Paddon is attempting to become the first competitor from the southern hemisphere to win a world rally championship title.
But the South Canterbury gravel master will concede to only one superstition: left glove on before right.
"We are treating it like any other rally and are not worried about the championship," Paddon (24) said of his and Blenheim co-driver John Kennard's mindset.
Still, he acknowledged the opportunity to wrap up the Production World Rally Championship (PWRC), in the Coffs Harbour region, would "be a dream come true".
"It would certainly be amazing, especially considering 12 months ago we had nothing,"said Paddon, who finished third in his first tilt last year.
He and his supporters started from scratch to establish the New Zealand World Rally Team and the company, Hayden Paddon Rallysport Worldwide Ltd, to raise the $500,000 needed to compete in the six-round championship.
So far this season he has had 100% success, winning all three events contested in Portugal, Argentina and Finland.
The two-time New Zealand rally champion's calm outlook could be due to his 25-point buffer, and the fact close rivals Martin Semerad (Czech Republic) and Patrik Flodin (Sweden) are skipping Australia.
Both have had to retire from earlier PWRC rounds and, although all three drivers will contest the final two events, in Spain and Great Britain, with 25 points for the category winner available in Australia, Paddon may secure the title with two rounds to go.
Also putting Paddon at ease is the nature of the roads in the 368.96km rally, encompassing last night's super special stage sprints followed by 22 stages.
"Day two's stages are absolutely magic, very much like the fast, flowing roads in South Canterbury."
Paddon will this weekend be joined for the first time by his full New Zealand team.
He credited much of his success to this "pretty special" bunch of close friends, most of whom have been with him from day dot, when he was a go-kart-racing kid, 18 years ago.
"It's definitely a big part of what we do. They have helped in giving me the opportunities I've had, not only at rallies but preparing the cars beforehand and developing the cars."
Paddon will spare a thought for one of New Zealand motorsport's great figures when he throws his Possum Bourne Motorsport-built Subaru WRX STI around the course.
"Obviously there has been a lot of history there. I never had the chance to meet him [Bourne] but I'm sure he would have been at this level."
