Ryan Wood Salvages Fifth Place After Technical Penalty Mars New Zealand Grand Prix
Supercars talent Ryan Wood overcame a dramatic technical disqualification to secure a top five finish at the 70th New Zealand Grand Prix on Sunday. The Walkinshaw TWG Racing driver faced a turbulent weekend at Highlands Motorsport Park, a ride height infringement initially threatened to relegate him to the back of the grid before a strategic withdrawal clarified his starting position.
Technical Infringements Evoke Memories of 2021 Grand Prix
The narrative leading into Sunday’s feature race drew immediate comparisons to the 2021 event, Shane van Gisbergen famously won that race from the pit lane after a mistake before the start. Wood found himself in a similarly precarious position after officials discovered his Toyota FT-60 failed a post qualifying ride height test, this violation initially stripped the driver of his front row qualifying effort. The incident highlighted the rigorous technical scrutiny present in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, this series serves as a critical developmental ground for premier category drivers. Fans and commentators noted the parallel challenges, the situation required Wood to demonstrate resilience similar to van Gisbergen’s historic drive.
Strategic Appeal Decisions Determine Final Grid Layout
Confusion surrounded the #40 MTEC Motorsport entry following the Q3 infraction, the team initially lodged a Notice of Intention to Appeal to the FIA International Court of Appeal. This procedural move temporarily reinstated Wood to second place, it allowed him to race under appeal with any results remaining provisional. However, the team ultimately withdrew the challenge prior to the race start, this decision brought clarity to the grid order but forced Wood to surrender his front row spot.
Wood Executes Recovery Drive to Fifth
The withdrawal resulted in a modified penalty, officials disqualified Wood only from the Q3 segment rather than the entire session. Consequently starting from seventh instead of the rear, the Supercars driver showcased impressive pace throughout the 27 lap contest. He advanced two positions to cross the line in fifth place, the race ultimately finished under Safety Car conditions with compatriot Zack Scoular taking the victory. This performance salvaged valuable points and pride from a weekend that threatened to unravel completely.
Championship Results and Future Supercars Implications
While Wood missed the podium, the event served as vital preparation for his upcoming campaign in the Repco Supercars Championship. The high pressure environment provided a rigorous test of mental toughness ahead of his season debut. Elsewhere in the field, championship winner Ugo Ugochukwu faced similar adversity, the driver started 13th following his own technical disqualification yet managed a ninth place finish to secure the series title.
Wood now shifts his focus to testing his new Toyota GR Supra Supercar, he will participate in a shakedown followed by the official preseason test in Sydney on February 18.
