It’s been a tale of two stories this weekend in qualifying with Ryan finding his feet and collecting himself a ticket to the top-ten shootout, meanwhile Chaz and Car 25 really struggled to find pace, starting this afternoon’s 200km race in 23rd.

The pressure was on for the shootout, Ryan had four green tyres with only the out lap to warm them up, across the weekend we have seen the fastest laps be set on lap two or three so it’d be a lap where Ryan would need to hold on. That is exactly what he did, Ryan left absolutely nothing out there and scored himself a front row start, equalling his best ever qualifying result.

Engines roared for the final race of the weekend here in Tasmania with Chaz having a ripper of a start, up five positions on the opening lap.

Ryan battled with the first two rows off the line, slotting into P4 after the hairpin but that wasn’t where he wanted to be, he slung the Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing No. 2 around the outside of the final corner around Waters to take P3.

Early in the first stint Chaz tried a move on the outside of Courtney, getting caught in traffic slowing ahead and clipping Courtney. Chaz collected a 15 second time penalty for that one, opting to take the penalty the following lap in the lane.

Ryan settled into the rhythm, one of the fastest cars on the track, until a safety car was called on lap 30 forcing the field to come into the lane. This was poor timing for Chaz as it resulted in him being a lap down, making it a long race ahead.

With the help of James Courtney, Ryan worked his way up into P2 passing Golding, he has his head down until he came into the lane for his final stop.

Ryan came out of the lane effectively P8, with four cars ahead on an alternative strategy, choosing to take both of their stops under the early safety car. Unfortunately, the alternative strategy worked, and we ran out of laps to catch the cars ahead.

It was a tough slog in the final stint for Chaz, racing on his own, a fast car under him but couldn’t show it being a lap down, he crossed the line P18.

We now have just under a month before we head to Perth, it’ll be a big few weeks putting our heads together to make sure we roll out strong.

The Team are still sitting third in the teams championship and Ryan has worked his way into the top 10 for the drivers standings.

Ryan Wood

“I think we were all hoping for a little more today, especially after the first stint, but still, it was a really strong race, the car was awesome, so disappointed of course but there was a lot to take from today and the weekend.

“Really excited to keep growing and moving forward with this momentum, it was cool to start on the front row again and mix it with the front of the field.

“Thanks to all our partners and fans for coming out this weekend and for the support from afar. Perth was cool last year, so hoping it’s even better this time around.”

Chaz Mostert

“Super tough one this weekend for the 25, but not through lack of trying. The team gave me as many changes as we could possible fit in this weekend. I’m still lacking a little bit of confidence with the car but we will get there.

“Overall, disappointed for the team and our partners and fans but we will bounce back. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger and we’ve already got eyes on the next one.”