Winmax Brake Pads and Paddon Racing Group are proud to announce the continuation of their collaboration for another year to bolster the careers of five promising young motorsport talents through the Winmax Junior Driver Programme.
Established in 2021, the Winmax Junior Driver Programme, a brainchild of Winmax Brake Pads and Hayden Paddon’s Paddon Racing Group, aims to equip young New Zealand driving talents with top-of-the-line braking products and invaluable mentorship from Paddon himself.
Designed to nurture emerging talents across various motorsport disciplines, the programme, now in its fourth year, has reopened applications exclusively to past beneficiaries. Among the returning recipients are:
- Zeal Jones, New Zealand Rally Championship
- Will Kitching, Mazda Racing Series
- Jackson Clendon, To Be Confirmed
- Bryn Jones, New Zealand Rally Championship
- Jack Hawkeswood, New Zealand Rally Championship
Reflecting on his experience with the 2023 programme, 19-year-old Zeal Jones expressed gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him, attributing his Category 5 victory in the New Zealand Rally Championship to the guidance and support received from Hayden Paddon and Winmax.
Similarly, 21-year-old Bryn Jones is determined to capitalise on the programme’s resources to vie for his inaugural championship title.
“I hope to build on the knowledge I have taken away from the last couple of years, learn more from Hayden and his team, and continue to strengthen my relationship with the Winmax brand as we strive for success in the New Zealand Rally Championship FIA 2-Wheel-Drive Title,” said Bryn Jones.
For Hayden Paddon, the programme represents a fulfilling opportunity to nurture the nation’s finest motorsport talents.
“Thanks to our robust partnership with Winmax Brake Pads, I have the privilege of guiding some of the country’s most promising motorsport talents, aiding in their growth and honing their competitive skills,” said Paddon.
An additional perk for the chosen Winmax Junior Driver Programme participants is the chance to earn a test drive in a Hyundai New Zealand competition car at the conclusion of their season working with Paddon, based on various performance criteria.
