Hayden Paddon updates us on 2019……
Hi
I wanted to be the first to let you know of our situation for our future in the WRC. Unfortunately there will be no WRC for us in 2019 as there are no opportunities. After the signing of Sebastien Loeb we’ve been left high and dry – a seat/position which was planned we had after several months of discussions.
Naturally we are very disappointed but at the same time understand that can be the reality of professional sport. We can be proud of what we achieved and hold our head high.
We were always told it was impossible for a Kiwi to be in the WRC. Not only did we get there, to win a rally and have 8 podiums is some nice success that we can reflect on and was not possible without the belief and help of so many people in NZ. Of course I feel like we could have achieved more but you can’t spend life reflecting on the ‘what ifs’.
This is certainly not the end. Rallying is in my blood and it’s just a matter to regroup and plan the next steps. We have some nice ideas/projects that we will try and put in place to take on the world with our own Kiwi team. I’m still competitive, I’m still motivated, I still want to drive and I still want to win!
A huge thank you must go to our partners. Despite this news, it’s humbling that they have already given us their support and commitment to continue with our next ventures. So a massive thank you to Hyundai New Zealand, Z Energy, PaknSave and Winmax Brakes.
Also a huge thanks to all of you and Paddon’s Pack. Your unconditional support, encouragement and motivation have been overwhelming and it has been a pleasure to share the journey with you. As I say, this is not the end and Paddon’s Pack will continue to grow as we embark on the next stage and continue to share that journey with you.
I would like to take this chance to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Enjoy some time with your family and stay safe.
We will see you in 2019 with some updates and news of what our next steps are. We will never give up – as they say, 1 step back, 2 forward!
Regards
Hayden
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