Border Supercars export and reigning Bathurst 1000 champion David Reynolds has joined the growing list of supporters pushing for a championship round to be held in Albury-Wodonga.
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The Albury-born motor racing star, who experienced a stellar season in 2017 by winning Australia’s greatest motor race and the prestigious Barry Sheene Medal as the sport’s best and fairest driver, loved the concept of bringing Supercars to his backyard.
“There’s absolutely no reason why they couldn't,” Reynolds said.
“Whether it’s an ‘Albury 500’ or a local street race back in my home town, it would be amazing and I would support it 100 per cent.
“These days, Supercars are looking to do more regional events than city events, so there’s a big push on that end to create more interest.
“Whether it’s somewhere like Geelong, Newcastle was a massive success and Townsville has been a huge success.
“Albury could have one for sure.”
Reynolds laughed as he suggested Forrest Hill could be used as part of the Border track.
“When I was growing up I was smashing my car around there heaps,” he added.
He agreed with Albury Supercars team owner Brad Jones that the event could work without the omission of the round at nearby Winton Motor Raceway, but admits they would have to be at different times of the year.
“Everybody loves the street races, they always get the bigger crowds and they’re probably a lot less destined to stuff up because there’s so much support from locals and people coming along,” Reynolds said.
“There’s obviously a lot of talks about the economic influence it has as well.
“The closer you have it to the CBD, the better the shops do as well and all the hotels.
“It’s never a bad thing I don’t think, but there’s a lot of planning that goes on.
“You’ve got a local team (Brad Jones Racing) based there as well which helps.”
Reynolds has seven career podiums on street circuits, with success coming on the Gold Coast, as well as Townsville, Sydney and Newcastle.
“Of course I’m going to like them and try push for more, it would be fantastic,” he laughed.
“Our cars are very much suited to the street-style track with the big bumps and the short corners.
“They tend to love those types of tracks more than Phillip Island and the faster-flying tracks where a traditional Formula One-style car or an open-wheeler car would be better suited.”
Jones was also vocal on the subject of a Border race and believes the benefits would be massive if such an event was made possible.