Auto Racing

Auto Racing

Driver Riley Herbst won’t race at Daytona because of ‘lingering effects’ from crash

The Associated Press 1 minute read 4:45 PM CDT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Riley Herbst won't compete in the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday night because of “lingering effects” from a crash last weekend.

His team, 23XI Racing, made the announcement hours before the 400-mile race and said Harrison Burton will replace Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota.

Herbst qualified fifth Friday, but Burton will have to start at the back of the field because of the driver change.

“After a strong effort in qualifying (Friday), Riley Herbst woke up with lingering effects from last weekend’s incident and, along with the team, decided it was in his best interest to step out of the car for (Saturday's) race at Daytona International Speedway,” 23XI Racing said.

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Arts & Entertainment

FILE - Tom Cruise arrives at the Warner Bros. presentation at CinemaCon on April 14, 2026, at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

Tom Cruise announces a follow-up film to ‘Days of Thunder’ to hit theaters in 2028

Mark Long, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Tom Cruise announces a follow-up film to ‘Days of Thunder’ to hit theaters in 2028

Mark Long, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 6:44 PM CDT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Tom Cruise stood up from his chair in front of 40 race-car drivers, jumped over a row of potted plants and directly onto a stage.

It was his first of many stunts to come at Daytona International Speedway.

The 64-year-old Cruise announced Saturday he will reprise his role as NASCAR driver Cole Trickle in a follow-up to “Days of Thunder.” He waved the green flag on it hours before the Cup Series' regular-season finale at Daytona and then showed up for the pre-race drivers' meeting.

“It’s not just about racing,” Cruise told the packed room that included NASCAR executives, fans, corporate sponsors and military personnel. "It’s about the community and the people here. There’s something very special about racers and the whole community. It’s a culture, and I was very proud to be able to reflect that in the first ‘Days of Thunder,’ and I am honored to share it with the world. ...

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Updated: 6:44 PM CDT

Auto Racing

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain holds the trophy after winning the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)

Lando Norris locks in his long-term F1 future at McLaren with contract extension to at least 2030

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Lando Norris locks in his long-term F1 future at McLaren with contract extension to at least 2030

The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: 11:03 AM CDT

LONDON (AP) — Defending world champion Lando Norris has extended his contract with McLaren until at least the end of 2030, the F1 team said Saturday.

McLaren said the new deal features “a multi-year option to commit beyond that date.”

Financial terms were not announced. The Press Association news agency said the British driver's new contract could be worth up to $35 million a year.

The 26-year-old Norris secured McLaren’s first drivers’ title last year since Lewis Hamilton won his first championship in 2008.

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Updated: 11:03 AM CDT

Auto Racing

FILE - Ross Chastain is introduced to the crowd before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Steven Senne,File)

Ross Chastain wins the pole for NASCAR’s regular-season finale at Daytona

Mark Long, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Ross Chastain wins the pole for NASCAR’s regular-season finale at Daytona

Mark Long, The Associated Press 2 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:27 PM CDT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Ross Chastain took the pole Friday for NASCAR's regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway.

Chastain covered the 2 1/2-mile superspeedway in 48.808 seconds, five-hundredths of a second faster than Chris Buescher in the second and final round of qualifying.

“It's almost indescribable," Chastain said. “This is a life achievement. This is a moment I will never forget.”

Chastain, who already has been eliminated from playoff contention, and Buescher will share the front row in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday night. Buescher is already locked into the 16-car postseason field.

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Updated: Yesterday at 6:27 PM CDT

Auto Racing

Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing driver Chris Buescher (17) and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Ty Gibbs (54) battle in turn one during Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Richmond Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)

Brad Keselowski in need of ‘a miracle’ in NASCAR’s regular-season finale at Daytona

Mark Long, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Brad Keselowski in need of ‘a miracle’ in NASCAR’s regular-season finale at Daytona

Mark Long, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 4:56 PM CDT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Brad Keselowski needs “a miracle” at Daytona International Speedway to make the Cup Series playoffs.

A more likely scenario: his teammate at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, Ryan Preece, eking into the postseason with a strong showing at NASCAR’s home track Saturday night.

