Ryan Wood secured his first victory for himself and Toyota in Race 9 of the 2026 Supercars Championship at Taupō.
Wood was victorious around Taupō, the young Kiwi securing his first victory in the Supercars Championship. Behind him, Broc Feeney had a late charge to the line for second. While Mostert secured Toyotas first double podium after holding onto third place for Walkinshaw.
This weekend so far…
Brodie Kostecki and Ryan Wood both secured Pole positions at Qualifying for Races Eight and Nine at the 2026 ITM Taupō Super 440. Kostecki looked dominant over both sessions, however it was Wood, who edged out the field. The Kiwi secured Toyota’s first Pole Position in the 2026 Supercars Championship.
Brodie Kostecki delivered another commanding performance to in Race 8 at the ITM Taupō Super 440. Converting his pole into a dominating victory and extending his lead in the 2026 Repco Supercars Championship. Behind him, the battle for the remaining podium places provided the race’s defining spectacle, as Will Brown held off a relentless Ryan Wood in a dramatic final-lap duel.
Following Race 8, the Supercars Championship confirmed the cancellation of Race 10. This comes as Cyclone Vaianu is expected to make landfall over the North Island.
However, Race 10 has been rescheduled. Now taking place in the second round of the New Zealand double header, at the ITM Christchurch Super 440. The Race, which will now occur on Friday, creating three action packed days on the South Island.
Lights Out in Taupō
Wood was quick to lead the field away, managing to hold his lead of the race through the first few corners. Behind him, it was Broc Feeney who held off a charging Kostecki for third. With no major incidents off the start it was Matt Payne and Aaron Cameron who both worked their way up the field.
Behind the wheel, Triple Eight’s Will Brown and Feeney both suffered cool suit malfunctions. With both drivers being asked to adjust their suits, it was Brown who reported feeling the heat. Behind them, Payne looked to continue his charge up the field, sweeping past Chaz Mostert for fifth.
By Lap 12, Brown had closed into the back of Wood. Following their close battles in the previous race, Wood managed to hold off the former champion. Behind them, it was Payne who made the first dive for the pit lane on Lap 16.
Walkinshaw on the charge
On Lap 22, it was Wood who dived into the pits. After a shorter fuel stop, the Kiwi managed to head out a second and a half ahead of Brown. Feeney and Kostecki both attempted tp overcoat the race leader, entering the pit on Lap 24 and 28 respectively.
However, Feeney was dropped further down the field after having to wait on Allen to pass in the pit lane. On Lap 26, Mostert dived down the inside of Anton De Pasquale for net fifth. Three laps later, it was Mostert who made his was around Payne. With Walkinshaw now sitting in first and third, Mostert closed in on Brown.
Payne’s race continued to deteriorate at Kostecki past him for fifth. Golding was next on the charge, passing De Pasquale for seventh. The BRT driver continued to chase down Payne’s Mustang, closing the gap to below two seconds.
Second Pit Stops Proved Crucial
A slow stop from Brown, followed by being held in the pit for Payne, left the Triple Eight Mustang behind Mostert’s Supra. With 16 laps left in Race 9, Wood was in the pits for a final time. However, a slower fuel stop for Wood left Mostert stealing the lead from his teammate. With Walkinshaw now in potential for their first one-two victory under Toyota, Wood was on the hunt for his lead back.
There was another teammate swap behind, with Brown passing Feeney on his out lap for fourth. However, Kostecki looked in prime position to steal the lead of the race as the rain started to trickle around Taupō. However, after being forced into a set of older dry tyres, Kostecki fell down to seventh.
With 11 laps to go, Feeney stole the final podium position back from his teammate. Behind them, Golding managed to pass Kostecki for sixth, however the former Champion stole the spot back on Turn 7. Their fight brought Kai Allen into the mix with only nine laps to go.
Late charged for the Flag
Wood clawed Mostert back, while on Lap 52, the reigning Supercars champion allowed Wood to pass. With Feeney closing in behind the two Toyota’s, it was up to Mostert to hold off the Mustang.
As the last ticked down, it was Wood who benefitted from the switch, managing to pull away from the field. With three laps to go, Feeney dived down the inside of Turn 3 to claim second on track. However, it was Wood who got the Taupō crowd cheering, with the Kiwi on track to claim the first victory for both himself and Toyota.
Behind him, Feeney held off Mostert for the Race 9 podium. Brown had to settle for fourth, while it Kostecki was able to hold off Golding and Allen for sixth. Cam Waters slotted into ninth ahead of De Pasquale rounding out the top ten.
Kostecki holds onto his lead in the Champion Standings, however the gap has dropped to 19 points. Feeney slots ahead of Payne and Waters. Race 9 winner Wood settles into fifth ahead of De Pasquale and Mostert. In the Teams Championship, Triple Eight jumped ahead Penrite and Dick Johnson Racing in a successful Saturday. A successful weekend for Toyota and Walkinshaw propped them into third in the Teams Championship.
Final Supercars Race 9 classification and results from Melbourne
- Wood
- Feeney
- Mostert
- Brown
- Payne
- Kostecki
- Golding
- Allen
- Waters
- De Pasquale
- Le Brocq
- Heimgartner
- Randle
- Ojeda
- Cameron
- Hill
- Bates
- Jones
- Reynolds
- Murray
- Gray
- Stewart
- Fraser
- Walls
