Courtney backs Wood to play defining role

James Courtney expects Ryan Wood to again play ultimate wingman for Chaz Mostert at this weekend’s Penrite Oil Sandown 500.

After being eliminated from the 2025 Supercars Finals on the Gold Coast, Wood got his elbows out against Will Brown at Sandown to protect his teammate.

Mostert went on to win the Saturday race, sealed automatic passage through to Adelaide, and clinched a maiden Supercars championship.

Wood was eliminated once again at Surfers Paradise last month, despite Mostert and Walkinshaw TWG Racing’s best efforts to help the Kiwi qualify.

Now with one car left in the fight, Walkinshaw TWG can once again call on Wood to do the business for Mostert, as can Penrite Racing, Dick Johnson Racing, Tickford Racing and Team 18.

When asked on Supercars’ Pit Lane Preview, presented by Equip Super who could play the most crucial role at Sandown, Courtney said: “We saw last year, Woody.

“I think he’s the one that’s going to play it as hard as he did last year, I’m sure, to try and help Chaz. “Chaz tried to help him into the Gold Coast, but ultimately that didn’t work.

“But the one guy who’s got form in doing it, knows how to do it, has done it last year, and 100% will do it again for his teammate, will be Woody.”

Saturday’s Sandown opener looms as one of the most hotly contested races of the season, with the winner — should it be a driver in the top seven — going straight through the Grand Final.

That includes the likes of Will Brown, Cam Waters and Anton De Pasquale, who start the Sandown weekend in the drop zone.

“It’s going to relieve all that pressure,” Courtney said of the win-and-in rule.

“It does put a lot of more pressure on Saturday. One guy will breathe a lot easier come Saturday afternoon.

“You could be seventh in the championship, win that race, and you’re through.”

Track action commences at Sandown with dual practice sessions on Friday.