HSV alters endurance pairing.
The HSV Dealer Team has revealed that Fujitsu Series driver David Reynolds will now join Paul Dumbrell in the #16 Autobarn Commodore at this year's L&H 500 at Phillip Island and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, rather than Marcus Zukanovic.
The decision was made after careful consideration by the team, in conjunction with Zukanovic, who has been involved with the HSV Dealer Team throughout 2008 but has decided to step back from an active role as an endurance driver to concentrate on his individual efforts for 2008.
The HSV Dealer Team has revealed that Fujitsu Series driver David Reynolds will now join Paul Dumbrell in the #16 Autobarn Commodore at this year's L&H 500 at Phillip Island and the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, rather than Marcus Zukanovic.
The decision was made after careful consideration by the team, in conjunction with Zukanovic, who has been involved with the HSV Dealer Team throughout 2008 but has decided to step back from an active role as an endurance driver to concentrate on his individual efforts for 2008.
"This decision allows me to concentrate fully on my Fujitsu Series entry," Zukanovic, who will continue to be involved with HSV, said, "I have learnt a lot already from my involvement with the team this year and, with the continued support I have been offered, I look forward achieving race wins in the Fujitsu Series."
Reynolds, meanwhile, was excited at the prospect of suiting up next to the experienced Dumbrell.
"It's an outstanding opportunity to be driving for the team that have won the last two driver and team championships and I am really excited to be driving with Paul at Phillip Island and Bathurst," he said, "I have spent a lot of time with the HSV Dealer Team over the last two years and I can't wait to get back in the drivers seat with such an professional bunch of guys. Working with Paul will be a big thrill - he has been in this game for a long time and has a lot of experience. I am looking forward to learning a few things from him."
Team manager Erik Pender confirmed that the Dealer Team would continue to help up-and-coming young drivers.
"HSV enjoys working with, and nurturing the talent of, young drivers and moulding them into future V8 Supercar Series Championship contenders, which is why we plan to continue our relationship with Marcus Zukanovic," he said, "David, meanwhile, is a tough young racer, who last year won the Porsche Carrera Cup and is performing strongly in the Fujitsu Development Series - including a second in the Sandown round last weekend - and is now second in the Championship overall."
Paul Radisich will partner Rick Kelly in the #15 HSV Dealer Team car.