Hunt hails ‘awesome season’

Ben Hunt has won his third New Zealand Rally Championship, and first since 2019, after finishing second at the International Rally of Whangarei behind Hayden Paddon.

Hunt and co-driver Tony Rawstorn, pictured, recorded podium finishes in all six rounds of the 2024 season as they also delivered the Skoda New Zealand Rally Team its first championship title.

The battle for honours went down to the wire as Hunt eventually finished just four points ahead of full-time driver Paddon, who missed the opening round at Otago because he was racing in the European Rally Championship.

Hunt, who was driving a Skoda Fabia Rally2, was quick to acknowledge his rival’s rally win and remarkable skill after the season finale. 

“There’s no one else I’d rather finish behind. He’s a world-class driver, while we compete in only a few rallies each year,” says Hunt. 

“It’s been an awesome season for our team and a great weekend to end on. So much more goes into every result than just myself or Tony in the car, the Skoda New Zealand Rally Team are fantastic and devote so much of their time.”

Dylan Thomson was third in the Whangarei event, finishing ahead of Emma Gilmour and Stewart Reid, respectively.

Alex Brown, Skoda NZ general manager, adds: “It’s an exciting time for Skoda New Zealand as Ben, Tony and the team claim their first national motorsport championship in the Skoda. 

“For a brand rich with motorsport history, we’re all very proud to see drivers in the New Zealand Rally Championship choosing Skoda. 

“And for Ben to now lock in his third championship against some extremely talented local teams and drivers is a wonderful validation for the brand’s sporting pedigree.”