David Reynolds is at a critical point in his motor racing career, and his efforts in yesterday’s first V8 Supercar race at Barbagallo Raceway would have done him no harm at all, despite the fact that he finished second last.
After a season of learning the ropes, the Bundaberg Red Racing rookie was running a genuine second place behind championship leader Jamie Whincup. With only a handful of laps to go, Reynolds looked set to score his maiden podium finish in the tough V8 class, but a loose wheel nut caused a vibration that destroyed the left front tyre, forcing him off the circuit and out of contention.
And a top three finish couldn’t have come at a better time. At this point, Reynolds does not have a deal to continue with the Walkinshaw Racing squad. Fabian Coulthard will drive the Bundaberg Red entry next year, and with Paul Dumbrell leaving the Holden team to drive with Ford Performance Racing, one spot remains at the crack Holden team.
According to Walkinshaw Racing CEO Craig Wilson, Reynolds remains in contention for the seat.
“He’s still in the frame,” Wilson confirmed.
“David had drove a very good race, and it’s gut-wrenching that he didn’t get the result. He didn’t deserve that. Any day is a good day to get a result. It’s just disappointing that he didn’t get it.
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“David is certainly an option to be in the car next year. We’ve discussed with David where we’re currently at with all of that.”
Reynolds told Speedcafe that he has done the best he can this year, and if he retains his ride for 2010, he will only improve.
“It’s frustrating, but I’m always in a positive frame of mind and I hope to be back with Walkinshaw Racing next year,” he said.
“I think I’ve done a good enough job, and next year will be so much better. I know the tracks, I know the cars. Right now, I’m concentrating on the last few races this year.”
While he is conscious of his future in the sport, yesterday at Barbagallo Raceway, he was philosophical about his near podium.
“With eight or nine laps to go, it was getting a big vibration in the front end,” he said.
“I thought it was the tyre letting go, and then all of a sudden I went off at the top of the hill. The wheel nut ended up vibrating loose because of the extra load. It eventually cut the tyre. It’s no ones fault though. What’s happened has happened.”
