Covering 264km of competitive road sections across New Zealand’s Northland region, the three-day event was again a highlight for those competing. The second round of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC), it became Paddon’s fifth time atop the top step of the Whangarei podium.

“It has been a great rally and great result – exactly what we wanted. Sam has done a great job in the car; it’s a great result for the team and maximum points again for the (APRC) Pacific Cup so it’s perfect,” said Paddon at the finish.

Sunday’s leg of the competition used roads south of Whangarei. While the cars struggled for grip and swept aside the loose gravel in the morning loop of four stages, typically the afternoon second run was a time of consolidation.

“We are pretty happy with the whole weekend,” said Holder, who had a target of being less than a second/kilometre from Paddon’s pace.

“Getting into someone else’s car worth so much plays on your mind so we are very happy with the level of pace at the moment. We are sure there is more in the car with what Hayden can show in his pace – plus I know there is more in us so we will keep cracking on.”