American Rally Champion Joins Hayden Paddon For Silver Fern Rally Campaign

Three-time American Rally Association two-wheel-drive champion Seamus Burke is heading to New Zealand for the 2026 NZ Silver Fern Rally, with Kiwi rally star Hayden Paddon's team supporting his seven-day campaign.

Irish-born Burke, who has lived in America for 40 years, will reunite with long-time co-driver Martin Brady in the Ford Escort Mk2 that has carried the pair to multiple American championship titles.

Having competed against the likes of Mark Lovell and David and Mark Higgins during his extensive American rallying career, Burke has since become one of the country's most successful two-wheel-drive competitors.

"The Silver Fern is one of those events that has a reputation well beyond New Zealand, particularly among people who enjoy historic and two-wheel-drive rallying," Burke said.

"Martin and I have competed on the Roger Albert Clark Rally on a number of occasions and really enjoyed the challenge of finishing that event. The New Zealand Silver Fern was always another of those classic rallies we talked about entering.

"It's a bucket-list rally for us."

The campaign has been made possible with assistance from Hayden Paddon, who first connected with Brady at the 2025 Donegal Rally in Ireland.

"We're very fortunate to have Hayden Paddon looking after the car. He's a great guy with a fantastic team behind him, and he's been brilliant in helping us organise everything," Burke explained.

"His involvement has been a huge part of making this trip possible."

Despite more than 65 rallies together and considerable championship success, Burke and Brady are approaching their New Zealand debut with a focus on completing the demanding 1,000-plus kilometres of competitive gravel stages.

Among the highlights will be the legendary Motu Road, a stage synonymous with New Zealand's World Rally Championship history.

"We're really looking forward to driving roads that have featured in the World Rally Championship, particularly famous names like the Motu Road, and experiencing the New Zealand gravel for ourselves."

For Burke, the opportunity to bring his championship-winning Escort to the other side of the world is more important than the final result.

"We're definitely coming for the experience. The Silver Fern is one of the great marathon rallies of the world, and to be part of it is a privilege.

"If we can get through all seven days, see all the stages and bring the car back to the finish, we'll be very happy."

The 2026 NZ Silver Fern Rally runs from 27 November to 4 December, featuring seven days of competition across some of New Zealand's most