Looming Supercars debut 'surreal' for Wood
Ryan Wood gearing up for "surreal" Supercars debut
Kiwi Wood to partner Chaz Mostert at WAU
Wood was born 81 days after Mark Winterbottom's 2003 debut
A “surreal” main game debut — at Mount Panorama, of all places — is on the horizon for Kiwi young gun Ryan Wood, who straps in for the first time this weekend.
The 20-year-old New Zealander will partner Chaz Mostert at Walkinshaw Andretti United, having enjoyed just a single season in Supercar machinery under his belt.
Wood dominated last year’s Dunlop Series, taking more race wins, round wins and pole positions than any other driver.
Come Saturday, and Wood will be a main game driver, racing for the powerhouse WAU squad, which is winless since Mostert won the penultimate race of the 2022 season.
It has been a rapid rise for Wood, who opted to chase Supercars amid a growing profile in Porsche competition.
Remarkably, Mark Winterbottom’s Supercars debut race at Sandown in 2003 was 81 days before Wood was born.
“This is so surreal, I have dreamt about becoming a Supercars driver for as long as I can remember and this weekend it becomes real, I can’t believe it to be honest,” said Wood, who is one of three rookies alongside Aaron Love and Jaxon Evans.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support from my family, partners and the team, it’s been a crazy few years that’s for sure but it’s all worth it now.
“I have looked up to Chaz growing up, not only because he is a great driver but he’s an even better person off the track, to be able to work alongside him this year is really exciting.
“To be starting my Supercars career at the Mountain is pretty special, it is one of the toughest tracks out there, so I’m excited to take on the challenge.”
Mostert, who finished fourth in the 2023 championship, raced with Nick Percat in 2022 and 2023.
Wood is 11 years Mostert’s junior, and the two-time Bathurst winner is already feeling the Kiwi’s effect in the team.
“I’ve missed this, it’s been a good summer break, but I have been itching to get back behind the wheel since the new year to be honest,” said Mostert, who scored a class podium with his own team at last weekend's Repco Bathurst 12 Hour.
“It’s great to have Woody joining us, it’s been awesome with him so far, we get along really well off track so I am excited to work closely with him this year.”
Track action at the Thrifty Bathurst 500 commences on Friday. Tickets for the event are on sale now.
