WALKINSHAW Andretti United has named Ryan Wood as its second driver in next year’s Dunlop Super2 Series.
As revealed last week by V8 Sleuth, WAU will return to Supercars’ second-tier series for the first time in over a decade with a pair of Holden Commodores.
The 19-year-old New Zealander arrives at WAU via Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport having completed an impressive maiden season of racing in Australia in Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge.
Wood claimed four out of six round wins and all six pole positions on the way to a narrow second-placing behind Thomas Sargent in the Pro Class standings.
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Although guaranteed graduation to Porsche Carrera Cup Australia next year via the Team Porsche New Zealand scholarship, Wood has instead elected to move directly onto the Supercars ladder.
“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid to race Supercars, so I’m really excited to chase that dream with Walkinshaw Andretti United and see what we can do together next year,” Wood said.
“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.
“There’s no doubt it was a really tough decision to make the switch from Porsche New Zealand and Earl Bamber Motorsport, they’ve been amazing for me, and I can’t thank them enough for all that they’ve done.”
Wood joins second-generation racer Zach Bates in an all-rookie lineup, although the Kiwi had an opportunity to sample a Supercar last month amid a WAU evaluation day at Winton.
“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, where he more than impressed everyone there,” WAU team principal Bruce Stewart said.
“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.”
The 2023 Dunlop Super2 Series gets underway at the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on March 10-12.
