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Reynolds ready for Bathurst ‘mind games’ with McLaughlin

David Reynolds says not being in contention for the Supercars championship may come in handy when he takes on Scott McLaughlin at Bathurst tomorrow.

David Reynolds, Erebus Motorsport Holden

David Reynolds, Erebus Motorsport Holden

Daniel Kalisz / Motorsport Images

David Reynolds, Erebus Motorsport Holden
Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske Ford
Alexandre Prémat, Scott McLaughlin, DJR Team Penske
Alexandre Prémat, Scott McLaughlin, DJR Team Penske
Polesitter Scott McLaughlin, DJR Team Penske
David Reynolds, Erebus Motorsport Holden
David Reynolds, Erebus Motorsport Holden

The pair starred in today’s Top 10 Shootout, Reynolds with a 2m04.274s to qualify on the outside of the front row while McLaughlin stormed to a record-shattering 2m03.831s to grab pole.

While its the DJR Team Penske Ford that will go into the race as favourites based on that stunning qualifying form, Reynolds says the ace up his sleeve is having “nothing to lose”.

That’s a reference to the championship equation, with McLaughlin heading into the Great Race locked in a points battle with Jamie Whincup. Reynolds, meanwhile, is 10th in the points, 831 behind McLaughlin.

That means he’s not in contention for the title, and is prepared to pin his hopes on Bathurst victory.

“It’s always a mental game out there, especially when you’re racing somebody who has more to lose than you,” Reynolds told Motorsport.com.

“I have nothing to lose.”

With rain predicted to be on the way tomorrow, Reynolds’ plan of an aggressive approach could pay even bigger dividends.

“Yes, definitely,” he said when asked if risks could pay off more in poor weather. “Everyone is well of that.

“That changes the ball game. It’s going to be an exciting race, it’s going to be a really good spectacle.”

Reflecting on today’s history-making Top 10 Shootout, Reynolds admitted he was a little demoralised after McLaughlin’s stunning lap.

Despite setting his best lap of the weekend, and one that was to that point a Shootout record, he still ended up four tenths off pole.

“I was so happy with the lap. I was super pumped seeing that time, because that’s the fastest I’ve been all weekend,” he said.

“And then, yeah… we got smashed.

“There must be something wrong with our team, because last year we qualified 14th and we were kind of happy with that. Today we’re second, and we’re a little disappointed.”

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Edition

Australia