Kiwi Drivers Poised for Glory in Final Day of Christchurch Supercars

Kiwi driver Ryan Wood leads the JR Memorial Trophy standings heading into the final race in Christchurch, with Matt Payne also in contention after a Saturday win.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 20, 2026, 8:29 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Breaking Development: Ryan Wood Leads JR Trophy Standings

Ryan Wood currently holds a 33-point margin over Australian star Brodie Kostecki in the Jason Richards (JR) Memorial Trophy standings. The trophy is awarded to the driver who accumulates the most points across all New Zealand races in a season, which this year includes the two races held in Taupō last week and the three races in Christchurch. Wood’s path to the top has been built on remarkable consistency:

Taupō: 3rd and 1st place finishes.

Christchurch (to date): Two 3rd place finishes and one 4th place.

Background and Strategic Context: Honoring a Legend

The Jason Richards Memorial Trophy holds deep emotional significance within the Supercars paddock. It honors the late Kiwi driver Jason Richards, a beloved figure in the sport who passed away from cancer in 2011. Winning this trophy on home soil is often considered a career highlight for New Zealand drivers, second only to winning the championship itself. The 2026 season marks a resurgence for New Zealand motorsport, with several young drivers like Wood and Payne stepping into the void left by legends like Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen.