Ryan Wood celebrates finishing second at the Perth Super440 at Wanneroo Raceway. Image: Daniel Kalisz/Walkinshaw TWG Racing
The celestial title comes with an equally glorious description.
According to Toyota NZ, it has been “created to bring the GR brand to life beyond the racetrack and build a stronger connection between performance, community and driving culture across the country”.
The 22-year-old is a product of the Toyota ladder system having started his career in NZ’s Toyota 86 series.
He then graduated to Porsche Sprint Challenge in Australia before being snapped up by Walkinshaw TWG Racing, graduating through Super2 and into Supercars.
Wood rekindled his Toyota ties by competing in Formula Regional Oceania at the start of the year before being part of the Walkinshaw Supercars squad’s new Supra era.
“Getting the call about this took me right back to where I started,” he said.
“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 really what this is about for me, it’s never been about being perfect, it’s about not settling and always 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 shared love of driving, through motorsport, owner experiences, track events, genuine performance parts, and even merchandise.”
Toyota New Zealand chief strategic officer Andrew Davis hailed Wood’s credentials.
“Ryan represents everything Gazoo Racing stands for, progression, resilience and a genuine love of driving,” he said.
“His journey from the Toyota 86 championship to winning races in the Supercars Championship in a GR Supra, and also winning races in the Castrol Toyota Formula Regional Oceania Trophy in 2026, is a powerful reminder of what our driver development pathway can produce, and it gives us an authentic voice to bring the Gazoo Racing brand to life for New Zealanders who might only know it from the racetrack.
“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.
“He’s exactly the kind of person we want representing our pathway and connecting with communities right across the country.”
Wood kicked off his brand guardian duties at a launch event this week at Hampton Downs.