Wood fires warning shot at Supercars rivals
Ryan Wood declares he's "the best prepared' he's ever been ahead of 2026
Wood claimed Rookie of the Year crown in Formula Regional Oceania Trophy
Kiwi also set for maiden Bathurst 12 Hour start before Supercars season opener
Ryan Wood has fired a warning shot to the Supercars field following a string of strong performances in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy in New Zealand, saying he's "the best prepared I'ver ever been."
Against some of the brightest prospects on the road to Formula One, including former McLaren junior Ugo Ugochukwu and recently signed Audi junior Freddie Slater, Wood more than held his own.
He claimed an emotional win in the Denny Hulme Memorial Trophy at Taupō, and claimed a further two podium finishes - one at Taupō and another at Teretonga - to finish fifth in the standings.
The 22-year-old also claimed Rookie of the Year honours, topping a rookie class that beat the likes of dual-World Rally Champion and fellow Toyota factory pilot Kalle Rovanpera, and Red Bull junior Fionn McLaughlin.
However, the ultimate goal of his open-wheel adventure was to better prepare himself for the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship, and maintain his match sharpness prior to the
"Looking forward to getting back to Aus in my new 2026 Walkinshaw TWG Racing Supra, bring it on," said Wood after finishing fifth in a New Zealand Grand Prix won by MTEC Motorsport teammate Zack Scoular.
"I feel the best prepared I've ever been, so can't wait."
Wood also took the time to reflect on his rapid fire four week campaign, which ticked off something of a career bucket list item for the Wellingtonian.
"It's gutting that it's over, it's been an amazing four weeks. I can't thank everyone enough... It's been a great four weeks for me," Wood said.
"It's been really, really cool and super special. I wish I could do this all over again, and hopefully one day we can.
"I feel like there's a bit of redemption that I need to come back and fix next year, and I want to try and keep this Toyota partnership going on a good note like we have started."
The Kiwi's eagerness to get his third Supercars campaign started comes after Broc Feeney reignited the rivalry that boiled over in the final race of 2025 in his first media appearance of the year.
Speaking last week with 7News Queensland, the Red Bull Ampol Racing star declared that there was still "bad blood in the water," following his controversial clash with Wood, and that he enters the new year "angrier than ever."
Wood will line up in a Ferrari at the Bathurst 12 Hour in just under a fortnight, before starting he and Walkinshaw TWG Racing's Toyota era at the DUNLOP Sydney 500 from February 20-22. Tickets are on sale now.
