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David Reynolds expects a challenge to bring Erebus Motorsport to the sharp end next season but is ready to prove a point.
The 30-year-old is the latest mover in the V8 Supercars driver market, sealing a two-year contract with Erebus after being left out in the cold by current team Prodrive.
The deal comes after Reynolds turned down an offer from Brad Jones Racing in the hope he could stay at Prodrive.
In a move which ends a four year stay at Prodrive, Reynolds is relieved to have secured his future in the category after facing the prospect of a year on the sidelines.
Lying third in the championship, the two-time V8 Supercars race winner will leave this year’s dominant team to join a smaller operation still finding its feet in the category after three seasons.
Replacing the Tekno-bound Will Davison at Erebus, the Victorian is aware of the gap between the two teams, but is confident in helping the squad develop into a force at the front.
Erebus has visited the podium just three times since its inception, scoring victories at Winton in 2014 and Barbagallo Raceway this season.
“I’m really excited and in a funny way I always thought I would drive for Betty (Klimenko) one day,” Reynolds told Speedcafe.com.
“It is a bit of a relief, it feels pretty good.
“I wanted to stay in the series full-time, that was alway my intention. I’ve done pretty good this year and I’m actually really looking forward to it (next year).
“It has been at the back of my mind all year that I might not be here (on the grid) next year.
“It is something a bit different. It is a different team, car and atmosphere.
“It might be a bit harder admittedly but I’m accepting of that and I will do my best to work with the team to make the car as fast as we can.
“Motorsport is about the equipment you have got and your ability as a driver.
“I think I have got some ability as a driver and I have got to make the car suit me. It doesn’t happen overnight though.
“I haven’t really thought about what exactly I can expect next year.
“Will (Davison) has shown that you can win races and the car seems to be pretty good on its tyre life especially with the soft tyres.
“Their hard tyre pace isn’t that flash from memory but every time they put the soft tyre on Will has been qualifying in the top 10 pretty comfortably. It is a good sign.”
After being forced out of Prodrive due to commercial reasons, Reynolds admits he wasn’t ready to leave the team, but feels he can exit the operation with his head held high.
Prodrive is yet to confirm its driver line up for 2016 although it is expected that Cameron Waters will be promoted into the #55 seat vacated by Reynolds.
“Of course I’m sad to be leaving Prodrive, the cars are really good and I’ve got on with everyone there for a long time now,” added Reynolds.
“I almost wasn’t ready to leave but I understand the commerciality of the sport it is a tough industry.
“I have done the best job I can and we are still in the championship hunt, and that is still my focus to try and win it.”
