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Hamilton forms foundation in partnership with Mercedes

The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 27, 2021

BRACKLEY, England (AP) — Lewis Hamilton launched a charitable foundation Tuesday that will both support diversity and inclusion in motorsports and empower underrepresented youth groups in Britain.

The seven-time Formula One champion formed Mission 44 with a personal pledge of 20 million pounds ($27.5 million) earmarked to support programs and organizations that narrow the gap in employment and education systems.

Additionally, Hamilton partnered with his Mercedes team on the “Ignite” initiative to focus on ensuring better representation of “diverse students studying STEM and engineering, as well as wider parts of the industry." Ignite will work closely with Mission 44.

The initiatives stemmed from findings of The Hamilton Commission, which was formed to increase representation of Black people in British motorsports. The commission earlier this month published its first report that included 10 recommendations for change.

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Announcer back at Minnesota racetrack after racist rant

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Announcer back at Minnesota racetrack after racist rant

The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

FAIRMONT, Minn. (AP) — An announcer who was fired by an Iowa racetrack after a racist rant was back behind the microphone in southern Minnesota last weekend, but he did not receive a standing ovation as promised because he was apparently uncomfortable with that plan, according to the promoter of Fairmont Raceway.

Lon Oelke is the full-time announcer at Fairmont Raceway, where he worked Friday — days after the Kossuth County Speedway in Algona, Iowa, cut ties with him after he went on a racist rant this month against Black fans and athletes who kneel during the national anthem as a protest against racial inequality.

The Kossuth County Speedway said in a statement that its leaders “do not condone” Oelke's comments, adding that management did not hear them during the race, but only after they gained attention on social media.

“I think perhaps the whole thing is taken a little out of context with social media these days,” Fairmont track promoter Jon McCorkell told the Star Tribune, adding that he’ll “stick by my guy.”

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Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

FAIRMONT, Minn. (AP) — An announcer who was fired by an Iowa racetrack after a racist rant was back behind the microphone in southern Minnesota last weekend, but he did not receive a standing ovation as promised because he was apparently uncomfortable with that plan, according to the promoter of Fairmont Raceway.

Lon Oelke is the full-time announcer at Fairmont Raceway, where he worked Friday — days after the Kossuth County Speedway in Algona, Iowa, cut ties with him after he went on a racist rant this month against Black fans and athletes who kneel during the national anthem as a protest against racial inequality.

The Kossuth County Speedway said in a statement that its leaders “do not condone” Oelke's comments, adding that management did not hear them during the race, but only after they gained attention on social media.

“I think perhaps the whole thing is taken a little out of context with social media these days,” Fairmont track promoter Jon McCorkell told the Star Tribune, adding that he’ll “stick by my guy.”

NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

Through July 25

1. John H. Nemechek, 605 (5).

2. Ben Rhodes, 520 (2).

3. Austin Hill, 510 (1).

Read
Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

Through July 25

1. John H. Nemechek, 605 (5).

2. Ben Rhodes, 520 (2).

3. Austin Hill, 510 (1).

NASCAR Xfinity Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

NASCAR Xfinity Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

Through July 25

1. Kyle Busch, 5.

2. Austin Cindric, 4.

3. Justin Allgaier, 2.

Read
Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

Through July 25

1. Kyle Busch, 5.

2. Austin Cindric, 4.

3. Justin Allgaier, 2.

NASCAR Cup Series Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

NASCAR Cup Series Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

Through July 25

1. Kyle Larson, 4.

2. Alex Bowman, 3.

2. Martin Truex Jr, 3.

Read
Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

Through July 25

1. Kyle Larson, 4.

2. Alex Bowman, 3.

2. Martin Truex Jr, 3.

F1: Horner still angry at Hamilton after British GP crash

Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

F1: Horner still angry at Hamilton after British GP crash

Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Jul. 24, 2021

PARIS (AP) — Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is still angry at the crash which knocked Formula One leader Max Verstappen out of the British Grand Prix last weekend, allowing winner Lewis Hamilton to close the gap at the top of the drivers’ championship to eight points.

