Veteran Wood 'invigorated' by Penrite Racing deal

Being part of Penrite Racing is “really motivating” for veteran co-driver Dale Wood, who will partner Bathurst champion Richie Stanaway in 2024.

Wood will share the #26 Penrite Mustang with Stanaway, who is fourth in the points, at this year's Penrite Oil Sandown 500 and Repco Bathurst 1000.

The 40-year-old will make his 17th appearance at the Great Race, but has yet to crack the podium at Mount Panorama.

The 2013 Super2 champion and an 18-time Carrera Cup race winner, Wood made his Bathurst 1000 debut with Tasman Motorsport in 2008.

He has since made co-driver starts with Kelly Racing (2009-10, 2019-20), Tony D’Alberto Racing (2011-12), Dick Johnson Racing (2013), Tim Blanchard Racing (2018) and most recently, Brad Jones Racing (2021-23).

Wood raced full-time in Supercars between 2014 and 2017 out of BJR, Kelly Racing and Erebus Motorsport, where he finished a career-best fourth in the 2017 Great Race.

However, bad luck has often reared its head in Bathurst, such as crashing behind the Safety Car (2014), fighting a knee injury (2021), being an innocent victim in a crash (2022) and an engine failure (2023).

The 2022 race was particularly jarring, with Wood left fighting back tears after the dramatic accident at The Chase ended his and Heimgartner's efforts just four laps in.

Come 2024, and Wood is pumped by the “fantastic opportunity” to join the Grove-owned team, which is currently second in the teams’ championship.

"I feel extremely invigorated this year to be joining this team," Wood said.

"I think there is a huge amount of excitement and positivity around this team at the moment, and to be a part of it is really motivating.

"Partnering with Richie, who I've always thought was a naturally talented fast guy, is a fantastic opportunity for me and I am excited to play my role and support him on these race weekends.”

Penrite Racing CEO Brenton Grove says the experienced head will "undoubtedly strengthen” the team as its hunts its first enduro race win.

"We're thrilled to welcome Dale to the team,” Grove said.

"His extensive experience in Supercars, particularly at iconic tracks like Bathurst and Sandown, coupled with his success in Porsche Carrera Cup, made him a standout choice for this year's enduro campaign.

"Dale's race fitness and familiarity with high-pressure racing situations will undoubtedly strengthen our team.

"We're excited to integrate him with Richie Stanaway and Garth Tander, bringing him in on all elements of the team.

"Having another Victorian-based co-driver means we can utilise him for ride days, test sessions, and fully immerse him within the technical aspects of our operation.”

Wood will test a Penrite Ford for the first time later this month, with the 2024 season resuming at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint on May 17-19.