Ryan Wood to make supercars debut for WAU for 2024
Kiwi prodigy Ryan Wood is set to make a significant leap in his racing career as he graduates to the 2024 Supercars Championship with Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU), a recent announcement from the team reveals. The 19-year-old, who will celebrate his 20th birthday in December, is poised to take the wheel of the team's #2 Ford Mustang Supercar in the upcoming season. Wood's entry into the Supercars Championship comes as Nick Percat, the current driver of the #2 car, departs the team, a development that was confirmed just last week.
Having demonstrated his prowess in motorsports, Wood, who is currently competing for WAU in the Dunlop Series, has secured a multi-year contract with the main team program. This significant step forward in his career highlights the team's confidence in his abilities and potential. Wood's emergence into the Supercars Championship will mark another milestone in his journey, and he expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity: "It’s a dream come true to be racing in the Supercars Championship with Walkinshaw Andretti United."
Wood's journey to this point has been marked by impressive achievements. He earned his place in the WAU Foundation Academy following successful runs in the Porsche Sprint Challenge and Toyota 86 Series. His debut in the Super2 category was remarkable, with a pole position in Newcastle. He continued to make waves by securing a series of race wins at the second round in Perth.
The WAU Foundation Academy played a pivotal role in Wood's development, and the team's co-owner, Ryan Walkinshaw, expressed his excitement about Wood's rapid progression: "His talent has been undeniable, and his raw speed obvious from the first time we saw him in a WAU car, so we are looking forward to watching his progression."
Wood's ascent to the Supercars Championship is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. With his inclusion in the main game program, he will join the ranks of esteemed drivers from New Zealand, further solidifying his country's presence in the world of motorsports. Wood's journey is set to continue as he prepares to take on the challenge alongside experienced teammates and a supportive team, all of which bode well for his future in the sport.
As he eagerly anticipates the next chapter of his career, Wood's focus remains on his current campaign in the Dunlop Series, where he will resume his efforts at the Penrite Oil Sandown 500 in September. With his sights set on a promising future, the young racer is determined to make the most of this opportunity and continue his remarkable trajectory in the world of motorsports.
