Just released this week is the Hayden Paddon autobiography. It’s a compelling read for Paddon and all rally fans. At 32 years-old, why would Paddon want to write an autobiography (Driven, more like Obsession – Book review)? He has accomplished much in that short space of time, but he could live for another 60-70 years. So why now?
The answer is simple. “I’ve have a story to be told,” he says.
“I don’t think that many people have an idea, know or appreciate what we have achieved and how we got there. It is a story of a long hard road, while the perception out there may be that it is easy, especially in motorsport.
“The perception can be that you are handed it on a plate or you come from a wealthy family. My story illustrates that it was never the case. We have worked hard and it feels like the right time.
“Right now is a cross-roads (in my life). The last 20-years are behind me, the WRC is still part of my life, but going forward I am in a different place mentally and personally. I’ve got a new commercial venture now and a business within the sport. Now is the time to put the 20-year journey down on paper.”
In his book, Paddon admits to being one who has never really talked about the deep stuff with people. Ironically an autobiography is the complete opposite to this. He’s effectively allowed any and everybody into his close personal world. So why do this?
“I think it is relevant. It can provide inspiration, it can provide a lot of things to a lot of other people.
“I’ve always liked helping and assisting people within the sport. This (autobiography) opens it up to a lot more people. In my teenage years my life could have gone either way. I had one dream, one passion that kept me somewhat grounded and focused. There are a lot of people all over the world who will go through similar, or worse, difficulties. If you can have that one passion, that one dream and that can help someone then that could be the difference between them making a successful life, or not.
Arguably ‘Driven’ may well be the first in a series of autobiographical books on the life of Hayden Paddon.
Kate-G-S
Insightful questioning to ask ‘why’ Hayden wanted to do the book now.