Kiwi racing driver Ryan Wood put in series of solid drives over the weekend, landing on the second step of the podium in every race during round two of the Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge Series at Queensland Raceway in Australia.
Things were looking good from the get-go for Wood as he snatched pole position in the Pro class on a one-lap flyer during the 20-minute qualifying session on Friday.
However, championship rival Thomas Sargent was on form during the weekend’s three races, claiming victory come each chequered flag.
Race One:
Race one on Saturday saw the Kiwi tail Sargent throughout the race after a switchback move was made on Wood upon the race start.
The pair pulled away from the rest of the field with Sargent setting a lap record in the process.
Sargent won with Wood finishing the first race in second and Aron Shields rounded out the podium in third.
Fellow New Zealander Madeline Stewart achieved a personal-best fifth place overall and fourth in the Pro category in race one.
Race Two:
It was a similar story for Wood and Sargent in the second sprint race, with Sargent leading from turn one and finishing in said order.
However, race two finished under a safety car as a result of a collision between Gerald Murphy and Richard Cowen.
Race Three:
The final 35-lap endurance race saw the two go head-to-head with Sargent getting the jump on Wood into Turn One, leading the Kiwi for the entirety of the race.
Wood didn’t let up though, constantly coming back at Sargent but he ultimately settled for second.
The pair were never more than one second apart throughout the race with their finishing order in the race reflecting the round result as well.
Wood is just 10 points behind Sargent in the championship and continues at Sandown Raceway on September 16-18.
