Reynolds: Gold Coast form reward for rebuild

Dual top four finishes and a pole position were reward for Penrite Racing’s post-Bathurst rebuild, says David Reynolds.

Reynolds was on top form at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 from the get-go.

The 37-year-old scored a shock pole position for the Saturday race, and finished second to Shane van Gisbergen.

Such were Reynolds’ efforts, that he required medical attention after the race.

A new cool suit system, coupled with the distraction of a faulty steering wheel grip, made life difficult.

He returned on Sunday and raced to fourth, and was within touching distance of another podium.

It was a smart return considering Penrite Racing was forced to rebuild the #26 Ford after Bathurst.

The car was heavily damaged in a lap 5 crash at The Chase with Matt Campbell behind the wheel.

The Groves reached out to Todd Kelly, who played a key role in the chassis repairs.

Not only was the car as good as new, it was fast — and Reynolds made the most of his opportunity.

"Our race was the best we could have done based on our car pace, the heat and how hard it is to pass here,” Reynolds said after Sunday’s race.

"The crew did an awesome job on strategy to get me up to P4.

"I tried my best to pass [Will] Davison after the Safety Car in the final laps for the podium, but my tyres heated up behind him and I couldn’t get any closer.

"Overall, it’s been a great weekend and I’m glad I could repay the car 26 crew for their hard work in the last three weeks after Bathurst.”

The team will, however, be forced into more repairs after Lee Holdsworth was involved in the Race 32 chicane pile-up.

Holdsworth’s #10 Ford picked up heavy front-end damage, which forced him out of the race.

It was the retiring driver’s first DNF of the season.

Team Principal David Cauchi reiterated Reynolds’ sentiment, and expects the team to again be rewarded in Adelaide after the works on the #10.

"I’m really pleased with how the whole team functioned this weekend," Cauchi said.

"The guys and gals put in a huge effort to get the Reynolds car repaired after Bathurst and we got the reward.

“We’re heading to Adelaide next, which is another street circuit, so that should also suit our cars.

"We're really looking forward to the grand final and finishing off the season the right way."

The 2022 Repco Supercars Championship will conclude on the Adelaide streets in December.