Walkinshaw TWG Racing has unveiled a striking new Indigenous Round livery for the Mobil 1 Truck Assist Racing No. 2 Toyota GR Supra, honouring Ryan Wood’s Māori heritage ahead of the 2026 Darwin Triple Crown.
The bespoke design has been created by contemporary Māori artist Petera Te Hiwirori Hatea, whose whakapapa (ancestral lineage) connects him to the Rongowhakaata, Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāpuhi iwi of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Titled Mangōpare, the Māori word for Hammerhead Shark, the artwork reflects Wood’s connection to his Māori culture and identity. The Mangōpare is a powerful symbol within Māori culture, representing strength, resilience, guidance, and protection, qualities that have become synonymous with Wood both on and off the racetrack.
Drawing inspiration from the whakataukī (proverb) “Kei mate wheke, kia mate ururoa” (Do not die like an octopus, die fighting like a hammerhead shark) the design embodies the determination, courage and fighting spirit that Wood and the Walkinshaw TWG Racing team bring to every race.
Flowing forms of the Pītau-a-Manaia pattern can also be seen throughout the livery which symbolises the unwavering support of Ryan’s family, friends, team and team partners including Mobil 1 and Truck Assist, whose encouragement strengthens his journey. Through new learnings, growth, connections and inspiration, Wood carries the mana and pride of being Māori wherever he goes.
Born and raised in the Upper Hutt, New Zealand, Wood’s Māori heritage comes through his mother’s side of the family. The livery is a celebration of his culture and the journey that shaped him both as a person and Supercars driver.
Ryan Wood will debut the special Indigenous Round livery at the Darwin Triple Crown on Friday June 19th for three action packed days of racing.
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