'Are you serious?': Wood confused, WTWGR explains pit surprise
Ryan Wood confused over team radio after Chaz Mostert rejoins ahead
Wood dominated Taupō finale before Mostert emerged in surprise lead
Mostert inadvertently undercut his teammate after second stop
Eventual Race 9 winner Ryan Wood was left fuming over team radio after Chaz Mostert emerged in a surprise lead in the ITM Taupō Super 440 finale.
Walkinshaw TWG Racing driver Wood dominated the race from pole position to the second stops, only to rejoin behind teammate Mostert.
Mostert ultimately side-stepped for Wood with eight laps remaining, reinstating the existing order between the two Toyotas. Over team radio, Mostert insisted he would “protect” the win, with Broc Feeney closing behind.
Mostert denied Feeney in a thrilling battle with four laps remaining, ultimately helping Wood open up a significant lead to deliver a stirring victory for Toyota and New Zealand race fans.
After rejoining, Wood remonstrated over team radio, saying: “Are you serious?”
In response, engineer Richard Harris replied: “We’re not happy about it either.”
Before Wood regained the lead, WTWGR CEO Bruce Stewart told the broadcast: “How that played out, probably not ideal. You know, you're leading the race. Certainly we had a little bit longer with the fuel on Woody's car.
“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.
“Then we’ll work out what happened and make sure it’s clear and transparent for our drivers and fans.”
When asked if it was an accident, Stewart replied: “I think it was, I don't think we expected it.
“I reckon with the fuel you just saw a little bit extra of the fuel… we’re in the front, so let's not forget that. Has it played out ideal? No, not really.”
Wood crossed the line 3.036s ahead of Feeney, with Mostert over five seconds behind.
