Hayden Paddon and long-time co-driver John Kennard have continued their dominant march towards the 2025 EROAD Australian Rally Championship crown, clinching victory at The Middle of Everywhere Gippsland Rally in commanding fashion.

Guiding their Hyundai i20 N to a one minute and seven second win over Harry Bates and Coral Taylor, the New Zealand duo notched up their third consecutive triumph of the season. Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin rounded out the podium a further 35 seconds back, completing a Toyota one-two behind Paddon’s Hyundai.

The foundations of victory were laid early. Paddon and Kennard produced a near-faultless performance across Saturday’s stages, finishing the day with more than a minute in hand despite Lewis Bates claiming the final test. That advantage allowed Paddon to manage his pace across Sunday’s 10 stages, though Harry Bates mounted spirited resistance by trading stage wins with the championship leader. Even so, Paddon kept his rivals at arm’s length before securing the decisive Power Stage victory, collecting maximum bonus points in the process.

“This weekend probably felt the most like our normal performance,” Paddon reflected. “After the first loop, we built a bigger gap than we expected, and from there it was about being smart, doing nothing stupid, and making sure we nailed the Power Stage. The result is very good for the title, but we can’t relax until the last rally. We just need to keep pushing for as many points as possible.”

Behind the lead trio, Alex Rullo and Steve Glenney were consistent in fourth place aboard the IntelliSpatial Fleetcare Hyundai, finishing just under three minutes behind the Toyotas. Bodie Reading and Brad Jones brought their Subaru Impreza WRX home in fifth after holding off a late charge from Troy Dowel and Bernie Webb, with just 14 seconds splitting the two youngsters at the finish.

Reading also celebrated class honours in the WOLF Production Cup, while Danny Traverso and Anthony Carr claimed second and Tony Sullens with Kaylie Newell in third. Sullens and Newell also topped the ARC 2WD Cup, with Jackson and Damian Long winning the Junior Cup in their family-run entry. The Classic 4WD Cup went to Shane and Silvie Garner after rivals Molly Spalding and Matt Dillon were forced to retire on Saturday.

With three wins on the bounce, Paddon and Kennard now hold the momentum heading into the final stages of the championship – though, as the Hyundai driver warns, the fight for the title is far from over.

Paddon and Kennard Seal Third Straight ARC Win at Gippsland

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