David Reynolds clinched a memorable victory in Sunday’s Race 26 at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, delivering a riveting end to the weekend’s racing activities on the streets of Surfers Paradise. The dramatic race saw Reynolds, in the No. 26 Penrite Ford Mustang, fend off championship leader Brodie Kostecki, who was behind the wheel of the No. 99 Coca-Cola Chevrolet Camaro.
The tension reached its peak when Kostecki overtook Reynolds at Turn 4 on Lap 72 of 85, only to relinquish his lead two laps later. A wide turn at Turn 11 allowed the Albury-native to seize back the position. Reynolds’ win comes 10 years and two days after he scored his first Supercars win at the same circuit, and it was his first win since the 2018 season finale in Newcastle.
The victory unleashed Reynolds’ iconic podium antics. He celebrated by spraying a fire extinguisher, performing his famous “shoey” celebration, and throwing a decorative plant to his crew below the podium. Less than 24 hours prior, Cam Waters finished a near-identical race in third position, driving the No. 6 Monster Energy Ford Mustang. He was followed closely by Reynolds’ teammate, rookie Matt Payne in the No. 19 Penrite Ford Mustang, who secured the best finish of his young career by placing fourth.
With both Kostecki and Shane van Gisbergen scoring identical points over the weekend, Kostecki’s championship lead remains at 131 points as the series prepares for its season finale in Adelaide next month. The race was not without its complications, though; two Safety Cars were deployed due to crashes that led to James Courtney, Macauley Jones, and Tim Slade retiring from the race.
As the 2023 Repco Supercars Championship heads to the streets of Adelaide for the VAILO Adelaide 500, set to take place over the November 23-26 weekend, the tension continues to mount. Fans can catch live coverage of the event on Seven and Foxtel, with streaming available via 7plus and Kayo.