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'Leader' Reynolds experience invaluable for Groves

30 Sep 2022
Penrite Racing has retained David Reynolds for 2023
3 mins by James Pavey
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The experienced head of David Reynolds proved crucial in Penrite Racing retaining the star driver.

Reynolds will remain with the Grove team into the Gen3 era.

The contract extension was announced prior to Bathurst, with rookie Matt Payne also formally announced.

Only four drivers on the 2023 grid - Mark Winterbottom, James Courtney, Will Davison and Shane van Gisbergen - will have started more races than Reynolds.

Reynolds will next week become just the 20th driver to start 400 ATCC/Supercars races.

The 2017 Bathurst winner shed light on his future in August, saying he expected little change.

That has proven the case, with Reynolds to remain at Braeside for a third season.

Given Reynolds’s experience, 2023 could prove his best yet for the team as low-downforce Gen3 cars take over.

Reynolds debuted in Supercars in 2007, and completed his first full-time season in 2009.

'Dave has been a real leader for us'

Penrite Racing has proven an improved force in 2022 with greater Grove investment.

Reynolds has left behind a miserable 2021 to score six podiums and a pole position.

Team Principal David Cauchi said veteran Reynolds is a vital asset in the squad's ongoing development.

“Our driver line-up next year provides us with a good mix of youth and experience,” Cauchi said.

"Dave has been a real leader for us and has shown everyone this year that he can be at the pointy end when he has the right car to work with.

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“We’re glad to extend our relationship with him.

“With the change to Gen3 cars and regulations in 2023, everyone will be adapting and learning a new car.

“It will be a challenge for all drivers and teams.”

The team will also look on Reynolds to help accelerate Kiwi teen Payne’s development.

Reynolds has returned to podium ways in 2022

Payne is currently in his first full Super2 season, having debuted last year.

In 2021, Payne impressed in a maiden tin top campaign in Porsche Carrera Cup Australia.

Team owner Stephen Grove reiterated that Reynolds, now a staple of Supercars, offers the team more wriggle room to allow Payne to develop.

"Our 2023 driver line-up gives us great flexibility with the experience and continuity of Dave,” Grove said.

“Combined with the first graduate of the Grove Junior Team into Supercars. Matt brings speed and a work ethic that drives success.

"The development of our next generation of driver in Matt, together with a vastly experienced driver in Dave makes for a great combination in 2023.”

Reynolds will be joined by Matt Campbell in Bathurst, with Payne making his debut alongside Lee Holdsworth.

Cars will hit the track at Mount Panorama for Practice 1 on Thursday October 6.

Tickets for the Repco Bathurst 1000 are available on Supercars.com and Ticketek.

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