Hamilton won at Silverstone despite taking a 10-second time penalty after he was judged to have been responsible for Verstappen’s crash on Lap 1 at the high-speed Copse corner.

“We felt at the time, and still feel, that Hamilton was given a light penalty,” Horner wrote in his Red Bull column on Friday night. “We are reviewing all data and have the right to request a review. We are therefore still looking at the evidence and considering all our sporting options ... That crash has cost us approximately $1.8 million.”

Hamilton’s victory was his 99th in F1 but first in two months, and the seven-time F1 champion risked slipping even further behind Verstappen. His win prompted evident relief, but Horner felt the elation was too much.

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Saturday, Jul. 24, 2021

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez of Mexico walks away from his car at the end of the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (Lars Baron/Pool photo via AP)

Jordan's first year in NASCAR a missed layup with Wallace

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Jordan's first year in NASCAR a missed layup with Wallace

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jul. 22, 2021

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — The 23XI Racing team posted a slideshow of the Bubba Wallace firesuit collection and asked fans to comment on their favorite. The designs were from business plucked straight out of Super Bowl ad space: Wallace was dressed by top companies in fast food, fantasy sports and auto insurance.

For a driver who spent most of his NASCAR career scraping together sponsorship deals for underfunded teams, Wallace is flush with Fortune 500 cash. Oh, and boasting Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin as team owners sure helps the cause.

But deep-pocketed sponsors and a race team seemingly on firm financial footing has done little to help Wallace find success on the track. He has one top-10 finish this season -- he had five last season driving for Richard Petty Motorsports -- led three laps since late April and needs a win over the next four races to earn a playoff berth.

The wins better come in bunches.

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Thursday, Jul. 22, 2021

FILE - Bubba Wallace, left, congratulates Kyle Larson after Larson won a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Las Vegas, in this Sunday, March 7, 2021, file photo. Rick Hendrick gave Kyle Larson a second chance in NASCAR because Hendrick Motorsports had wanted him in its lineup for years. Now that Hendrick has his man, he's locked Larson down for two more seasons with full sponsorship. Hendrick on Wednesday, July 14, told his 93 dealerships that the hottest driver in motorsports signed a contract extension through 2023 and Larson will be fully sponsored by HendrickCars.com. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Castroneves happily joins elite club of 4-time Indy winners

Gary B. Graves, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Castroneves happily joins elite club of 4-time Indy winners

Gary B. Graves, The Associated Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 21, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Helio Castroneves is taking his sweet time getting his mind around the spoils of winning his fourth Indianapolis 500.

Such as pouring red-hot liquid bronze into a mold for two bricks chiseled with his name, one of which will be placed on hallowed ground: the Yard of Bricks start/finish line of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Or the chance to talk and laugh with A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears, the only other drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 four times.

For Castroneves, that carried special meaning beyond the brotherhood of racing.

The Brazilian driver’s fourth Indy 500 victory two months ago took 12 years to achieve, and the reality of being mentioned alongside the drivers he idolizes still has him pinching himself.

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Wednesday, Jul. 21, 2021

Winner of this year's Indianapolis 500 auto race, Helio Castroneves, right, gathered with other four-time winners, from left, A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967, 1977), Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987) and Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Castroneves won the race in 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2021. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

With eye on legacy, Keselowski buys a stake in Roush Fenway

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

With eye on legacy, Keselowski buys a stake in Roush Fenway

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Brad Keselowski is ready to begin the “next evolution” of his racing career.

Jack Roush put a long-term vision for Roush Fenway Racing in motion Tuesday when the 79-year-old team owner introduced Keselowski as a new partner in the NASCAR team.

Keselowski is leaving Team Penske, where he won the 2012 championship, because he wanted an ownership role in an organization as part of his legacy in NASCAR. With Roush Fenway, Keselowski will not only drive the No. 6 Ford next season but have a considerable role off the track.

Keselowski will replace Ryan Newman, who drove the Roush flagship car the past three seasons.

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Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021

Brad Keselowski waves to fans before the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

IndyCar inks new NBC Sports deal, 2 races to run on Peacock

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

IndyCar inks new NBC Sports deal, 2 races to run on Peacock

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021

IndyCar announced an extension with NBC Sports on Tuesday that guarantees a majority of its races will be on the main network broadcast rather than cable, including a series-high 13 events on the flagship channel next season.

