The Motorsport Brief | Ryan Wood in New Zealand
About this episode
Ryan Wood, a rising star in supercars, shares his experiences racing in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy in New Zealand. He discusses the transition from racing an 86 to a single-seater, his training regimen, and the competitive field he faces. Wood reflects on his relationships within his team, the support from the Tony Quinn Foundation, and his aspirations for the upcoming supercar season. The episode also touches on his personal growth as a driver and the importance of mental resilience following recent challenges.
For our first ep of season ‘26 Rusty catches up with Supercars rising star Ryan Wood in the paddock at Hampton Downs.
‘Woody’ is stepping into an open wheeler over summer and we caught up with him on the eve of round 1 of the Toyota series that’s now badged CTFROT.
There is a seriously impressive line-up here trying to follow in the footsteps of Arvid Lindblad who won the title last year on the way to a full time drive in Formula 1. (You can find Arvid’s shortcast ep in our library).
The new F1 champ Lando Norris is another former graduate of this series.
How Ryan is coping with the different demands of open wheel racing and how the MTEC crew wisely includes some of his colleagues from the Walkinshaw Supercars squad.
Plus some thoughts on the new Supra he’ll race in the Supercars Championship this year and the ways Kiwi legend Greg Murphy helps him as he continues to climb the ladder.
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supercars
"...a rising star of supercars who is having a hit out in a single seater over summer..."
Supercars are very fast and expensive cars that are built for racing and high performance. They are known for their speed and sleek designs.
Supercars are high-performance sports cars that are designed for speed, handling, and advanced technology. They often feature powerful engines and are built for both track and road use.
Formula Regional Oceania Trophy
"...rebadged as the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy this year. A reminder too about our most recent feature episode..."
The Formula Regional Oceania Trophy is a racing competition for young drivers using special race cars. It's a way for them to gain experience and possibly move up to bigger racing events.
The Formula Regional Oceania Trophy is a racing series that features single-seater cars, providing a platform for young drivers to showcase their talent and potentially progress to higher levels of motorsport.
motocross
"...where we talk about his early days in motocross, racing supercars, a near-death crash at Mount Paterama..."
Motocross is a type of motorcycle racing that takes place on dirt tracks with jumps and turns. It's a fun and exciting sport for both riders and spectators.
Motocross is a form of off-road motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits. It involves a variety of terrains and obstacles, making it a challenging sport for riders.
Formula One
"...some of these young kids that are meant to be touted for Formula One so it's pretty cool."
Formula One is a type of car racing that features very fast cars and is held on special tracks. It's one of the most famous and exciting forms of racing in the world.
Formula One is the highest class of single-seater auto racing, known for its high-speed cars and prestigious races held worldwide. It features advanced technology and is considered the pinnacle of motorsport.
BMW M2
"...to new limits so then you go across next door to M2 and with the new team and Hightech and then you k..."
The BMW M2 is a sporty car that is made for people who love to drive fast and enjoy sharp handling. It has a powerful engine and a design that looks really cool, making it a popular choice for those who want a fun driving experience.
The BMW M2 is a high-performance version of the BMW 2 Series, designed for driving enthusiasts who seek a balance of power and agility. It features a turbocharged inline-six engine, sport-tuned suspension, and aggressive styling, making it a standout in the compact sports car segment. The M2 is often discussed for its thrilling driving dynamics and as a more accessible entry point into BMW's M lineup.
Toyota Super
"...with the Toyota Supra and trying to make sure that we're up the front and hit the ground running..."
The Toyota Supra is a sports car famous for being fast and fun to drive. It's popular among people who love cars and racing.
The Toyota Supra is a well-known sports car that has gained a reputation for its performance and tuning potential. It has a rich history in motorsports and is popular among car enthusiasts.
New Zealand Grand Prix
"Oh look I think for me the New Zealand Grand Prix would be pretty cool. At the end of the day I just want to learn and develop but I'm a racing driver I want to win races I want to get trophies..."
The New Zealand Grand Prix is a famous car race held in New Zealand. Many skilled drivers participate, and it's a great opportunity for them to show their racing abilities.
The New Zealand Grand Prix is a prestigious motor racing event that showcases various racing disciplines, including open-wheel racing. It attracts talented drivers and is known for its competitive field.
racing driver
"but I'm a racing driver I want to win races I want to get trophies and I think our team and our equipment can do that..."
A racing driver is someone who drives cars in races. They need to be very skilled and know a lot about how cars work to win.
A racing driver is a professional or amateur driver who competes in motorsport events. They require skill, precision, and a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics to succeed in races.
competitiveness
"I think the field here I think there's 10 guys that could win this championship this year I think it's probably the deepest of I guess competitiveness that it's been for a long time..."
Competitiveness in racing means how good the drivers and teams are compared to each other. If many drivers are very skilled, it makes the races more exciting and harder to win.
Competitiveness in racing refers to the level of skill and performance among drivers and teams. A highly competitive field means that many participants have the potential to win, making races more challenging and exciting.
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