REYNOLDS’ SHINES IN NEW CAMARO WITH 6TH AT GC 500

MEDIA RELEASE/Team 18 – Photos: Velocity Magazine

TRADIE Beer Racing’s David Reynolds clinched a strong sixth-place finish in the first race of the Gold Coast 500, marking his best result since Darwin and an impressive debut for the new T18-003 chassis. 

Meanwhile, Cub Cadet Racing’s Mark Winterbottom battled through challenging traffic to improve to 13th in a race defined by the narrow constraints of the Gold Coast’s tight street circuit.

The day began with Reynolds showing strong pace, qualifying eighth and securing a coveted spot in the Top Ten Shootout. Winterbottom, hindered by heavy traffic and a red flag in the final moments of his session, started 15th. 

At the race’s start, Reynolds gained early momentum, overtaking Courtney around Turn 4 for seventh position, while Winterbottom climbed to 13th after the first pit cycle, settling behind Percat on the notoriously difficult-to-pass circuit.

In the race, Reynolds managed his tyre life well, progressing to sixth and successfully holding off series leader Will Brown to the finish. Winterbottom, despite solid pace, was stuck behind Percat following both pit stops, ending the race in 13th.

Reynolds reflected on a balanced strategy and steady race pace, acknowledging the team’s strategic improvements and is hopeful for a potential podium with a few final tweaks. 

Winterbottom noted the difficulties in overtaking but remained hopeful for Sunday’s final, emphasising the importance of securing a better qualifying position to capitalise on track position.

Sunday’s schedule includes Qualifying at 10:10am, followed by the Top Ten Shootout at 11:35am, and Race 22 kicking off at 2:15pm AEST. 

Fans can catch all the excitement live on Channel 7, Fox Sports, and Kayo. Check local guides for full details.

SEE OUR FULL GALLERY FROM THE BOOST MOBILE 500 HERE

SEE OUR FULL GALLERY FROM THE BOOST MOBILE 500 HERE

David Reynolds, driver #20 TRADIE Beer Racing Team 18 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Qualifying: P8
Shootout: P8
Race 21: P6

“I ended up in the shootout, which I was really happy about and then in the shootout we ended up eighth, my car wasn’t amazing over one lap and I didn’t think I’d have really good tyre life in the race. I was actually really worried going into the race and then I got a reasonable start, and about two laps in I’m like, “I think my car’s actually pretty good”, and just started driving around and managing my own race.

“I don’t think I was as fast as anyone in the top four or five, but I was holding my own and everything came together and played out well.

“At best we could have played the pitstops a little bit better to get Brodie, but sixth overall is a mega result for everyone considering the last couple of rounds.

“I’m actually really happy with our result, even though I think tomorrow, I feel like if we can qualify better and do a few tweaks, we’re definitely in the chance of the podium.”

Mark Winterbottom, driver #18 Cub Cadet Racing Team 18 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

Qualifying: P15
Race 21: P13

“Not much passing out there and that car was reasonably pacey, but every strategy I just kept coming out behind Percat’s car. I was in front of him, they undercut us and then undercut us again. 

“It was a bit follow-the-leader, If I had got past him, I could have trucked on and probably ran with the next group.

“Glad the race was over. I was getting sick of looking at the back of the same car to be honest. We’ll work out why and then make the car a little bit better, but it’s tough to pass, track position’s key, so we’ll qualify well tomorrow and see where we end up.”

---

SUBSCRIBE TO VELOCITY MAGAZINE 

For all our news keep your eyes peeled on the Velocity Magazine website and social media, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for our daily updates and to get the latest edition of our glossy magazine subscribe here from just $55 for 12 months subscription.

GET OUR LATEST ISSUE NUMBER 51 HERE

 

 

NAMING RIGHTS SPONSOR