Still, the migration toward streaming will hit full speed next season as NBC Sports plans to exclusively stream two IndyCar races on Peacock. The rest of the IndyCar schedule, which is expected to be 17 races but has not yet been released, will air on USA Network.

Jon Miller, president of NBC Sports programming, said the network never wavered in its desire to extend its relationship with IndyCar because “we think its some of the most competitive racing out there. We think it is, quite honestly, really, really good racing.”

He cited this season's move to IndyCar for seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and former Formula One driver Romain Grosjean as audience-builders, as well as an emerging crop of new stars. Current IndyCar points leader Alex Palou is one of four first-time winners this season, and the 24-year-old Spaniard is actually the oldest winner in an exciting, young group.

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Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021

Josef Newgarden leads the field after taking the green flag at the start of an IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, Sunday, July 4, 2021. Newgarden snapped his streak of late race misfortunes Sunday to win for the first time this season, earning the first IndyCar victory of the year for Team Penske on the same weekend the storied organization celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first win. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Column: Quirky SRX exceeded expectations in debut season

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Column: Quirky SRX exceeded expectations in debut season

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — SRX exceeded all expectations, right?

Not even a bookie in Las Vegas — Tony Stewart's gold standard for foreseeing results — could have predicted the six-week Superstar Racing Experience summer season would have been such a success.

It grew so big, so quickly that by the made-for-TV series finale on Saturday night, it was NASCAR's champion in victory lane at Nashville Fairgrounds in Tennessee.

The current champion!

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Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Chase Elliott, center, holds his winner's guitar after winning the SRX Series auto race Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. Tony Stewart, left, finished second, and Bill Elliott, right, finished third. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Through July 18

1. John H. Nemechek, 605 (5).

2. Ben Rhodes, 520 (2).

3. Austin Hill, 510 (1).

Read
Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Through July 18

1. John H. Nemechek, 605 (5).

2. Ben Rhodes, 520 (2).

3. Austin Hill, 510 (1).

NASCAR Xfinity Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

NASCAR Xfinity Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Through July 18

1. Kyle Busch, 5.

2. Austin Cindric, 4.

3. Justin Allgaier, 2.

Read
Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Through July 18

1. Kyle Busch, 5.

2. Austin Cindric, 4.

3. Justin Allgaier, 2.

NASCAR Cup Series Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

NASCAR Cup Series Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Through July 18

1. Kyle Larson, 4.

2. Alex Bowman, 3.

2. Martin Truex Jr, 3.

Read
Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Through July 18

1. Kyle Larson, 4.

2. Alex Bowman, 3.

2. Martin Truex Jr, 3.

Title race back on as Red Bull fume at "desperate" Hamilton

Daniella Matar, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Title race back on as Red Bull fume at "desperate" Hamilton

Daniella Matar, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

With Max Verstappen threatening to run away with the title and defending champion Lewis Hamilton seemingly unable to beat his rival on the track, desperate measures are exactly what Red Bull team principal Christian Horner accused the Mercedes driver of using.

This season’s title battle boiled over in Sunday's British Grand Prix on one of the hottest days of the year, in front of 140,000 fans at a packed Silverstone, with a terrifying incident that saw the race red-flagged, Verstappen taken to hospital and Hamilton issued with a 10-second penalty.

As they tussled for position on the first lap, the two championship contenders crashed in a 190mph shunt, which registered at 51G, sending Verstappen hurtling into the tire barrier and out of the race.

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Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates after winning the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

F1 condemns racist abuse of Hamilton following crash

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

F1 condemns racist abuse of Hamilton following crash

The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

LONDON (AP) — Mercedes, Formula One and its governing body the FIA issued a joint statement Monday condemning the online racist abuse aimed at Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton was targeted following the Mercedes driver's crash with rival Max Verstappen on the opening lap of Sunday’s British Grand Prix that sent the championship leader hurtling out of the race.

