Wood takes mtec seat for Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy
As the final pieces of the 2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy fall into place, Kiwi star Ryan Wood has been officially confirmed for the four round international championship.
With backing from the Tony Quinn Foundation, Ryan has now been confirmed for one of the seats at mtec Motorsport.
Wood is no stranger to New Zealand circuits, having cut a successful path through karting and the Toyota 86 Championship before moving across to Australia to successfully race Porsches and Super 2 V8s before making the move to Supercars.
And despite his arrival over the past couple of seasons as one of Supercars biggest stars, he’s made no secret of his desire to one day compete in New Zealand’s Toyota-run premier single seater championship. A nice fit is that he will also race in one of the new Toyota Supra Supercars in 2026 too.
The 2026 Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy also includes the iconic New Zealand Grand Prix, which along with Macau, is one of only two events outside of F1 with official FIA Grand Prix status. And that’s another box Wood would like to tick.
Having watched Supercars rivals Will Brown, Broc Feeney and Matt Payne compete in the FT60s successfully over the past few years, Wood is highly motivated to succeed.
He’s going to be competing against some of the brightest young single seater talent in the world today, and two-time world rally champion Kalle Rovanperä, and cannot wait for the first round to come.
“Honestly, I am super-excited to make my open wheel racing debut, for me it’s always been something I’ve wanted to do and especially with Toyota and in CTFROT.
“I’ve watched the championship since I was in karts so to be doing it now and on home soil is very exciting.
For me the four weeks of racing is all about learning and preparing for the 2026 season. I’m delighted to join mtec and learn off my team mates and develop as a driver. It’s a real full circle moment racing Toyotas in NZ again after starting in 86s so I can’t wait to get into it!"
Fans will be able to follow Ryan and the championship easily. Qualifying will be livestreamed on TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand’s YouTube channel. Races will also be on that channel and on SkySport domestically in New Zealand. Races will also be streamed live on the Motorsport.TV platform.
2026 Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy
Rd1 9-11 January - Hampton Downs International Motorsport Park
Rd2 16-18 January - Taupo International Motorsport Park
Rd3 23-25 January - Teretonga Raceway, Invercargill
Rd4 30 Jan -1st Feb - 70th New Zealand Grand Prix – Highlands International Motorsport Park
