Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge rookie in 2022 and race winner, Ryan Wood, will join Rossi Johnson at TekworkX Motorsport in the Toyota 86 Series finale in Bathurst.

In his first season of racing in Australia, after a stint in New Zealand’s Toyota 86 Series, Wood has already won three races and sits second in the Sprint Challenge points. The penultimate round of which will take place at Mount Panorama in November. The forthcoming Toyota 86 season finale alongside the Bathurst 1000 provides the Kiwi driver with an opportunity to gain crucial experience at the circuit.

For Johnson it’s a return to the scene of his best career finish which came earlier this year with a ninth in the final race during the Bathurst 12 Hour weekend. It’s been an embattled season for Johnson who has been on the receiving end of much misfortune. Notably in Townsville where following a personal best qualifying result he was spun out in the opening race and sent to the back.

Wood and Johnson will enjoy a unique balance of experience working together. Wood being the most experienced of the pair, while Johnson carries a deep understanding of the Toyota 86 and prior Bathurst knowledge.

“I’ve gotten to know Rob and the TekworkX team whilst I’ve been in the Porsche paddock this year and built a great connection, so when the opportunity arose to drive for them I jumped at the chance,” said Wood.

“It’s really all about preparing for the Porsche round in November, I’ve never raced at Bathurst before so it’s extremely valuable for me to get some laps under my belt.

“There’s an interesting forecast at the moment, I really enjoy the wet so it could be a bonus for us if it does rain. I’m going in with no expectations however, it’s all about building confidence and I’m keen to relish the experience of racing on Bathurst 1000 weekend,” concluded Wood.

“Our previous experience around Bathurst will serve us well. Despite the tricky nature of the track, it’s actually one of the places where I feel truly comfortable,” said Johnson.

“I think Townsville and Sandown were a bit of a slump, not really through our own fault. Coming back to a place I’m familiar with and having some great partners on board gives me a good boost to fight back.

“It has a big street circuit feel, with painted lines everywhere, lots of bumps and camber. When it rains that means your knowledge of the circuit is so important. We had some wet running here before which gives me some hope that we’ll be able to propel ourselves up the order a bit,” said Johnson.

The final round of the 2022 Toyota 86 Series takes place at Bathurst from October 6-9. Tekworkx Motorsport will also field their Carrera Cup cars at the same event.