WAU elevate young gun Wood for 2024

By Thomas Miles

Date posted: 1 September 2023

There will be another new Kiwi talent on the Supercars grid with Ryan Wood revealed as the latest driver for Walkinshaw Andretti United’s famous car #2 in 2024.

Wood replaces the departing Nick Percat and will be the first driver to race for WAU from its own Foundation Academy which was established at the start of the year.

The 19-year-old from Wellington has since taken the opportunity with open arms by impressing in the Dunlop Series and currently sits fourth in the championship at the halfway mark of his rookie season, six spots ahead of teammate Zach Bates and announced his talent by recording a clean sweep in just his second round.

Wood will be only the first New Zealander to race full time for Clayton’s flagship two-car team since Greg Murphy raced for the Holden Racing Team back in 1997.

Ryan Wood flew in his Walkinshaw Andretti United ZB Commodore at Wanneroo Raceway. Image: Mark Horsburgh

He will also follow in the footsteps of Mark Skaife, Jason Bright, Todd Kelly, Garth Tander, Scott Pye, Bryce Fullwood and Percat to race with the famous #2.

Supercars veteran and current car #2 co-driver Fabian Coulthard was rumoured to be in the mix, but WAU has turned to its department of youth.

Wood is delighted the dream of racing Supercars will become a reality with such a famous team in 2024.

Greg Murphy is the last Kiwi to drive a full-time season for the Clayton’s top team doing so in 1997 pictured here en route to victory at Calder Park. Image: Mark Horsburgh

“It’s a dream come true to be racing in the Supercars Championship with Walkinshaw Andretti United,” he said.

“It’s something you think about a lot as a kid and structure everything you do around, so for it to be coming true is pretty surreal to be honest.

Ryan Wood will take over the #2 Mustang from Nick Percat in 2024. Image: Mark Horsburgh/EDGE Photographics

“From the moment I walked into the team at the start of the year it felt right, they’ve been amazing to work with, there’s some incredible people within these four walls, so I can’t thank the entire team enough for the opportunity and the work that’s gone on this year.

“Next year is going to be so exciting, but it’s extra motivation now for me to finish this year strong with the team, put the work in, and hit the ground running in 2024.”

Wood joined WAU as an academy member at the start of the year following stints in the Porsche Sprint Challenge and Toyota 86 Series.

Wood had been lined up to go Porsche Carrera Cup racing this year as part of a Team Porsche New Zealand 2023 Scholarship having just lost the 2022 Sprint Challenge title to Tom Sargeant after a thrilling battle.

However, the youngster followed his dreams and switched to Supercars with WAU and took little time to adapt.

Ryan Wood enjoyed great success collecting many poles and wins in last year’s Porsche Sprint Challenge.

He put the #2 ZB Commodore on pole position in his second race at Townsville and carried on that momentum to Perth where he won both races.

Having turned heads at WAU, Wood was rewarded with the chance to drive the team’s Gen3 Ford Mustang at a rookie evaluation day at Winton.

WAU owner Ryan Walkinshaw said Wood earned the promotion by showing “undeniable talent”.

Ryan Wood will be the latest to drive the iconic #2 previously steered by famous names such as Mark Skaife who won the 2005 Bathurst 1000 with Todd Kelly. Image: Motorsport Images

“We are extremely excited to have Ryan graduate to the main game in 2024,” he said.

“His talent has been undeniable, and his raw speed was obvious from the first time we saw him in a WAU car, so we are looking forward to watching his progression.

“His results this year have surprised none of us, and it’s great to see someone move through the WAU Foundation Academy so quickly.

“There will be a lot to learn, but he’s got a great teammate beside him in Chaz who will no doubt put Ryan under his wing, and some really experienced people in his corner, so we can’t wait to watch his career unfold.”

Wood’s news has also been praised by international heavyweights and team co-owners Michael Andretti and Zak Brown.

Ryan Wood did not take long to impress Walkinshaw Andretti United, earning a full time berth after just three Super2 rounds. Image: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

“We are extremely excited to have Ryan stepping up to Car No. 2 next season and beyond,” Andretti said.

“He has been seriously impressive since he joined us at the start of 2023. To be on pole in his first Super2 round and then to clean sweep the second round proves his ability but also how quickly he can adapt, so we have no doubts on how he will go next year.

“It’s going to be great to watch him grow in the team.”

“It’s fantastic to have Ryan in our team next year,” Brown said.

“His rise through the ranks has been impressive to watch, and he immediately caught our eye with his ability once we saw him firsthand.

“He’s got a great team around him, so we are all looking forward to watching him develop even further and showing why we see a huge future with Ryan.”

Before Wood steps up to Supercars in 2024, he will continue to focus on his Super2 campaign which resumes at Sandown on September 15-17.

Main image: Daniel Kalisz Photographer

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