Ryan Wood takes debut single-seater win in FR Oceania at Taupo

WAIKATO, New Zealand–Supercars driver Ryan Wood earned the first single-seater victory of his career as the second round of the Toyota Formula Regional Oceania series began at Taupo on Saturday.

The kiwi took the lead early and raced away to a two-second lead over points leader Ugo Ugochukwu by the finish line.

"Big credit to our whole team," said Wood.

"Sunday last week was rough but they built the car back up and ever since it’s been a jet.

"It feels nice, I’ve still got a bit of work to do but I think we are there or thereabouts. I’m more than happy. It was vital to take the lead early and run the race I wanted. There’s a few things we need to tune up but I’m looking forward to Race 2."

As it was for all four races in round one, it was a decisive move into turn one for the mtec Motorsport driver which put him into prime position for a runaway lead, with second-place runner Ugo Ugochukwu having to fend off an immediate attack from Zack Scoular.

By lap four Freddie Slater had also joined the battle, with Louis Sharp also on the move and quickly catching from behind.

Scoular made an attempt on Ugochukwu for second into the final chicane on lap eight but locked up in the process, losing third position to Slater and then Sharp after Scoular lost pace to successive lock ups after a bad flat spot on his front left.

Aussie James Wharton had a lonely race sitting just behind the lead pack, taking the chequered flag in sixth.