Hayden Paddon has ended a difficult year with something to smile about.The World Rally Championship driver has won Rally New Zealand by a commanding 7min 28.7sec.
He and co-driver John Kennard were dominant across the two days of racing in Mount Maunganui, taking victory on each of the 12 special stages.
With Paddon making only two appearances this year, the top honours were owned by Andrew Hawkeswood and Jeff Cress when they were crowned New Zealand Rally Champions after six rounds and more than 1000 kilometres of special stages.
The pair wrapped up the title by a margin of 10-points over Matt and Nicole Summerfield, with Ben Hunt and Tony Rawstorn third after one of the most intensely fought titles in years.