The difference a year makes: Reynolds' hidden jump, Brown and Mostert dive

While David Reynolds ended the DUNLOP Sydney 500 weekend in the medical centre, the Team 18 driver is in a much better position than he was 12 months ago.

The 2026 Repco Supercars Championship might be one round old, but there are some big names need to step up heading to Melbourne next weekend.

Once again, the Repco Sprint Cup winner and Ryco Enduro Cup winner gain automatic entry to the Finals Series, with the remaining eight berths decided by the eight highest points scorers outside cup winners.

The first Finals berth likely won't be locked in until Ipswich in August, but given the last spots weren't settled until the very last lap in Bathurst, Sydney could yet play a key role in the make-up of the 2026 field.

A year after leaving Sydney a lowly 22nd in the championship, Reynolds is entrenched in the top 10 heading to Melbourne. Toyota drivers Ryan Wood and Cameron Hill also made significant gains, as did Penrite Racing's Kai Allen, who is seven positions better off.

Hill and Reynolds narrowly missed Finals last season, while Wood scraped in.

The biggest losers from Sydney were the top two drivers from the year end standings in 2025, reigning champion Chaz Mostert and 2024 champion Will Brown.

Mostert was third in 2025 after Sydney, but heads to Melbourne 14th. Mostert raced from 20th to 15th, 20th to 11th, and 22nd to fourth. However, disqualification from Race 2 cost Mostert crucial points.

Mostert and Brown and 30 and 36 points outside the top 10 respectively.

Brown was penalised twice, first on Saturday over a pit lane infringement, before being cited over a clash with Anton De Pasquale on Sunday.

A first DNF in two years also stung Andre Heimgartner, who is 17th heading to Melbourne. The Brad Jones Racing driver was 10th last year.

Track action in Melbourne commences on Thursday March 5.

Round 1 championship position: 2025 vs 2026

*2026 rookie

^didn't contest Round 1 in 2025