Toyota Secures Maiden Supercars Victory in Taupo

Ryan Wood secured a historic victory for Toyota on April 11, 2026, winning Race 9 at the ITM Taupō Super 440. The result marked the first outright win for Toyota in the Repco Supercars Championship and the Australian Touring Car Championship, ending a long period of manufacturer dominance by Ford and General Motors.

Driving for Walkinshaw TWG Racing, Wood achieved the breakthrough on his home soil at Taupō Motorsport Park in New Zealand. He dominated much of the 200km event after claiming Toyota’s first-ever pole position earlier that day.

The victory ended a drought of 2,884 days since a brand other than General Motors or Ford had won a Supercars race. While Toyota had been a dominant force in various classes during the 1980s and early 1990s, this result represents the brand’s first outright victory in the series.

Weather Disruptions and Race Conditions

The event schedule was significantly impacted by the impending arrival of Cyclone Vaianu on the North Island of New Zealand. Due to the weather threat, officials modified and eventually reduced the program to a single day of racing, leading to the cancellation of the action scheduled for Sunday.

Wood converted his pole position into an early lead, leaving fellow front-row starter Will Brown to take the high line into the first corner. The opening lap proceeded without major incidents, although David Reynolds experienced a minor excursion with two wheels in the dirt at Turn 9.

Despite Wood’s early control, Brown remained competitive, setting the fastest lap of the race by Lap 5 and staying within one second of the leader for a significant portion of the opening phase.

Tactical Battles and Team Orders

The race’s closing stages were defined by strategic hurdles and internal team dynamics at Walkinshaw TWG Racing. Wood’s lead was threatened after he was delayed during his second pit stop, which allowed his teammate, Chaz Mostert, to take the lead of the race.

While the prospect of team orders was considered, Mostert ultimately decided to yield the position. Mostert informed the team via radio that Woody is faster, making room for the young New Zealander to reclaim the lead and secure his first win on home soil.

I am so incredibly proud of our team, what they have done with this beautiful car. To do it at home in front of so many friends and family is incredible as well. The last two laps were pretty emotional.

Ryan Wood

Wood crossed the finish line with a winning margin of 3.0363 seconds. Mostert, whose wife is from New Zealand, described Wood’s performance as unbelievable following the race.

Championship and Trophy Standings

While Wood took the headlines for the maiden Toyota win, Brodie Kostecki maintained his lead in the overall championship standings after winning the opening race of the day.

Other contenders faced technical difficulties during the event. Red Bull Ampol Racing drivers Broc Feeney and Will Brown both struggled with cool suit issues within the first 10 laps. Feeney also dealt with engine afflictions during the opening race of the program.

The result has significant implications for the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy. Wood now provisionally leads the standings for the trophy heading into the next round.

The series will move to Christchurch next weekend for a four-race event. For the first time, the Jason Richards Memorial Trophy standings will extend to a second event, which will take place at Ruapana.