Reynolds buys sauna to combat cabin heat

An off-season purchase of a personal sauna is behind David Reynolds’ clever bid to combat the cabin heat of his Supercar.

Reynolds notably battled with high cabin temperatures in his Penrite Ford at last October’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.

The 2017 Bathurst winner managed to score an impressive podium finish, but cut a "cactus" figure afterwards in victory lane.

Speaking at a Australian Grand Prix promotional appearance, Reynolds detailed his unique preparation.

"Last year, I struggled with the heat really bad," Reynolds explained.

"For some reason, our car was a lot hotter than all the other cars.

"How I’ve prepared myself this year, I’ve bought a little sauna – a box with a door that can get really hot – that I can sit in there to try and get used to the heat again."

Reynolds’ Gen3 racing debut will come at next weekend’s Thrifty Newcastle 500.

Highs of 28 degrees are forecast for next weekend’s event, which is headlined by two 250km, 95-lap races.

The seven-time race winner has now tested Penrite Racing Gen3 machinery four times, and is going into Newcastle with "eyes wide open".

"I’ve driven this car a couple of times now, and it’s a lot different to drive than the old car," he said.

"For us drivers and teams, we’re exploring the limits of the car, set-up, and the drivers as well, so it’s a strange time in my life.

"I’ve been driving the same car for the last 10 years, and I have to re-learn everything as a driver.

"So, I’m kind of going into the races with my eyes wide open... I don’t really know what’s going to happen."

The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will commence at the Thrifty Newcastle 500 on March 10-12.

Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.