Ryan Wood has etched his name in motorsport history, delivering Toyota's first-ever Supercars victory at the ITM Taupo Super440 in dramatic fashion before an enthusiastic New Zealand crowd.
The Walkinshaw TWG Racing driver overcame a strategic setback that saw teammate Chaz Mostert leap ahead during the final pit stop sequence, setting up an intense finish to the race.
"I'm so incredibly proud of our team and what we've done with this beautiful car," said Wood. "To win in our third round is pretty special. A big thank you to Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing, as always. This is incredible. I can't believe it."
The drama unfolded when Wood pitted from the lead with 20 laps remaining, only to find Mostert had jumped ahead through superior pit strategy. The young New Zealander was visibly frustrated, radioing to his team "Are you serious?" as he questioned how his teammate had been allowed to undercut him.
Engineer Richard Harris replied: "We're not happy about it either."
Despite the setback, Wood's superior pace in the closing stages proved decisive. With fresher tires and determination, he hunted down Mostert in the final laps and reclaimed the lead.
Mostert, recognizing the situation, radioed his team: "I'll protect the win. Woody's faster."
The veteran driver's defensive efforts proved crucial when Broc Feeney mounted a late charge for the victory. Mostert's spirited defense through the infield section cost Feeney valuable time, allowing Wood to escape to a commanding three-second victory margin.
"Sorry about all my emotion, it just means so much," said Wood. "To do it at home in front of so many friends and family and supporters of mine is so incredible. A massive congrats to Chaz as well. I'm out of breath."
The race began with Wood controlling the early proceedings from pole position. Will Brown applied pressure in the opening stint, launching an unsuccessful attack at Turn 9 on Lap 14 that briefly brought multiple drivers into the battle.
The pivotal moment came during the second pit stop sequence when Mostert's crew executed a perfectly timed stop that allowed him to jump ahead of his teammate. The undercut move left Wood trailing for the first time in the race and sparked the dramatic final act.
Stewart attempted to frame the situation positively, focusing on securing a one-two finish for the team. "There was a lot of negotiation and chatting going on between the engineers right now, we're just gonna focus on getting a 1-2," he said.
The victory represents a significant milestone for Toyota's Supercars program, coming just three rounds into their campaign with Walkinshaw TWG Racing. Wood's triumph also marks a breakthrough moment for the young driver, who has quickly established himself as a force in the championship.
Feeney's second-place finish continues his strong start to the season, while Mostert's podium demonstrates the strength in depth at Walkinshaw TWG Racing despite the internal strategy tensions.
