Kelly Grove Racing has announced that David Reynolds will miss the remaining three events held at Sydney Motorsport Park over the next three weekends, following an investigation into the driver’s Covid-19 vaccination status by NSW Health.
The team confirmed that Reynolds does not have a valid exemption from not being vaccinated, adding that the former Bathurst 1000 winner has since had his first jab. The team notes that Reynolds “could” rejoin the series for the Bathurst 1000 after taking on his second jab. However, it appears that this is uncertain.
It’s tipped that Reynolds’ replacement for the three weekends at Sydney Motorsport Park will either be Luke Youlden, Lee Holdsworth, or Michael Caruso.
“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,” reads the team’s release.
“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.”
“I’m shattered to be missing the next three Supercars events, but I understand and respect the health guidelines,” said Reynolds, his quote appearing in the same statement.
“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.”
As previously reported, those entering NSW are required to either have had both Covid-19 vaccinations or a valid medical exemption.
“Supercars can confirm that David’s attendance at last weekend’s Bunnings Trade Sydney SuperNight was in compliance with temporary protocols and conditions to protect he and other participants while the matter was resolved,” Kelly Grove Racing adds.