Ryan Wood, born on December 4, 2003, in Wellington, New Zealand, is a professional racing driver currently competing in the Supercars Championship with Walkinshaw Andretti United (WAU), driving the No. 2 Ford Mustang GT.
Wood's passion for motorsport ignited in his youth through go-karting, where he achieved dominance across New Zealand and Australia, securing 10 titles. In 2021, he advanced to the New Zealand Toyota 86 Championship, claiming the most race wins and pole positions, culminating in a third-place overall finish.
In 2022, Wood competed in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia, finishing second in the Pro Class standings. He demonstrated exceptional performance by securing pole position in all six rounds and winning four out of six events. Additionally, he clinched the South Island Endurance Series title in New Zealand, maintaining an undefeated record throughout the series.
Transitioning to the Dunlop Super2 Series in 2023 with WAU, Wood showcased remarkable talent. He secured multiple race wins, round victories, and pole positions, finishing third in the championship standings. His performance included a dominant display at Wanneroo Raceway, where he won both races of the weekend.
Impressed by his rapid progression, WAU promoted Wood to their main Supercars Championship lineup in 2024, partnering him with Chaz Mostert. Team co-owner Ryan Walkinshaw expressed confidence in Wood's potential, stating, "He’s definitely got raw talent, he’s definitely got a lot of speed; I think he’s going to be a championship-winning driver one year."
In his rookie Supercars season, Wood delivered notable performances, including a fourth-place finish at the Bosch Power Tools Perth SuperSprint. His racecraft earned praise from fellow drivers. Recognizing his contributions, WAU secured Wood's services with a multi-year contract extension in August 2024, ensuring his presence in the team beyond the 2025 season. Ryan Wood continues to be a promising talent in the Supercars Championship, with aspirations of achieving championship success in the coming years.