De Pasquale backs Reynolds amid contract option
Anton De Pasquale backs David Reynolds amid contract option
Team 18 has an option on 2017 Bathurst winner Reynolds for 2026
Reynolds sits 17th in championship after four rounds
Anton De Pasquale backs teammate David Reynolds to fire amid speculation over the latter’s future with Team 18.
Team 18 owner Charlie Schwerkolt confirmed Friday in Perth that his team has an option on Reynolds for 2026. Team 18, which will take on General Motors homologation duties, has yet to commit to the 2017 Bathurst winner.
Reynolds, who joined Schwerkolt's Melbourne-based squad in 2024 after leaving behind Penrite Racing, is currently 17th in the championship standings.
GM could yet remain on the lookout for a star signing after lead target Cam Waters opted to remain with Tickford Racing and Ford until 2027.
Asked about Reynolds’ contract status, Schwerkolt said: “No, he’s not under contract as yet.
“We have an option on David to continue for next year. We haven’t really started our discussions yet, but it’s something we will look at for sure.”
Schwerkolt insisted the final call sits with Team 18, adding: "We’ll notify [GM] what we’re doing, but it’s really up to our team, what we decide, who we put in the car, or if it’s David staying, and we’re still going through all of that."
On Reynolds’ form, Schwerkolt added: “Results are important for our sponsors, for the manufacturer, for everyone.
“We want to win, we need to be up there, so we’re looking at everything, and it’s just a little bit early to decide where we’re going and what we’re doing."
De Pasquale leads the qualifying head-to-head 10-3, and the race head-to-head 9-3. De Pasquale was fourth and second in Perth practice, with Reynolds 17th and 21st.
Asked about Reynolds by Supercars.com in Perth, De Pasquale said: "Me and Dave work together really well, and the vibe and everything around the team is awesome.
“Obviously it’s got nothing to do with me, because that's their own discussions, I’m not sure what’s happening there. A big part of all that is getting both cars as fast as possible too, which we haven’t been able to do that well.
“Getting both cars handling the same, which is really important in getting two cars at the front, which we’re working towards.
“I’m sure he’ll be fine, he’s one of the fastest drivers out there, we’re coming to some rounds where he’s won some races.
“I wouldn’t be surprised to see him running at the front."
Supercars action resumes on Saturday with dual Boost Mobile Qualifying from 9:45am local time/11:45am AEST. Race 14 will commence at 12:55pm local/2:55pm AEST, followed by Race 15 at 4:10pm local/6:10pm AEST.
