20 August 2024
David's love of motorsport began in his early years with his dad
David Reynolds, a revered Supercars driver and former Bathurst 1000 winner, has a passion for racing that is only rivalled by his love for fatherhood. Growing up in a family immersed in motorsport, David’s early years were filled with thrilling experiences alongside his dad, who raced rally cars in Victoria and New South Wales during the late ’80s and early ’90s. One of his fondest childhood memories is being dropped off at school in his dad’s rally car, gripping the roll cage for support. This early exposure to the high-speed world of racing naturally led David to compete in go-karts alongside his brother, James, who often served as his toughest competitor.
However, it’s fatherhood that has brought about the most significant change in David’s life. “Before, my life was all career-focused, pretty selfish at times,” he reflects. “But now it’s all about my kids and family time.” David’s mission is to give his children, Ryu and Ravayah, the same incredible childhood he enjoyed—one filled with love, joy, and unforgettable memories. Bringing his family to the racetrack is one of David’s greatest pleasures. He describes the calm and happiness he feels when he sees his children’s smiling faces at the track, knowing they are part of his world. “It makes me so happy to see their beautiful faces as they come into the pits to see what their daddy does,” David shares.
Tahan, David’s partner, is the cornerstone of their family, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance between his demanding career and their family life. She is described as the “glue” that holds their family together, expertly managing the household while also creating meaningful activities for their children. David is known as the “fun” parent who always makes an effort to be present, even when his racing commitments pull him away. He’s the parent who takes time to stop home, even if only for a few minutes, to see his kids, much to their delight. Tahan adds, “He always tells them how much he loves them, which is beautiful.”
David’s meticulous nature, which serves him well on the racetrack, extends to his home life. Whether it’s spending hours perfecting a dessert he saw on MasterChef or ensuring everything is spotless, his attention to detail is unmatched. Yet, it’s his role as a father that he cherishes most, often filming his children during the day and watching the videos back when they’re asleep. “The love they give me completely fills my heart like nothing I’ve felt before,” David says.
Every single day there is a new funny or memorable moment, but I love when they copy actions and phrases from either mum or dad like when Ryu was like 2yrs and started walking out on the back porch telling us the ‘f’ing bird shit everywhere!
David
Ryu, David’s son, admires his dad for his strength and the love he shows. “Because he is big and strong and he loves me so much,” Ryu proudly says, encapsulating the bond they share.
As David looks to the future, he’s excited to watch his children grow and discover who they’ll become. He eagerly anticipates the fun they’ll have as a family, whether it’s going possum hunting at night with torches, teaching his kids to ride a bike, or taking a future skiing trip in Japan or the Swiss Alps. For David Reynolds, being a dad is the greatest victory of all, one that he’s proud to celebrate every day.
