Paddon's international Pirelli-backed schedule kept him from the Otago Rally last year but a gap in his 2011 Production World Rally Championship (PWRC) campaign has seen him seeded second for the Otago rally, starting tomorrow.
Eager to gain mileage between overseas rounds and revisit his favourite conditions, he is piloting a Possum Bourne Motorsport-built Impreza WRX STI, supplied by Palmerston North businessman Robbie Leicester.
"The best roads are in New Zealand. I haven't seen anything better around the world yet," Paddon said.
Late last year, Paddon and co-driver John Kennard wrapped up their debut PWRC attempt in third place, after podium finishes on five of the six events. It was the best result achieved by a New Zealand rally driver on the world stage.
A further feather in Paddon's cap was being named one of 2010's top 10 world rally drivers by Autosport magazine writer David Evans.
That this Kiwi came so close to winning the Production Car World Rally Championship in his first season at the highest level is testament to his prodigious talent and his massive commitment to every element of the sport, Evans wrote.
Geraldine-based Paddon (23) had precious little time to reflect on his new status. Since November, he has set up and launched his new team (plus the investment company behind it), courted sponsors, changed car marques and struck a PWRC deal with Belgium's Symtech Racing.
After a frenetic three months forming the New Zealand World Rally Team, Paddon had secured enough of the $500,000 needed to proceed with his 2011 plans.
He did though, change his plans to allow more time for sponsorship gathering, which meant he missed the February PWRC Sweden round and instead is racing in Argentina next month. PWRC competitors must compete in six out of the series' seven rallies.
A drive offer from Ralliart Italy was superseded by the chance to run the latest-spec STR11 Subaru Impreza N4 for the Belgian team, a switch not made lightly by the long-time Mitsubishi driver.
"It was a big decision and I had a few sleepless nights."
The two-time national rally champion was characteristically composed however, lining up for his first competitive outing in the new car at Rally Portugal last month.
"As soon as you put on the helmet and hook first gear, they've all got four wheels and a steering wheel and it's a matter of learning the strengths and weaknesses of the car."
Paddon quickly located the Impreza's positives, blazing over the finish line first with a whopping 7min 39sec lead and securing second in the series overall.
Some of those supporting his bid to win the WRC feeder series title this season and become world rally champion in seasons to come, broke down in tears, Paddon said.
Also encouraging is the knowledge there is plenty more speed to be found in the Symtech Racing Subaru.
Competing in a similar car at Otago and July's International Rally of Whangarei mean there are opportunities to cross-credit any gains made in each hatchback.
"The biggest thing is time in the seat. Everything is becoming more second nature. Every time I go out thinking of improving a certain aspect of the car and its set-up."
