Reynolds shines a light on Erebus

SUPERCARS minnows Erebus Motorsport have announced themselves as championship contenders after David Reynolds upset Jamie Whincup to win the Melbourne 400 at yesterday’s Australian Grand Prix.

After Reynolds celebrated his win by drinking champagne from his boot and dropping the winner’s trophy, Erebus boss Barry Ryan declared the 32- year- old could win this year’s title.

“Yes, we are, definitely ( championship contenders),’’ Ryan said after Reynolds moved into second place on the championship table behind Whincup’s teammate Shane van Gisbergen.

“We have two very solid drivers and we are all headed in the right direction. Today he was able to get the jump ( on Whincup) and he was able to hold the position.

“He is driving very well and in a good head space.’’

Reynolds held off a challenge from Holden’s Nick Percat to win the race after it was cut short by one lap because of a safety car delay.

James Golding prompted the two- lap safety car delay on lap eight when he suffered a mechanical failure.

Known as the V8 joker, Reynolds set up the win with an aggressive start to bounce back after being criticised at the Adelaide 500 for his lack of fight.

“It was a pretty good race,’’ Reynolds said.

“I got a pretty good jump and just led the race from there. Everything went to plan and there were no dramas. It was a good way to finish after the battle we had in the wet during race three.’’

Whincup claimed the Larry Perkins trophy for best driver of the weekend after claiming another podium to add to his weekend haul.

But the reigning champion was left fuming following the poor start that allowed Reynolds to beat him.