Paddon attends autocross taster

• Published date: 25 April 2024
• Publication title: Central Otago News

The Springvale Autocross was held on Saturday, organised by Central Otago Motorsport Club

President Corey MacAskill, of Cromwell, said the event was a good starting point for junior drivers to get into motor-racing.

‘‘You can come along with your basic car and just have a bit of fun.

‘‘It is a good place to learn and be safe.’’

New Zealand rally driver Hayden Paddon was in attendance, riding shotgun with some drivers.

‘‘[He has] come along and taught a couple of the young guys what to do with car control and help them out which is pretty cool ... he could make time to come along,’’ Mr MacAskill said.

Twenty-seven drivers took part in the event, racing on a 1.2km track through a gravel quarry.

‘‘It’s just a gravel track — what we call an autocross — which is really just a basic starting point for getting into motor-racing.

‘‘It’s about learning and progressing from there.’’

The club had about 100 members from across Central Otago, spanning all...