What a day for the team! Chaz Mostert has secured his place in the Grand Final, all thanks to his ultimate wingman, Ryan Wood.

The tone was set early, with Ryan and Chaz locking out the front row for the 250km race. With the new finals format, it’s a simple equation: win and you’re in. There was no better place to attempt that than from the front of the grid.

Both drivers had incredible starts, with Ryan slotting in behind Chaz into Turn 1, allowing Chaz to charge ahead in clean air.

Across the opening stint, the Mobil 1 Optus Racing No. 25 and the Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing No. 2 were the two fastest cars on track, building a five second gap to the pack behind.

The crew executed a split strategy, with Ryan coming into the lane on lap 19, the second fastest stop of the race, rejoining ahead of Payne. Chaz followed on lap 24 for four tyres and a splash of fuel on lap 24, coming out behind Ryan, confirming the strength of the undercut at this track. Ryan effectively cycling to P1 and Chaz P2.

With a win and you’re in strategy for Chaz to get into the finals, Ryan he was the ultimate team mate, allowing Chaz to pass for the lead and settle the cars comfortably in first and second.

The final stint brought added pressure as Will Brown closed in on Chaz and Ryan, catching half a second per lap. With eight laps remaining, he arrived at Ryan’s rear bumper, but Ryan made the Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing No. 2 Mustang the widest car on the track, earning himself the nickname: “The New Zealand Minister of Defense”. His efforts held Brown at bay long enough to extend Chaz’s margin to more than four seconds.

From there, the focus shifted to ensuring Ryan held on for a well-earned podium finish.

Chaz crossed the line to take the win of the race, locking himself into the final four at the Grand Final in Adelaide. With Ryan not far behind, also collecting a trophy alongside Chaz.

We are so proud of the way the team have worked together to get Chaz locked into the finals, from the drivers, crew, partners and fans, everyone has played an important role.

Ryan Wood

“It was a pretty fun race today, we executed really well and I’m stoked to get a podium alongside Chaz.

“It’s awesome to get pole today, the team did a mega job turning the car around from where we were yesterday, it was absolutely hooked up!

“There is no one that deserves to fight for a championship more than Chaz, it’s so special to share a garage with someone I’ve looked up to growing up, we did everything we could today to make sure he was locked in to the Grand Final.”

Chaz Mostert

“The last three wins were all done in different ways, today’s win was super special because my teammate helped me get that one, I can’t thank Woody enough!

“We have focused on the finals series all year, it’s really nice to be at this part of the year and not scratching our heads, the hard work is paying off.

“I’m like a big boy who likes chocolate, I am so hungry to fight for the Supercars Championship. Our focus tomorrow turns to making sure we go into Adelaide with a strong Soft tyre car.”