Jackson Ryan Wood Bio
Jackson Ryan Wood, born on August 7, 2000, in Loomis, California, is an American professional stock car racing driver. He has competed full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and part-time in the ARCA Menards Series West, showcasing his skills in multiple competitive stock car racing series.
Early Life and Background
Wood was born and raised in Loomis, California, into a family with a strong community presence. His father, Don Wood, is a prominent businessman, and his mother is Lisa Wood. He has a brother named Samuel and a sister, Megan, who was a member of the Equestrian Team at Baylor University. The Wood family has also contributed to education through the Don and Lisa Wood Family Trailblazers Endowed Scholarship Fund at Baylor University.
Growing up in a supportive family environment, Wood developed an early interest in motorsports. This foundation helped him pursue a career in racing, starting with regional series before advancing to national competition.
Path to NASCAR
Wood began his racing career competing part-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East in 2019 and 2020, which later became the ARCA Menards Series West after NASCAR’s merger with ARCA. Driving for his family-owned Velocity Racing team in the No. 78 car, he earned eight top-10 finishes and one top-5 finish across those two years. His performance in these developmental series established him as a promising young driver.
In late 2020, Wood joined GMS Racing to compete full-time in the ARCA Menards Series East and the Sioux Chief Showdown races in the main ARCA Menards Series. He replaced Sam Mayer in the No. 21 car and became part of GMS Racing’s Drivers Edge Development program. Although plans shifted to focus on the main ARCA Menards Series, Wood gained valuable experience that paved the way for his entry into the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Jackson Ryan Wood Career
Early Career (2019–2020)
Wood’s early career was marked by his participation in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and ARCA Menards Series West. Competing in his family-owned car, he demonstrated consistency with multiple top-10 finishes. These formative years allowed him to hone his racecraft and gain exposure to competitive stock car racing at a regional level.
His development during this period attracted attention from larger teams, leading to his recruitment by GMS Racing. This transition was a critical step in his progression toward national series competition.
ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Breakthrough (2021–Present)
In 2021, Wood made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut with GMS Racing, driving the No. 24 truck at Circuit of the Americas and Charlotte. He secured the ride after the previous full-time driver, Raphaël Lessard, was unable to complete the season due to funding issues. Wood was later confirmed to drive the No. 24 truck for the remainder of the 2021 season, with a brief exception at Bristol.
Wood continued with GMS Racing in the Truck Series for the full 2022 season, gaining experience and improving his performance against strong competition. In 2023, he drove part-time for Kyle Busch Motorsports in their first year running Chevrolet trucks, piloting the No. 51 vehicle. Later that year, he also competed part-time in the ARCA Menards Series for Rev Racing and Pinnacle Racing Group, driving multiple car numbers across the main, East, and West series.
McAnally–Hilgemann Racing Era (2023–Present)
In December 2023, it was announced that Wood would drive part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for McAnally–Hilgemann Racing in the No. 91 Chevrolet Silverado RST. The following year, he was confirmed to drive the No. 91 truck full-time for the 2025 season. Wood began the 2025 season with a 24th-place finish at Daytona and is set to compete in the ARCA Menards Series West full-time in the No. 16 Chevrolet SS for Bill McAnally Racing.
Driving Style and Strengths
Wood is known for his adaptability across different track types and his steady racecraft. His experience in multiple ARCA and NASCAR series has developed his strategic approach to racing, allowing him to work effectively with crew chiefs and teams to optimize performance.
Notable Races and Milestones
Wood’s debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Circuit of the Americas marked a significant milestone, showcasing his ability to compete on road courses. His progression to full-time Truck Series competition and part-time ARCA participation highlights his steady climb through the ranks of American stock car racing.
Jackson Ryan Wood Career Wins
While Wood has yet to record a win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series or ARCA Menards Series, his consistent top-10 finishes and competitive performances indicate a promising trajectory in his racing career.
ARCA Menards Series Highlights
Wood’s tenure in the ARCA Menards Series and its regional divisions has been marked by solid performances, including multiple top-10 finishes. His part-time drives for Rev Racing and Pinnacle Racing Group in 2023 further expanded his experience across different teams and vehicles.
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Highlights
Wood debuted in the Truck Series in 2021 and has since competed full-time and part-time for teams including GMS Racing, Kyle Busch Motorsports, and McAnally–Hilgemann Racing. His adaptability and growth in this highly competitive series underscore his potential for future success.
Jackson Ryan Wood Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Wood comes from a supportive family with no direct racing lineage but strong community ties. His father, Don Wood, is a businessman in Loomis, California, and his mother is Lisa Wood. His sister Megan’s involvement in collegiate equestrian sports reflects the family’s engagement with competitive athletics.
Personal Life
Details about Wood’s personal life remain private. His family has contributed to education through a scholarship fund at Baylor University, reflecting their commitment to community and support for student-athletes.
2025 Season Performance
Wood is set to compete full-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driving the No. 91 Chevrolet Silverado RST for McAnally–Hilgemann Racing in 2025. He began the season with a 24th-place finish at Daytona, aiming to build momentum throughout the year. Additionally, he will drive full-time in the ARCA Menards Series West in the No. 16 Chevrolet SS for Bill McAnally Racing, providing him with diverse racing opportunities and exposure.
With his continued partnership with McAnally–Hilgemann Racing and Bill McAnally Racing, Wood is positioned to develop his skills further and achieve stronger results in both series. His progress will be closely watched as he seeks to establish himself as a consistent contender in American stock car racing.
