In a stunning turn of events, Ryan Wood has propelled the Toyota GR Supra to its first-ever Supercars podium, marking a historic milestone in the world of motorsport. This remarkable achievement, occurring just in the fifth race of the new GR Supra, has sent shockwaves through the racing community. Despite the jubilant atmosphere following the Sydney finale, where all five Supras secured top 10 finishes, Wood acknowledges that this is merely the beginning, with a mountain of work still ahead.
With a tenacious spirit, Wood battled through an unexpected challenge at Turn 9, where he experienced a “double shift” but still managed to secure a commendable third place finish. This performance not only highlights his resilience but also celebrates the relentless efforts of Walkinshaw TWG Racing, Toyota, and Swindon Motorsport. “It is very cool,” Wood exclaimed, encapsulating the pride shared by his team. “There has been a lot of hard work behind the scenes and today we were in the right position and maximised what we could do.”
Wood’s achievement is a testament to the dedication of his crew, who have endured countless late nights to get to this point. “It has been really hard on them and I cannot thank them enough,” he stated, emphasizing the collective effort that has brought the team to this historic day.
However, the young driver is realistic about the challenges that lie ahead. He candidly admitted, “There was no way I could hang with these two (Kostecki and Payne),” referring to the dominant leaders of the race. The blistering pace set by his competitors in the final laps underscored the significant gap that still exists. “We have a bit of work to do to get closer,” Wood acknowledged, asserting that improvements are needed across the board, from chassis to aerodynamics.
Transitioning from the Mustang to the Supra has presented Wood with one of the most formidable challenges of his nascent career. Now entering his third season, his podium finish signifies not just a victory but a testament to his growth and maturity as a driver. “It is just about going through the processes to make sure we can get the most out of the package,” he explained, revealing the mental fortitude required to adapt to the new machine.
Wood’s approach has involved a steep learning curve, as he grapples with new data and setups that are vastly different from his previous experiences. “It has not really worked trying to use last year’s stuff so it has been tough,” he admitted. The complexities of re-learning the nuances of the Supra are evident, as Wood and his engineers strive to unlock the car’s full potential.
The road ahead is laden with challenges, but Wood remains undeterred. “We are learning every time, and that’s the hardest part,” he said, highlighting the relentless pursuit of improvement. As the season progresses, the young Kiwi’s determination to refine his skills and enhance the Supra’s performance will be crucial. “We just have to keep our heads down,” he concluded, embodying the spirit of perseverance that defines great athletes.
With the podium finish as a springboard, Ryan Wood and his team are poised for an exciting journey ahead, one filled with the promise of growth, resilience, and a relentless quest for excellence in the world of Supercars racing.
