'Winning is what we're paid to do': Reynolds realistic about future

Team 18 star David Reynolds maintains the most pressure on him comes from within, as a major milestone looms.

The most experienced driver on the grid, Reynolds will become just the 14th driver in ATCC/Supercars history to record 500 race starts at the upcoming ITM Taupō Super 440.

Through two rounds in 2026, Reynolds has gained 10 positions year on year in the championship, and is just 33 points from a provisional Finals spot — something Reynolds says is an "absolute priority" this season.

Questions have swirled around Reynolds’ future in recent times, with Team 18 exercising an option to retain him for the 2026 season. It comes amid repeated headlines over General Motors' pursuit of a star driver, with Bathurst winner Matt Payne at the top of the list.

The GM/star recruit narrative delivered a strong reaction from Reynolds’ teammate Anton De Pasquale after winning Race 2 in Sydney, De Pasquale saying: “You’ve been hanging onto that headline."

Team 18 Team Principal Adrian Burgess was recently quizzed on the topic on MotorRacing 360. While making no secret of his team’s position in the market, Burgess insisted the team also has to deliver for Reynolds, saying: “The proof will be in the pudding — if he’s winning races for us, then why would we want to make a change?

“But if there’s a better solution out there longer term, then we have to look at it.”

Reynolds agreed with Burgess’ comments, but maintained there is work to do yet to deliver a competitive package and keep the doubters at bay.

“As far as what he said, yes, winning races is the best thing for your job,” Reynolds told Supercars.com.

"If it's through a fuel strategy race or some crazy part of racing that you end up winning the race, you still feel the same value if you won just a straight out race.

“The races you win are generally the easiest races you've done, because your car works well, everything's working, there's nothing working against you.

“The hardest bit is to make your car work for you and be faster than everyone else. We just have to prove our car and win some races, which sounds really easy."

Just days after Team 18’s decision to take up his option was announced, Reynolds burst back onto the scene, nearly stealing Bathurst victory from Payne on the very final lap. With that performance, as well as a shock pole in Townsville, Reynolds was beginning to make big statements when he needed them most.

Come 2026, and fifth in Race 2 behind winner De Pasquale in Sydney was a crucial result. However, Melbourne belonged to Mustangs. Behind the scenes, with new engineer Geoff Slater in tow, Reynolds became more confident with his package as the Grand Prix weekend wore on.

Given the weight of expectation on drivers and team, with Team 18 now GM’s homologation team, Reynolds is only focused on what’s in his lane.

“I'm under no other pressure other than the pressure I put on myself. I don't care about what anyone else thinks,” said Reynolds, who last won at the 2023 Gold Coast 500 with Grove Racing.

"All we've got to do is build the team and make our cars better than everyone else’s, and then the rest is f***ing easy, man.”

Having made a much clearer start than last year, Reynolds is eager to remain on an upwards trajectory come New Zealand, and insisted it will take a combined effort for GM to return serve.

“There were so many dramas at the start of last year,” Reynolds said.

“The numbers don't lie — I'm so much better off in the championship than I was this time last year. The team's obviously in a much better spot, but it's up to of us to get the most out of each other and the car. I'm up for the challenge and I can’t wait to do it."

Reynolds resumes his 2026 campaign at the ITM Taupō Super 440 on April 10-12. Tickets are on sale now.