David Reynolds wants to get Bathurst win for James Courtney
Courtney has four Bathurst podiums, with a best of second
Reynolds won 2017 race, finished second in 2012 and 2025
James Courtney has one glaring omission from his decorated Supercars CV, and David Reynolds knows it.
2017 Bathurst winner Reynolds will be partnered by four-time Great Race podium-finisher Courtney at this weekend's Repco Bathurst 1000.
While Reynolds has won the race before, Courtney has missed out each year since his 2005 debut, coming closest way back in 2007 when he finished second. Add in third place finishes in 2006, 2008 and 2019, and Courtney has seen enough of others lifting the Peter Brock Trophy.
Last November, when his Team 18 deal was announced, Courtney maintained that Bathurst was the last box he needed to tick. Before The Bend last month, he echoed his own comments.
Reynolds, who has done it before, wants to share the feeling with his star co-driver.
"Bathurst is the race everyone wants to be a part of and it’s the one we all want to win. Even after winning it once before I want to do it again every year," Reynolds said.
"I always say you don’t realise how much Bathurst means until you actually win it, and while I already know what that feeling is like, this year I’d really like to share that experience with JC.
“The second place last year was a great result for the team, but it was also tough because we came so close. The weather changing meant I had to have a crack at the win in those conditions, and it didn’t fall our way."
A clash in the opening laps at The Bend ended the Reynolds/Courtney car's hopes. Still, while the day didn't go their way, the two veterans enjoyed their time together.
“The result we had coming off the Bend obviously wasn’t what we wanted to achieve, but sometimes that’s just racing,” Courtney said.
"Working with Dave was as much fun as I expected. We had a great time together despite the result and worked really well as a duo.
"The refinements to our team means we’ve put The Bend behind us and we’re now focusing on tackling Bathurst and bringing our A-game for the Great Race.
"To have won all the big events in my career and the championship, but not have won Bathurst is definitely something that has annoyed me, so hopefully this is the year I can scratch that itch."
Track action at Mount Panorama commences on Thursday.
