Zoe Woods has enjoyed a stellar opening round of Monochrome GT4 Australia for 2025, marked by a personal-best qualifying effort and dual top five race results.

Entering her second year in the category, Woods lined up in the Silver category with experienced co-driver Nash Morris. It marked the first time the fellow Norwell Motorplex driver coaches had partnered in the same entry.

“It was definitely a good choice having a fast co-driver like Nash this year, he helped heaps. A lot of what we do at Norwell translated straight into the weekend, and because I’ve had driver training from both him and Paul, I already understood how he operates,” said Woods.

“We both said the same things about the car, which was really positive, it showed we were on the same page and both just wanted to keep improving. We spent a lot of time going through data, looking at where I could improve. I watched his laps over and over and made sure I was progressing every session, which I really needed.”

After a strong end to her 2024 campaign, including class victory in Sydney, Woods wasted no time in continuing her upward trend into the new year as she delivered TekworkX Motorsport’s Ceilings by Design Porsche a fourth place start for Race 2.

It’s the best ever qualifying result for Woods in GT4 competition so far, and followed on from Morris’ third place effort for Race 1’s starting grid in the prior session.

“I think I definitely made a solid impression at Phillip Island. I went into the weekend pretty well prepared, I’d already done two race meetings, over in NZ, so I had some good seat time,” said Woods.

“Honestly, I didn’t set any big expectations for results, I knew there’d be some seriously quick drivers out there so my main goal was just to throw myself in the mix and see where I stood. When I heard I got P4 in qualifying I was actually shocked, I couldn’t believe the time I put down.”

With Morris starting in Race 1, Woods was tasked with bringing her Porsche Cayman GT4 RS home. Despite facing stout challenges from the cashing Triple Eight entry, Woods masterfully defended her position to finish the opening race of the season in fourth place.

“Racing from where we were on the grid brought a whole new challenge too, I had to learn quickly to put my elbows out and race hard. But I felt like I deserved to be up there just as much as anyone else,” explained Woods.

“Phillip Island definitely set the tone for the season, but I’m not putting any pressure on myself heading into Sydney. I’ve got an amazing team and the right people around me who are guiding me and helping me grow, and I’m focused on improving at every round.”

Starting from the second row once again for Race 2, Woods fought amongst the top five across the opening half of the race. After handing over to Morris at the halfway mark, the duo closed out a fifth-place result and secured fifth in the points standings after round one of the season.

Round two of GT4 Australia takes place at Sydney Motorsport Park from May 2-4.

“Sydney is a special place for me, I made history there last year as the first female to get an outright top three finish, and also the first to win Pro-Am in Australia. I’ll be bringing everything I learned from last year, plus all the improvements I’ve made since then,” said Woods.

Having the right people around you is key to success, and I really feel like we’ve found that in our team this year. I’m heading to Sydney with the same mindset I had at Phillip Island staying focused, staying grounded, and preparing myself the best I can for the next round.”