WAU keeping heat off Wood amid Adelaide rookie streak
Supercars
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Ryan Wood one of four rookies on Adelaide grid
WAU rookie dominated 2023 Adelaide Super2 round
Rookies have won last two Adelaide 500s
In recent years, rookies have come to the fore at the VAILO Adelaide 500, and Ryan Wood has so far proven he's closest to the mark in 2024.
The New Zealander has already claimed a front row start this year, top four finishes in Taupō and Perth, and a sixth in Townsville.
After rookie wins in Adelaide for Broc Feeney (2022) and Matt Payne (2023), it’s down to one of Wood, Jaxon Evans, Aaron Love or supersub Cooper Murray to keep the streak alive this weekend.
It seems Wood is the one to watch, with the Walkinshaw Andretti United driver fourth in Friday practice, one position behind star teammate Chaz Mostert.
Wood has had legend Greg Murphy in his corner this year, with the four-time Bathurst 1000 winner taken for a wild ride with his protégé on Thursday night.
When asked about the Adelaide rookie record, WAU CEO Bruce Stewart insisted the team isn’t putting any extra pressure on the 20-year-old, but was hopeful Wood could “do something really special."
"How exciting would that be, seeing Woody up here? That would be fantastic,” Stewart told media on Thursday.
"I don't want to put too much pressure on him. He's come a long way this year. He's certainly developed and he's looking fitter than ever.
“The kid has got genuine speed and talent. Anything can happen with Woody. He's the same person you see when you're interviewed, it's what he is like amongst the crew.
"He's just a fantastic human. We have no doubt he has huge talent. It would be wonderful if we could get a podium or do something really special here this weekend.”
Wood knows how to get the job done in Adelaide, winning both poles and races for last year’s Super2 round.
The rising star also secured a Top Ten Shootout berth on his first appearance to Surfers Paradise last month, proving he can find speed at the toughest circuits on the calendar.
“I had some pretty good success around here last year in Super2, I’m familiar with the track so that brings some confidence going into this weekend,” the Wellington-born driver said.
“Street tracks are always entertaining, you can’t leave anything on the table, it’s a big balance between risk vs reward so that always makes it a bit of fun.
“We have been dealt some tough cards this year, I really want to finish off the year strong and reward the crew with some good results.”
Supercars will return on Friday for Boost Mobile Qualifying at 5:30pm/6:00pm AEDT, which will set positions 11 through 24 on the grid for Saturday's Race 23.
