David Reynolds Photo credit: Rod Nash Racing
Rod Nash Racing has signed David Reynolds to The Bottle-O Racing Team, confirming the final driver in the factory Ford team's line-up for the 2012 V8 Supercars season.
Reynolds raced for Kelly Racing's Stratco Racing entry last year, but following a dispute over the terms of his contract, he has gained clearance to replace the retiring Paul Dumbrell in the #55 The Bottle-O Ford Falcon.
The settlement was confirmed in a statement released by Kelly Racing.
“Kelly Racing has reached an arrangement to release David Reynolds to another team for the 2012 V8 Supercars Championship,” the statement read.
“The matter between Kelly Racing and Reynolds has now been settled and the terms are strictly confidential.”
Reynolds is viewed as one of the emerging stars of Australian motorsport and team owner Rod Nash is pleased to have secured his services.
“It is with immense pleasure that we confirm David Reynolds as the driver of the #55 The Bottle-O FPR Ford,” Nash said.
“David is undoubtedly one of the stars of the future and we aim to work closely together to ensure our car joins the other two factory Fords at the head of the field.
“This should be made easier by the high level of development FPR has brought onto its cars in recent months so I am confident we are giving David a race-winning car.”
The move to Rod Nash Racing marks the 26-year-old former Porsche Carrera Cup and Formula Ford champion's first drive for a factory-backed team.
“I am extremely excited to join The Bottle-O Racing Team and Rod Nash and the new partnership leaves me feeling highly-motivated for this new chapter in my career,” Reynolds said.
“Everyone here has welcomed me with open arms and the professionalism of the team is second to none.
“I'm really looking forward to driving with the factory Ford team and I cannot wait to sample a Falcon for the first time.
“It is also great to be reunited with my engineer James Small who I've worked with in the past. I am looking forward to continuing our successful relationship in the coming seasons.”
Nash believes the combination of Reynolds and Small, along with the proven speed of his Ford Performance Racing-prepared Falcon, will ensure his team is a regular fixture in the lead pack.
“As far as I'm concerned all the ducks are now in a row for car 55 and David to gain some great results into the future.
“David also has the right personality to fit into our close-knit team. I am really looking forward to seeing him in green for the first time this weekend at Sandown.”
Reynolds will sample the #55 The Bottle-O Ford for the first time on Saturday at the V8 Supercars season launch test day at Sandown Raceway in Melbourne.
