like I said that event although it was short lived
it was enough to make me think there's a there's a cool cars I want to be in one more often.
You have come a long way mate you and I talked we we drove out to a stage together
which was fantastic we you know reminisced about some of the recce work that you'd done
even just to keep yourself I guess sharp for for this event and you reminded me
that when you were younger you when you were competing in cars for example
you came to a race meeting here I don't know that you were in the same class
but a young Oscar Piastri was a part of that back then too wasn't he?
Yeah exactly yeah it's funny you know saying all these people Oscar's a good example
I remember seeing it go cut tracks and races you know more in Victoria
but also we did one race here and I remember he was here as well a little bit older than me
but you know still there's other guys that we raced against that are now racing Supercars
Super2 and you know TransAM and all these other circuit racing categories as well
so you know it's cool to see the different pathways that everyone's taken
and you know also the progression as well that they've all had.
Absolutely Tom Hyman among them can we finish with what you'll do
will you I mean you've made Finland your home in in recent years obviously
will you stay in Oz for Christmas for example and keep chipping away
trying to sort of put that budget together what's the plan for the next month or so?
Yeah exactly yeah I'll be in Australia until you know at least the new year
and yeah just try and work on something for next year
it's obviously easier for me to try and you know communicate with the sponsors
and that sort of thing when I'm here and on the ground so yeah that's the plan for the next couple of months
and then we'll see what next year holds.
Be proud mate you are a really professional incredibly polished the way that you go
about this and I see that as a huge asset not just what you're doing from a driving perspective
Mark Webber has this great saying which I love and that is keep boxing
so keep boxing and thanks for talking to us.
Great thanks Rusty.
If you're from an Aussie company with a global customer base
or perhaps you just want to see some of your sponsorship go towards
Taylor's bid to make it to the World Rally Championship
send him a DM on social media for the avoidance of doubt
there is nothing in that for us we would just love to see his journey continue
from one determined young Aussie to another
don't forget Joanne Chaconte's short cast ep is out on Thursday
ahead of the final round of the F1 Academy in Vegas
we'll catch you then everybody bye for now.
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