Kiwi teen completes WAU Super2 line-up

Kiwi teenager Ryan Wood has been recruited for Walkinshaw Andretti United’s return to the 2023 Dunlop Super2 Series.

The 19-year-old will make his Super2 debut in 2023 alongside teammate Zach Bates.

Wood and Bates are both Supercars rookies, and will lead WAU’s first foray into Super2 since 2012.

New Zealand-born Wood departs a stint with Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport.

He finished second in the Porsche Sprint Challenge in Australia, claiming six pole positions and four round wins.

Wood — who recently undertook an evaluation day with WAU — also won the South Island Endurance Challenge.

Wood shifts across from Porsches

“There’s no doubt it was a really tough decision to make the switch from Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport,” Wood said.

“They’ve been amazing for me, and I can’t thank them enough for all that they’ve done.

"It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid to race Supercars.

"I’m really excited to chase that dream with Walkinshaw Andretti United and see what we can do together next year.

"It’s going to be a big learning curve, but the team have already been amazing so far, so I can’t wait to get stuck into the season.”

Wood finished third overall in the 2021 New Zealand Toyota 86 season with seven wins and five poles.

'We think Ryan’s got a very bright future ahead of him'

WAU Team Principal Bruce Stewart was excited to develop both drivers in the WAU mould.

“We have been following Ryan’s career closely for a while now and got the opportunity to see first-hand his talent at our recent driver evaluation day,” Stewart said.

"He more than impressed everyone there.

“It wasn’t just the way he drove, but the way he interacts with the team around him, we think he’s a great fit for our culture here at WAU, which is really important to us.

“We think Ryan’s got a very bright future ahead of him, and are looking forward to seeing him alongside Zach, who we think we work really well together on and off the track.”

Wood and Bates will test their Supercars in February ahead of March’s Newcastle season opener.

Newcastle tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.