‘Shattered’: Unvaxxed driver rubbed out

The 2017 winner of the Bathurst 1000 competed in the first round of the championship last weekend while Supercars worked with NSW health authorities to determine whether he would be given permission to continue racing unvaccinated.

In a statement released on Thursday, Supercars confirmed that Reynolds was ineligible for an exemption and would not be allowed to race again until he has had two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.

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Reynolds has now had his first shot and is booked in to receive his second, meaning he could still race at the Bathurst 1000 next month.

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

“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.”

Supercars confirmed that Reynolds did not contravene its Covid-19 regulations by racing last weekend, saying his attendance “was in compliance with temporary protocols and conditions to protect he and other participants while the matter was resolved”.

“Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, Supercars has staged all of its events in accordance with applicable state and territory government health requirements,” a Supercars spokesperson said.

“This remains the case and will not change.

“While waiting for his second vaccine shot, David is not able to compete at the three upcoming Sydney Motorsport Park rounds of the 2021 Supercars Championship.”

Kelly Grove Racing has yet to announce Reynolds’ replacement for the next three rounds of the championship, which are taking place at Sydney Motorsport Park in Eastern Creek on consecutive weekends from this Saturday.

Originally published as ‘Shattered’: David Reynolds rubbed out of Supercars Championship due to Covid-19 vaccination status