Sinclair explains: "It's incredibly hard for Kiwi drivers to make their way to the highest levels in this spectacular global sport. We were very proud to have helped Hayden right when he needed to take the step up into a WRC drive; now this scholarship will give one lucky Kiwi driver a huge step forward in their rallying career. As a New Zealand-owned company we are very excited to help find the next Kiwi WRC star."
Applications are now open and can be found at http://pinnacleprogramme.co.nz. Follow the instructions online and submit your application and details as prompted. Applications close 19 October 2016.
Open to drivers aged 16-25, applicants for the Hyundai NZ Young Driver Shootout and Scholarship need to have contested a minimum of 10 rallies, including four pace-noted rallies. Paddon and nominated personnel from Hyundai New Zealand will choose five finalists who, with their co-drivers, will attend a two-day shootout course in Auckland in December.
The course offers the finalists and their co-drivers a day learning from Paddon's experience getting to the top of world rallying with theory and advice on fitness, sponsorship, media, car set-up/driving and pace notes. The second day will be in the forest, where finalists will drive the Hyundai NZ i20 AP4 rally car to each set a benchmark time, as well as practical experience writing pace notes with Paddon providing advice in the car. A judging panel of five, including Paddon, will assess each driver/co-driver on all aspects of their performance and participation throughout the shootout.
"It's not just about the fastest driver," says Paddon. "We're looking for the whole package - personality, motivation and ability to learn and improve, as well as outright performance during the shootout. The winner may not necessarily be competing in the New Zealand Rally Championship at this stage - we are looking for someone that stands out and has the X factor."
Paddon adds: "To have Hyundai New Zealand as a key partner in this project allows us to provide a support structure and platform to help develop young talent. We haven't had a scholarship of this magnitude in New Zealand rallying for some years. I was lucky to receive support through a similar scheme - the Rally New Zealand Rising Stars Scholarship - six years ago which helped give me a leg up in the Production World Rally Championship. We see this as an opportunity to do the same thing for another young Kiwi driver.
"In the short term, the Hyundai NZ Young Driver Scholarship will focus on a New Zealand-based programme with the winner. It's a fantastic chance for them to develop as a driver and all-round competitor, with the potential and goal of winning the 2018 New Zealand Rally Championship title as part of the scholarship. This would be a perfect base to work on to take the next step internationally."
Paddon adds: "Later this year, we will also be officially launching the Paddon Foundation which is separate to this scholarship, and will assist more the grass roots level of New Zealand rallying, encouraging and keeping more people into the sport."
