It has been a bittersweet ending to the year for David Reynolds, after coming away with two podium finishes at the VAILO Adelaide 500, ending the year on a high. Reynolds finished with second place in Saturday’s race and third on Sunday.
The weekend also marked an end of an era for the 38-year-old, as Reynolds parts ways with Penrite Racing and moves to Team 18 next season.
“Our car was on fire all weekend. From the moment we rolled out of the truck, the cars were fast. So, a big thanks to the team for all their hard work and giving us mega cars. It was really great that we could reward them for all their hard work,” said Reynolds.
The #26 Mustang came out firing for practice on Thursday afternoon, with results improving into Friday, finishing fifth in practice 2 and second in the first qualifying session, ultimately scoring a place in Saturday’s top ten shootout.
Starting from the front row of the grid, Reynolds got off to a stellar start and sat in behind Brodie Kostecki. It wasn’t long before the first and only Safety Car intervention was called for the race, after Will Brown hit the wall – causing significant damage to his car.
Reynolds managed to pip Kostecki for first place, however, was overtaken by Cam Waters and crossed the line in second place and a podium finish.
“I had a really good run on Saturday. We placed fourth in practice and then second in qualifying and in the race. The car felt mega and there really wasn’t much in it at all,” said Reynolds.
“I had a good few battles with Kostecki and Waters, but I just couldn’t hold on for first place in the end.”
Reynolds’ pace continued into Sunday, qualifying third and putting the #26 Penrite Mustang in the top ten shootout again. A curb hop penalty however would undermine his start position, putting the #26 entry in tenth place ahead of the final race of the season.
As the lights went green, it was a scramble as the field headed into Turn 1, Reynolds losing another two positions, then in 12th place.
The Albury-born racer was able to fight his way through the field though, and finished an impressive third place.
“I had a brilliant day on Sunday. I was pleased to make it into the top ten shootout again, however I made a mistake and jumped the curb, so got a curb strike and ended up having to start the race from P10,” said Reynolds.
“Our car was really fast though, and I managed to make my way through the field and claim another podium finish in P3, which I was stoked with.
“I’m so pleased that we could finish the year off on a high. What a way to end my time with Penrite Racing. A big thanks to all of the crew and the Groves for all their effort over the years. Also, thank you to all of the sponsors and supporters that have backed us and me whilst I’ve been with the team.
“I’m really looking forward to getting into next year and knuckling down with Charlie and Team 18!”
The Repco Supercars Championship with have the opportunity to run in a test day in February 2024, before the season-opening Thrifty Bathurst 500 on February 23-25.
Results
Thursday 23rd November
Practice 1 – 13th
Friday 24th November
Practice 2 – 5th
Qualifying – 2nd
Saturday 25th November
Practice 3 – 4th
Top Ten Shootout (Race 27) – 2nd
Race 27 – 2nd
Sunday 26th November
Qualifying (Race 28) – 3rd
Top Ten Shootout – 10th
Race 28 – 3rd
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