Reynolds apologises to Kostecki, explains costly incident
David Reynolds apologises to Brodie Kostecki after costly collision
Team 18 Camaro speared into DJR Mustang at Turn 4 hairpin
Kostecki dropped to third in points behind Matt Payne, finished last
David Reynolds has shouldered the blame for an incident with Brodie Kostecki that has changed the complexion of the 2026 Repco Sprint Cup.
Reynolds was sixth approaching the halfway point of Race 15 at the Tyrepower Tasmania Super 440, when Ryan Wood and Kostecki engaged in a fierce battle for fourth ahead.
The battling Toyota and Ford started to fall back into the clutches of the #20 Chevrolet as they approached the Turn 4 hairpin on lap 23.
However, Reynolds locked the brakes as he ranged up to Kostecki, and harpooned the back of Kostecki's Mustang, despite trying to take last minute evasive action.
The damage to the rear of Kostecki ruined his day, and dropped him back to third in the championship with a last-place finish, though he was lucky to make the finish after also clipping Ryan Wood's Toyota.
Reynolds meanwhile continued on with a crumpled bonnet, however was pinged with a 15-second penalty, which dropped him from ninth to 17th in the final classification.
The 2017 Bathurst winner apologised to Kostecki post-race, and took full responsibility for the mistake.
"Well it didn't go to plan, I can tell you that much," a deflated Reynolds said of his race.
"I just got it a bit wrong, and just drilled the back of Brodie. He was having a battle trying to get past Woody, and he had a bit of speed.
"I broke early, but obviously not early enough, and then I drilled him and just ruined his day. I feel pretty bad for him, after the race I went up and said, 'Sorry man, that was just a complete balls up.'
"I'll cop that on the chin, and we'll have a better day tomorrow, not that it was a bad day, we still have something to celebrate.
"I just feel bad for everyone at Snowy [River] Racing, we could have had a really good day today."
Kostecki was approached by media, but declined to comment.
Reynolds still took home a trophy from the day after finishing a strong second in the opening race of the weekend, his second podium for Team 18.
On-track action begins tomorrow with Boost Mobile Qualifying at 11:35am AEST.