“Formula One, the FIA and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team condemn this behavior in the strongest possible terms," the statement said. “These people have no place in our sport and we urge that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.

“Formula One, the FIA, the drivers and the teams are working to build a more diverse and inclusive sport, and such unacceptable instances of online abuse must be highlighted and eliminated.”

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Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates on the podium after winning the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Under darkness, Almirola pulls off shocker at New Hampshire

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Under darkness, Almirola pulls off shocker at New Hampshire

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Jul. 18, 2021

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Aric Almirola carried the weight of a winless season while chasing a playoff berth that seemed implausible for a driver buried deep in the standings on a Stewart-Haas Racing program that had yet to take a checkered flag.

His confidence sagged. The pressure tightened on the No. 10 team.

With darkness falling at New Hampshire, Almirola saw his season suddenly come into focus. Almirola sprung to life late Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and pulled off the surprise victory, a vital boost for SHR, Ford and another shakeup of the NASCAR playoff picture.

“Coming into this race, we never gave anybody a reason to pick us,” Almirola said. “It feels good to be the underdog and come out of nowhere and have the race car we did.”

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Sunday, Jul. 18, 2021

Denny Hamlin competes at a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Keselowski ready for NASCAR career as owner, driver in 2022

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Keselowski ready for NASCAR career as owner, driver in 2022

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Jul. 18, 2021

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Admitting it was “hard to walk away” from a NASCAR career almost all spent driving for Roger Penske, Brad Keselowski is bullish on a fresh start in 2022 — as a driver and an owner.

Keselowski is set to race for Roush Fenway Racing in 2022 and the team scheduled “a major announcement” Tuesday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame to make the signing official. About 75 miles away from Fenway Park, Keselowski said Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway the time was right to break from Team Penske after nearly 12 years in the No. 2 car, 34 Cup victories and the 2012 championship.

“Certainly everybody has aspirations that where they go to work, things will work out where you could stay forever and continue to grow,” Keselowski said. “Life has other plans. There’s no bitterness about that.”

One sticking point with Penske was Keselowski’s desire to hold an ownership stake in a Cup team. Keselowski fielded his eponymous team in the NASCAR Truck Series for a decade and the desire to have a piece of a team in the elite Cup Series never went away. He’ll get that chance at RFR.

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Sunday, Jul. 18, 2021

Brad Keselowski (2) and Ryan Blaney, rear, come out of turn four competing for position during the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star auto race at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas, Sunday, June 13, 2021. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Hamilton roars back to win British GP after Verstappen crash

The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Hamilton roars back to win British GP after Verstappen crash

The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Jul. 18, 2021

SILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Lewis Hamilton roared back from a first-lap incident that sent championship leader Max Verstappen to the hospital and overcame a 10-second penalty to win the British Grand Prix and reignite his title defense on Sunday.

The seven-time champion won at his home track to snap a run of five races without a victory and slash the gap to Verstappen at the top of the drivers’ championship from 33 points to eight.

“Did I think that we would ever be back in the title fight? I prayed and hoped for it but I thought that it would be a long slog to try and regain any of the points,” Hamilton said. "We’re now closer, he’s still got quite a few points ahead but the race is on.”

This season's title battle boiled over on one of the hottest days of the year, in front of 140,000 fans at a packed Silverstone, with the terrifying incident that saw the race red-flagged and Hamilton given a penalty.

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Sunday, Jul. 18, 2021

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain, left, and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands take a curve side-by-side at the start of the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Familiar ring: Bell wins 3rd New Hampshire race in Xfinity

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Familiar ring: Bell wins 3rd New Hampshire race in Xfinity

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Jul. 17, 2021

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Christopher Bell had to reward the young boy wearing his T-shirt with a fist bump and the checkered flag from his third career New Hampshire victory.

Bell laughed when he said it was a rare sight at the track to find any fan wearing his merchandise. So while the Xfinity Series wins come easy for Bell, building that fanbase still needs some work.

“I don't have a ton of shirts up here in the Northeast,” Bell said. “I haven't done a lot of racing up here. My popularity, I'm just really calm, quiet, reserved. I'm not going to win a popularity contest but hopefully I can win more races.”

