“I’m really keen to get started this weekend at Bathurst and get the ball rolling,” the 20-year-old said. “It’ll be a challenge starting [the series] at Bathurst and the weather looks like it’ll be a bit up and down. It’ll also be good to get some practice in before the [Bathurst] 1000 later in the year, because I didn’t get to do it last year.”
Wood is aware that as a rookie, he may be the target of some argy-bargy, but he sees that as part of racing in one of the world’s hardest-fought tin-top categories.
“It’s kind of a tradition to be roughed up a bit but I’m just going to run my own race. If there’s a bit of biff and barge, I’ll just give it back. It’s no different to any other championship I’ve been in,” said the Walkinshaw Andretti United driver.
It may appear Wood has been fast-tracked into the top tier of Supercars but when the likes of Ryan Walkinshaw and Michael Andretti think he’s got the ability to challenge more established drivers, fans should take note.
Wood already boasts an impressive CV, finishing third in Super2 last season, winning more races, rounds and poles than any other driver.
He was also runner-up in the 2022 Porsche Sprint Challenge Australia after being third in the Toyota 86 Championship.
He raced a Porsche 991 Cup car in the 2021-22 South Island Endurance Series, winning the series without losing a single race.
“It’s all happened pretty fast. It’s one of those things where if you get a bit of momentum behind you, you kind of ride that wave. Luckily enough for me, I’ve landed on my feet this year and it’s a pretty cool feeling having achieved one of my childhood dreams.
“It’s all about getting experience and learning off Chaz [Mostert, teammate] as much as I can. If we can pick up some results along the way, that would be amazing.
“For me, it’s about being consistent and smart on track and making the best decisions.”
There are five Kiwi drivers in Supercars this season: Wood, Heimgartner, Payne, the returning Richie Stanaway and rookie Jaxon Evans.
