John Kennard

Blenheim based co-driver John Kennard has been competing in motor sport since the 1970's, firstly in navigational trials, then as a driver in club and national rallies and rally sprints. In 1985, on a rallying holiday in Europe, he was offered the 'once in a lifetime' chance to contest Finland's WRC round, the 1000 Lakes Rally, but for the very first time as a co-driver, a role he took to with enthusiasm.

A further visit to Finland in 1988, plus co-drives on Rally NZ in 1987, 88 & 89, which included his first WRC podium, lead to a shift to the UK in 1990, to make a career in rallying.

Through the 90's co-driving was less of a focus, as he took on senior WRC management roles with Ralliart and at Prodrive, for the Subaru WRC team, though he still co-drove occasionally in the UK and Europe. After a season as team manager for Ralliart in the US in 2003 a further change of direction saw Kennard return to New Zealand, to grow grapes and produce wine on a small vineyard he had bought in Marlborough.

A chance introduction in 2005 changed his focus yet again, when he met Hayden Paddon, starting a role as his co-driver and mentor, to help him with his goal to make it to the WRC. A well documented career with Hayden has followed, with 20 years competing at National, International, then WRC level, with wins at all levels and a highlight of victory on WRC Rally Argentina in 2016. Kennard continues to co-drive around the world with Paddon, winning the European Championship in 2023, the first time a non-European crew had won the title in it's 70 year history and again in 2024. In 2025 the pair are contesting the Australian Rally Championship for the first time.

Kennard enjoys the team work required to be successful within the car and with the team in the rally environment, plus the technical side of the stage notes produced with the driver. He is very enthusiastic about the chance to help continue the development of rally sport in New Zealand via this new venture.

Ian McKee

Christchurch based, Ian started rallying in stage crews in the early 1980's before purchasing a Datsun 1200 to compete in. An involvement with the 1990 Shell Silver Fern Rally was an introduction to John Kennard, Mike Fletcher and Brent Rawstron, and in 1994 Brent and Ian purchased a Mk1 Escort, which in 1997 was quickly followed by the Mk2 Escort IB78O. Ian has had the privilege of co-driving for many of the international stars who have visited the Otago Classic Rally over the years, and has been involved in every Silver Fern Rally since this event started. Ian also had the odd stint codriving in Targa events, and also sometimes sits with Ray Wilson when needed.

Ian still competes regularly in Navigation Rallies, and holds 4 Gold Stars, and when asked by John to assist with this new venture, jumped at the chance to continue his involvement in Rallying in New Zealand.