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Important update on 1476AMSupercars Saturday: Young Kiwi Wood claims Toyota's first win
Sport Nation • April 11th, 2026 5:35 pm
Ryan Wood | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
Local hero Ryan Wood has secured Toyota's first Supercars win, holding his nerve against challenges from a host of established stars during a thrilling race in New Zealand.
After championship leader Brodie Kostecki cantered to victory from pole in the first race of the Taupo round on Saturday, proud Kiwi Wood hung tough as Broc Feeney and Chaz Mostert pressed to knock off the pole-sitter.
Mostert briefly claimed the lead from Wood, before the emerging star again hit the front with seven laps remaining.
The 22-year-old's second career win came ahead of Feeney and Mostert who shared the podium with him.
Wood was ecstatic when taking the chequered flag, embracing with Supercars legend and fellow New Zealander Greg Murphy.
Ryan Wood with his Toyota Supra | Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
In just their ninth race, Toyota achieved their first win quicker than any other manufacturer in Supercars history.
"I'm so incredibly proud of our team and what we've done with this beautiful car," Wood said.
"To win in our third round is pretty special.
"Sorry about all my emotion, it just means so much to do it at home in front of so many friends and family and supporters of mine."
Dick Johnson Racing's Kostecki, who has endured mixed fortunes since his 2023 title with Erebus, has four wins from the first nine races of the season.
Kostecki will take a slender championship lead over Feeney to the South Island of New Zealand when racing resumes on Friday.
- Oliver Caffrey, AAP
Kiwi driver Ryan Wood secures Toyota's first Supercars win | Sport Nation
Race 10 moved to Christchurch Super 440
With Tropical Cyclone Vaianu heading towards New Zealand, Supercars have continued to adjust their race schedule at Taupo International Motorsport Park based on the latest forecasts.
Saturday's Race 8 remains 37 laps (120km) but now begins slightly earlier at 12.25pm (originally 12.55pm) and Race 9 has been extended to 60 laps (200km) and will start at 3.30pm (originally scheduled for 4.05pm).
Supercars announced moments before Race 8 that Sunday's scheduled racing for the Taupo Super 440 has been called off - Race 10 will now take place next Friday as part of the Christchurch Super 440.
"This is an unprecedented situation that has never occurred in the history of the Supercars Championship," interim Supercars boss Barclay Nettlefold said.
"It's very disappointing to see a weather event of this scale disrupt what we had hoped would be an exciting final day of racing.
"We deeply regret the impact this cancellation has on our fans who have travelled to Taupō to be part of this event.
"But a cyclone of this intensity leaves no other option, and the safety of everyone at the circuit has to come first.
"We're delighted to be in a position to make it up to fans and all our partners, by adding a race to the Christchurch event."
Championship leader Brodie Kostecki has pole for Race 8, while Kiwi driver Ryan Wood has made history for Race 9 in the Supra, securing Toyota's first pole position in Supercars.
Motorsport commentator Steve Daniel leads Sport Nation's live call of the Taupo Super 440 this Saturday, with the Christchurch Super 440 to follow next weekend.
Updated Race Schedule (NZST)
Saturday: Race 8 qualifying from 9.45am, Race 9 qualifying from 10.40am, Race 8 from 12.25pm, Race 9 from 3.30pm.
Sunday: Taupo program cancelled with Race 10 shifted to Christchurch Super 440.
Why Kiwi drivers excel in motorsport | Sport Nation
