René Reinert returns to the Goodyear FIA ETRC
After a three-year break from the European Truck Racing scene, René Reinert is back — and he’s returning in a truck with serious pedigree: the MAN that carried Norbert Kiss to four European Championship titles.
But for Reinert, it’s not about pressure or expectations. It’s about rediscovering the thrill of racing and the joy of being part of the paddock once again.
Reinert made his ETRC debut in 2012, arriving on the grid without much previous racing experience — and immediately made headlines by securing his first win in his rookie season. Over the following years, he established himself as a fierce competitor. His standout season came in 2016, when he finished third overall in the standings and helped his team claim the Team Championship alongside Jochen Hahn.
After a sabbatical in 2017, Reinert returned with flashes of brilliance, switching from MAN to an IVECO in 2019. Despite taking race wins and podiums, it wasn’t always smooth sailing. “From the beginning, it just didn’t click 100%,” he admits. “I had to get used to the truck and there were technical issues. I started to doubt myself, whether I could still drive, whether it was me or the truck.”
2022 marked a turning point. Struggling with shoulder problems and growing demands of his business responsibilities caused by the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine, Reinert decided to take a step back from racing.
But now, with renewed energy and a truck that fits him, Reinert is back. “The MAN was my first race truck — I sort of grew up on it,” he says. “When we looked at options, we decided to go for Norbi’s MAN that he won four titles with. It’s the right fit, and the support I get from Norbi and Csaba [Bakó] on the technical side makes it a strong package.”
He spent time in Hungary to build trust and fine-tune the collaboration with Révész Racing. For Reinert, the relationship and support were crucial: “It made no sense to buy a truck without support. Learning from Norbi, who is one of the best drivers on the grid, was also a big motivation.”
Despite returning in a championship-winning machine, Reinert doesn't feel any pressure. “Maybe I would have put pressure on myself a few years ago,” he smiles. “But after 10 years in truck racing and turning 50, I’ve learned to take things as they come. I used to lose sleep before a race — now I enjoy it more.”
That said, his competitive fire hasn’t gone out. “I’m not here just to cruise around. I want to be up there with the best - in the midfield, but among the top drivers.”And what did he miss the most during his break?“
Honestly? Everything. The racing, the paddock, the travel, the circuits — Le Mans, Nürburgring, Misano. It’s all part of the fun.”
René Reinert’s comeback isn’t just a return to the track — it’s a return to where he feels at home. And with a proven truck, top-class support and a relaxed but focused mindset, don’t be surprised to see him mixing it up with the front runners once again.