Walkinshaw Andretti United Kiwi driver Ryan Wood is preparing to debut in the upcoming GT World Challenge Australia season opener at Phillip Island.
The Kiwi talent, already well-regarded in the racing scene, is gearing up for an electrifying weekend of high-speed action on one of Australia’s most demanding circuits. It may be his debut in the GT World Challenge scene, but Wood is no stranger to sports car racing. He competed in the Porsche Sprint Challenge in 2022. He finished second overall after winning 8 out of the 15 races across the season.
Wood, known for his blistering pace and racecraft honed through years of competition, will pilot an Audi R8 LMS GT3 run by Melbourne Performance Centre. He will partner with fellow Kiwi Steven Brooks in the Pro-Am class as he takes on a grid packed with seasoned professionals and ambitious challengers.
With Phillip Island’s fast-flowing corners and high-speed straights providing the perfect battleground, the young driver is eager to test his skills in GT3 machinery.
Wood recently participated in a test day on Wednesday, getting his first taste of driving the MPC Audi R8 LMS GT3.
“I’m probably still a little bit fresh to GT3 at the moment, so I’m still working on where I can push, but to be racing with MPC and in one of its Audis … they are probably the most successful GT3 team that Australia has.
Wood commented on his excitement about partnering with Steven Brroks and the MPC team.
“It’s great to be partnered with Steve. He is quite new to racing, but what he has managed to learn and show in a race car in the first two or three years is pretty impressive, especially for someone who just does it as a hobby.
“I think by the end of the year, he should be well amongst the front Bronze-rated guys.
“I’m only confirmed to be in the car for the first round at Phillip Island. Steve’s planning on doing the rest of the year, but I hope that we can have a good start to the year, get a few trophies, and hopefully he invites me back!” said Wood.
Wood is optimistic he will return to compete in the other GT World Challenge rounds, but he must impress Brooks first.
Brooks is well known in the New Zealand 3-Hour Endurance class and wider Endurance racing community, but other than the test day earlier this week, the only track Brooks is familiar with is The Bend.
“My big advantage will be the championship’s final round at Hampton Downs … I’m looking forward to showing everyone up there,” said Brooks
“The others can show me up at the Australian tracks, but when we get to Hampton Downs, I’m going to show them a thing or two!
“It will be really cool to share the seat with Ryan. I have supported him right from the start of his career, and he hit me up for sponsorship earlier this year.
“I said “Ryan, I probably got something better for you”, and I kept it under wraps for a while and then said, “Let’s go and do Phillip Island in GT.”
Wood’s entry into the championship marks another significant step in his thriving career as he continues to make waves in top-tier motorsport. Wood’s ability to adapt quickly to new machinery and his natural racing instincts make him one to watch as the season unfolds.
With intense battles expected up and down the grid, the Phillip Island opener promises no shortage of drama. Will Wood make an immediate impact and challenge for podiums?
Motorsport fans won’t have to wait long to find out, as the GT World Challenge Australia season roars to life on April 4-6.
Stay tuned for all the latest updates, race reports, and insights as Ryan Wood takes on the best in GT racing.
Header Image: Daniel Kalisz/Race Project
