David Reynolds to miss remaining Sydney rounds due to vaccination requirements

David Reynolds will miss the remaining three Supercars Championship rounds at Sydney Motorsport Park after failing to meet vaccination requirements.

The Kelly Grove Racing driver presented a vaccination exempt that was not accepted by the New South Wales health officials.

“I’m shattered to be missing the next three Supercars events, but I understand and respect the health guidelines,” said Reynolds.

“I want to thank Kelly Grove Racing and all of our fans and sponsors for their support, and I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel at Bathurst.”

Reynolds has recently taken his first vaccination shot and if he takes the second shot in time, it could enable him to take part in the Bathurst 1000 season finale.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Supercars has staged all of its events in accordance with applicable state and territory Government health requirements,” a statement from Kelly Grove Racing read.

“This remains the case and will not change. In accordance with NSW Health Orders, in order to attend and compete at last weekend’s Bunnings Trade Sydney Super Night and the next three rounds of the Championship at Sydney Motorsport Park, all Supercars attendees and drivers must either be fully vaccinated with accepted COVID-19 vaccines or be exempt from vaccination.

“It is on this basis that the venue has an exemption to host up to 10,000 people per day. In the last week, NSW health authorities, working closely with Supercars, Kelly Grove Racing and David Reynolds have carefully considered a vaccination exemption presented by David and have concluded that David is not exempt from receiving the vaccine.

“With NSW health authorities having reached this conclusion, David has had his first vaccine shot administered and has scheduled his second vaccine shot. While waiting for his second vaccine shot, however, David is not able to compete at the three upcoming Sydney Motorsport Park rounds of the 2021 Supercars Championship.

“Once fully vaccinated, as scheduled, David could be eligible to drive in the Repco Bathurst 1000. David says that he is bitterly disappointed to be missing the next three races at Sydney Motorsport Park, but respects the decision and is happy to continue to comply with health orders.”

The team will shortly announce his replacement for the Sydney rounds.