Bell turned a spot start in the Xfinity Series into a trip to victory lane, winning in a romp for Joe Gibbs Racing on Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

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Saturday, Jul. 17, 2021

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Christopher Bell had to reward the young boy wearing his T-shirt with a fist bump and the checkered flag from his third career New Hampshire victory.

Bell laughed when he said it was a rare sight at the track to find any fan wearing his merchandise. So while the Xfinity Series wins come easy for Bell, building that fanbase still needs some work.

“I don't have a ton of shirts up here in the Northeast,” Bell said. “I haven't done a lot of racing up here. My popularity, I'm just really calm, quiet, reserved. I'm not going to win a popularity contest but hopefully I can win more races.”

Bell turned a spot start in the Xfinity Series into a trip to victory lane, winning in a romp for Joe Gibbs Racing on Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

DiBenedetto could be out of Cup options after losing ride

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

DiBenedetto could be out of Cup options after losing ride

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jul. 17, 2021

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Always a popular driver, Matt DiBenedetto won a fan vote this season that earned him the final spot in NASCAR’s All-Star race. As for the rest of his racing career? Well, wins haven’t come at all.

DiBenedetto became a fan favorite over his seven-year career as the underdog of underfunded teams -- he qualified for his first Daytona 500 in 2016 in an open car -- who just needed top-tier equipment to prove that he could compete with the stars of the sport and even win a race or two. When he got that shot last year with Wood Brothers Racing, steady success instead never came, and DiBenedetto is now without a ride for next season.

DiBenedetto has no idea what’s next. He could not hide the crushing hurt in a nine-minute video he posted on social media where he vented his frustration at losing yet another ride.

“I’m here to win in the Cup Series,” he said. “I am going to.”

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Saturday, Jul. 17, 2021

FILE - In this May 28, 2020, file photo, Matt DiBenedetto waits for the start of a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Matt DiBenedetto won a fan vote this season that earned him the final spot in NASCAR's All-Star race. As for the rest of his racing career? Well, wins haven't come at all. DiBenedetto became a fan favorite over his seven-year career, winning over fans as the underdog of underfunded teams. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, File)

Verstappen wins historic sprint race to stretch title lead

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Verstappen wins historic sprint race to stretch title lead

The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Jul. 17, 2021

SILVERSTONE, England (AP) — Max Verstappen out-dragged Lewis Hamilton at the start of Formula One's experimental first sprint qualifying race to take the pole for the British Grand Prix and spoil the homecoming of the seven-time champion.

Hamilton initially seemed fine with the defeat and showed enthusiasm for the format and the fan energy at packed Silverstone.

“I don't know how it looks to watch from the fans,” Hamilton said from aboard an open-air trolley used for the “podium” drivers as they were taken for a lap past the grandstands.

Hamilton said in the trolley the inaugural sprint race format was “way more enjoyable. We should do more like that, or a version of it in the future."

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Saturday, Jul. 17, 2021

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain steers his car during the practice session ahead of Sunday's British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Saturday, July 17, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Torrence leads NHRA Top Fuel qualifying in Mile-High return

The Associated Press 1 minute read Preview

Torrence leads NHRA Top Fuel qualifying in Mile-High return

The Associated Press 1 minute read Saturday, Jul. 17, 2021

MORRISON, Colo. (AP) — Steve Torrence led Top Fuel qualifying Friday night at Bandimere Speedway in the return of the Dodge/SRT Mile-High NHRA Nationals.

Torrence, the 2019 winner at the track, had a 3.777-second run at 327.11 mph. The event was canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matt Hagan led in Funny Car with a 3.966 at 319.22 in a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

“We go after it every time in qualifying,” said Hagan, who is looking for his first win in 2021. “We’re just trying to get that rhythm down and the consistency, but we put a number down here on the hill and thank goodness. This race has elluded me for almost 15 years now and it’s like, what do we have to do to win up here on the mountain?"

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Saturday, Jul. 17, 2021

MORRISON, Colo. (AP) — Steve Torrence led Top Fuel qualifying Friday night at Bandimere Speedway in the return of the Dodge/SRT Mile-High NHRA Nationals.

