Driver now brand guardian
Supercars Championship driver Ryan Wood has been appointed as the first brand guardian for Gazoo Racing (GR).
The role has been created to bring the GR brand to life beyond the track, and build a stronger connection between performance, community and driving culture across the country.
The 22-year-old Kiwi champion will share his personal journey and connect with fans, car enthusiasts and communities by drawing on the progression and determination that have defined a career spanning Supercars, the Bathurst 1000, the GT World Challenge Australia, NZ Grand Prix and Bridgestone GR86 Championship.
Wood, pictured, began racing in the Toyota 86 series through the CareVets’ scholarship programme before working his way up to become a Supercars race-winner in a Toyota GR Supra, a full circle-story that Toyota NZ says is proof of the driver development pathway it invests in.
“Getting the call about this took me back to where I started,” says Wood. “I came through the Toyota 86 Championship with a lot to prove and there have been plenty of setbacks along the way to get to where I am now.
“That’s what this is about for me. It’s never been about being perfect, it is about not settling and looking to improve. I’m looking forward to connecting with more Kiwis through this role, both on the track and off it.
“To me, this role is about more than a line-up of high-performance vehicles. It’s less about racing, and more about the love of performance and being a real car enthusiast.
“As a brand guardian, I’ll be focused on how we bring our growing community together through a love of driving, motorsport, owner experiences, track events, genuine performance parts and even merchandise.”
Andrew Davis, Toyota NZ’s chief strategic officer, says: “Ryan represents everything Gazoo Racing stands for – progression, resilience and a love of driving.
“His journey from the Toyota 86s to winning races in Supercars and in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy in 2026 is a powerful reminder of what our driver development pathway can produce.
“It gives us an authentic voice to bring the GR brand to life for New Zealanders who might only know it from the track.
“This isn't about motorsport results. It’s about showing people what Gazoo Racing means for everyday driving. It’s about Ryan’s story and the example he sets for young drivers coming through.”
