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Reynolds fined $25,000 for disparaging comments on Bathurst 1000 all-female lineup

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Not sure if you’ve heard of Australian V8 Supercars driver David Reynolds before, but you might not be able to get him out of your memory after an ill-advised comment he made during today’s press conference heading into the series’ marquee race, the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000.

Simona de Silvestro and Renee Gracie are racing together as an all-female lineup in the Bathurst 1000 this year. Via Motorsport.com, Reynolds referred to that lineup, apparently, as the “P***ywagon.”

Needless to say, the comments didn’t go over well and were immediately condemned.

V8 Supercars CEO James Warburton issued a statement as the series immediately fined him $25,000.
“Reynolds’ comments were disgraceful and completely unacceptable in our sport and he has been fined $25,000,” Warburton said.

“Women are an integral part of our sport, whether they are fans, drivers or team members. And V8 Supercars will continue to support and promote female participation at all levels of our sport.”

Reynolds attempted to back-track the remarks in a statement he has issued:

“I unreservedly apologize for a comment I made in a press conference earlier today in relation to my female team-mates.

“While it was intended to be humorous, I understand it has caused offense. As I stated in the press conference I genuinely hope they perform well as they are both highly-talented as they showed today with their pace.

“We all get on very well and I’ve spent a lot of time with them this week helping them prepare for this race.

“People know I am a little left-of-center with my humor but I understand today I took it too far.

“I have personally apologized to Renee and Simona and I fully accept the penalty handed down by V8 Supercars and any subsequent team sanctions.”

The point of this whole deal? It’s tough enough to be a woman in racing as it is, because blatant sexism stills exist.

It doesn’t matter whether Reynolds was joking or not. He was entirely off-base in making these remarks.

Follow @TonyDiZinno