Torrence, the 2019 winner at the track, had a 3.777-second run at 327.11 mph. The event was canceled last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Matt Hagan led in Funny Car with a 3.966 at 319.22 in a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

“We go after it every time in qualifying,” said Hagan, who is looking for his first win in 2021. “We’re just trying to get that rhythm down and the consistency, but we put a number down here on the hill and thank goodness. This race has elluded me for almost 15 years now and it’s like, what do we have to do to win up here on the mountain?"

SRX smashes its way to theatrical close of inaugural season

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

SRX smashes its way to theatrical close of inaugural season

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Friday, Jul. 16, 2021

Tony Stewart was like everyone else in U.S. motorsports this week, frequently checking social media to see Paul Tracy's latest theatrics in a one-sided war against NASCAR golden girl Hailie Deegan.

Tracy has been furious — or could he just be playing the heel in a made-for-TV racing league? — because 19-year-old Deegan had the audacity to spin him at Slinger Speedway in Wisconsin last week in the fifth round of the Superstar Racing Experience. The NBC Sports IndyCar analyst and former bad boy driver has milked the feud ever since, using Instagram as his preferred platform.

“It's got me watching, looking every time he's posted something new,” said Stewart, who along with fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Ray Evernham is credited with creating SRX.

The six-race series of somewhat randomly collected drivers from various forms of motorsports has entertained America by racing at grassroots short tracks across the country in a two-hour Saturday night show on CBS. The network had nothing to lose since hardly anyone is watching TV on a summer weekend night.

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Friday, Jul. 16, 2021

Tony Stewart was like everyone else in U.S. motorsports this week, frequently checking social media to see Paul Tracy's latest theatrics in a one-sided war against NASCAR golden girl Hailie Deegan.

Tracy has been furious — or could he just be playing the heel in a made-for-TV racing league? — because 19-year-old Deegan had the audacity to spin him at Slinger Speedway in Wisconsin last week in the fifth round of the Superstar Racing Experience. The NBC Sports IndyCar analyst and former bad boy driver has milked the feud ever since, using Instagram as his preferred platform.

“It's got me watching, looking every time he's posted something new,” said Stewart, who along with fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Ray Evernham is credited with creating SRX.

The six-race series of somewhat randomly collected drivers from various forms of motorsports has entertained America by racing at grassroots short tracks across the country in a two-hour Saturday night show on CBS. The network had nothing to lose since hardly anyone is watching TV on a summer weekend night.

Kyle Larson lands extension, full sponsorship through 2023

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Kyle Larson lands extension, full sponsorship through 2023

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 14, 2021

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Rick Hendrick gave Kyle Larson a second chance in NASCAR because Hendrick Motorsports had wanted him in its lineup for years. Now that Hendrick has his man, he has locked Larson down for two more seasons with full sponsorship.

Hendrick on Wednesday told his 93 dealerships that the hottest driver in motorsports has signed a contract extension through 2023 and Larson will be fully sponsored by HendrickCars.com.

It may seem like the sponsorship is all Rick Hendrick’s money anyway, but the sponsorship for 35 races the next two years is paid for from the marketing budget of Hendrick Automotive. The deal is somewhat unprecedented because the website will also sponsor Larson in all his non-NASCAR events with branding on the nose of his dirt cars, helmets, gloves and firesuits.

“My dealerships, the general managers and the employees, they didn't want anyone else on the car,” Hendrick told The Associated Press.

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Wednesday, Jul. 14, 2021

FILE - Car owner Rick Hendrick, right, congratulates Kyle Larson in victory lane after Larson won the NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., in this Sunday, May 30, 2021, file photo. Rick Hendrick gave Kyle Larson a second chance in NASCAR because Hendrick Motorsports had wanted him in its lineup for years. Now that Hendrick has his man, he's locked Larson down for two more seasons with full sponsorship. Hendrick on Wednesday, July 14, told his 93 dealerships that the hottest driver in motorsports signed a contract extension through 2023 and Larson will be fully sponsored by HendrickCars.com. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)

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