By David Thomson
After more than two decades as a competitor, that passion now sees Wellington provide commercial support to the Drivesouth Rallyfest, with Dunedin Isuzu becoming sponsor for the national championship component of this year's event.
He's also back behind the wheel, contesting the event for the first time in several years, with brother Rick alongside as co-driver.
"I've competed in the Otago Rally in Mitsubishi Evos over the years and still remember my first Otago Rally running as the zero car back in 2001, and watched it grow into an iconic event." Wellington said.
"I am delighted with this opportunity to support the rally more actively than ever. To be a sponsor of the first round of the NZ Rally Championship is particularly exciting."
Wellington is also relishing the opportunity to contest the rally again, after focusing on shorter sprint-style events in recent years.
So far, Wellington has used the car in two sprint events, and given it an extended run as the course-clearing zero car on last year's Lawrence Rally.
"It's an amazing car compared to the Evos I have driven before." explains Wellington.
"A purpose-built rally car finished to the high standard you would expect given its pedigree."
Conscious that his latest car represents an important piece of Kiwi rallying history, Wellington is running it in a colour scheme as close as possible to the "team green" livery it carried back in the day when Paddon rallied the car.
He's not getting too carried away with thoughts of glory, describing his and brother Rick's approach to driving in this year's Otago Rally as "fairly casual".
With that in mind, the duo has entered the allcomers division of the event, with the primary aim being to have great fun.
