Reynolds hurt by ‘steering drama’

David Reynolds’ steering issues summed up “an average” weekend in Taupo for Team 18, which lost significant ground in the teams championship.

After showing strong pace at both Bathurst and Albert Park, Team 18 crossed the Tasman sitting a strong third in the teams championship.

But with no top 10s recorded in New Zealand, and Mark Winterbottom and Reynolds finishing the final race 17th and 24th respectively, the Mount Waverley squad slipped to sixth with Erebus, DJR and WAU all moving ahead.

Sunday was especially tough for Reynolds, who initially held 13th during the early laps before rising temperatures and a steering issue ultimately saw the #20 finish last as the only car not on the lead lap.

Outside of retirements it is Reynolds’ lowest race finish since the 2022 season opener at SMP.

He said the dramas made life extremely tough behind the wheel at the twisty and technical circuit.

“The Sunday race, I had a bit of a drama, big steering drama,” Reynolds said. 

“It was like a power assist drama, engine heating drama. 

“There was a lot going on, I’d turn into a corner, the steering would lock up, and I’d just go around the outside, and other times I’d turn in to be super loose, and almost spin, so it was really hard to drive.

“We ended up a lap down, so all in all, It was quite an average weekend but we’re going to learn a lot.”

Meanwhile, Winterbottom simply struggled for pace and battled to rise into the top 20 before a late move on Will Davison ensured the #18 came home 17th.

“Frosty” felt more was possible than 11th in the rain but had nothing in the dry.

“I think in the wet, we missed an opportunity there, but in the dry that was all we had,” Winterbottom said.

“We really struggled with pace, there’s no hiding behind it. We just weren’t good enough, so we will go back and continue to work.

“Then we’ll go to Perth and try and turn around a bad weekend.”

Image: Mark Horsburgh

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