KIWI teenager Ryan Wood is ready for what’s coming.
There’s often plenty of bumps in the road for a Repco Supercars Championship rookie, let alone one going head-to-head with an A-grade star like Chaz Mostert.
But when Wood turned down a Carrera Cup Australia drive to enter Walkinshaw Andretti United’s Super2 program in the off-season, already in his sights was a main game berth as soon as 2024.
Indeed that will come next season when he replaces Nick Percat, who is now confirmed to be joining Matt Stone Racing on a two-year deal.
“Sometimes it’s a little bit out of reach but I felt like that was pretty achievable if I did what I knew I could do on the track and a little bit of luck went my way,” he told V8 Sleuth.
“To be honest, it didn’t start the best possible way it could have at Newcastle through no fault of anybody else but myself.
“So it was just about getting my head down at Perth and really make the most of that weekend and it really kind of set me up I think.
“If I didn’t pull that one out, I probably wouldn’t be in the position I’m in at the moment.”
As indicated, Wood went from hero to zero in the Newcastle Super2 season-opener, taking a fine pole position before crashing out and causing a multi-car pile-up. He bounced back at Wanneroo Raceway with a stunning sweep of Round 2.
After a middling Townsville event, Wood is fifth in the standings entering Sandown this weekend.
Does his approach change, now that he is not auditioning for his future?
“I think it’s totally different,” the 19-year-old replied.
“I think there’s a lot less pressure on myself; I can go out there and enjoy it.
“Like I have enjoyed it all along but I think there is just a bigger picture now that I have got the next step sorted, so it’s about going out there and making sure I learn and take the most out of these races because it’s going to be really, really valuable going into next year.
“Just taking each race as it comes and hopefully we can get some more wins.”
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As for 2024, he has a clear ambition in mind.
“One of my main goals is to make a Top 10 Shootout at whatever event. I think that will be a really cool achievement and I think that’s achievable,” said Wood.
Besides that, he’s bracing for all the usual rookie learnings: “It does take a while to get up to speed and I understand that.
“I know it’s going to be a huge jump but just making sure I take it all in and being ready for those longer events, so it should be cool.”
Wood is not racing in the 2023 Supercars enduros, WAU having opted in favour of experienced co-drivers Lee Holdsworth and Fabian Coulthard.
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