Toyota GR Supra Makes History with First Supercars Win
Driver Ryan Wood secured victory in a Supercars Championship race at the Taupō circuit in New Zealand on Saturday, marking the first race win for the Toyota GR Supra in the championship's history.
Race Details
The 60-lap race was held on Saturday afternoon. Ryan Wood, driving for the Walkinshaw TWG Racing team, qualified in pole position. He led for the majority, and according to some reports, the entirety of the race. His teammate, Chaz Mostert, attempted an undercut strategy during the race but did not win.
Historical Significance
The victory represents Toyota's first race win in the history of the Australian Touring Car Championship (ATCC) and its successor, the Supercars Championship.
With this result, Toyota becomes the 12th different manufacturer to record a race win in the championship.
The other manufacturers to have achieved race wins are:
- Alfa Romeo
- BMW
- Chevrolet
- Ford
- Holden
- Jaguar
- Mazda
- Mercedes
- Nissan
- Porsche
- Volvo
Last month, Ryan Wood was also responsible for Toyota's first podium finish in the series at the Albert Park circuit.
Official Statements
John Pappas, Toyota Australia's vice president for national sales, marketing and franchise operations, described the day as "a very proud day" for the organization.
In statements reported across sources, Pappas thanked the team involved and congratulated Ryan Wood and Walkinshaw TWG Racing. One statement attributed to him read:
"We couldn't be more thankful to the dedicated people whose hard work, passion and belief delivered this outstanding result in the GR Supra."
Barclay Nettlefold, the interim CEO of Supercars, reported receiving a text message from Sean Hanley expressing pride in the achievement. Sources variously describe Hanley as Pappas's predecessor, a former Toyota executive, or an individual involved in Toyota's initial entry into the series.