“My car needs like a miracle,” said Keselowski, the 2012 series champion.

Added Preece: “I just think about trying to win stages and win the race. … There’s a lot of unknowns right now and trying to be as prepared as possible.”

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Yesterday at 4:56 PM CDT

Auto Racing

Alpine driver Franco Colapinto of Argentina in action during the qualifying for the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)

Franco Colapinto is staying in F1 with confirmation he’ll partner Gasly at Alpine for 2027

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Franco Colapinto is staying in F1 with confirmation he’ll partner Gasly at Alpine for 2027

The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

ENSTONE, England (AP) — Franco Colapinto's most successful Formula 1 season yet has been rewarded with a confirmation that he will stay with Alpine for the 2027 season.

Alpine said Thursday that the Argentine driver will remain teammates with Pierre Gasly, who signed an extension through 2028 last year.

“I feel very happy and very settled here and it’s been even better that we have made significant progress this year compared to last," Colapinto said. "We have a lot more milestones to reach and I know the team is working so hard in finding performance and making the car better and better.”

Colapinto is 12th in the championship and recorded a career-best race finish of sixth at the Canadian Grand Prix in May, though his tally of 19 points is less than half of Gasly's 44.

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Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026

Auto Racing

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy, left, and McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain lead at the second start during the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Madring declared ready for its first F1 Spanish Grand Prix after conclusion of F3 tests

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Madring declared ready for its first F1 Spanish Grand Prix after conclusion of F3 tests

Tales Azzoni, The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

MADRID (AP) — The new Madring circuit debuting this season in Formula One has been deemed ready for its inaugural race after successfully hosting tests with the lower-tiered F3 cars this week.

Organizers said Madring “is ready for the Spanish Grand Prix” on Sept. 13 following two days of running that included several red flags for drivers going off track at the new hybrid circuit.

One driver said it is “the most adrenaline-fueled circuit of the entire season,” while another compared sections of the new track to the circuits on the streets of Monaco and Macau.

A total of 30 drivers and 10 teams raced Monday and Tuesday at the brand-new 5.4-kilometer (3.3-mile) track set around exhibition halls near Madrid’s main airport. The track features a mix of existing roads in the Spanish capital and purpose-built sections.

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Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026

Auto Racing

Alpine driver Franco Colapinto of Argentina in action during the first free practice for the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Friday, Aug. 21, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

FIA condemns ‘harassment’ after social media abuse of F1 stewards

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

FIA condemns ‘harassment’ after social media abuse of F1 stewards

The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026

PARIS (AP) — The governing body for Formula 1, the FIA, has condemned “harassment and disrespect” in abusive social media comments about race stewards following the Dutch Grand Prix.

The FIA's statement Tuesday didn't highlight any specific incidents or comments, but it follows a social media backlash from fans of Alpine driver Franco Colapinto, who received two penalties from the stewards in Sunday's race.

“Online abuse, harassment and disrespect have no place in our sport,” the FIA posted on X alongside a statement from the United Against Online Abuse group it founded.

“Following the Dutch Grand Prix, FIA stewards were targeted with online abuse after applying sporting penalties in line with FIA regulations,” the statement said. “The United Against Online Abuse coalition condemns all forms of abuse and harassment. Disagreement with decisions is part of sport, but it must never justify threats or personal attacks.”

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Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026

Auto Racing

FILE - Austin Hill is introduced to the crowd before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Aug. 23, 2026, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Steven Senne, File)

Austin Hill to race full time in NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing in 2027

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Austin Hill to race full time in NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing in 2027

The Associated Press 2 minute read Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

WELCOME, N.C. (AP) — Austin Hill will drive the No. 33 Chevrolet on a full-time basis in the NASCAR Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing beginning next season, the team announced Monday.

Hill has run 15 Cup races this season but has failed to register a top 10 finish.

However, he has 16 wins over the past five seasons driving RCR's No. 21 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He has qualified for the Chase in each of those five seasons.

“Austin Hill is a talented race car driver and his continued growth, work ethic and success across multiple levels of NASCAR competition have positioned him for his next step with RCR,” chairman and CEO Richard Childress said. “He’s put a tremendous amount of effort into his career, especially this year with everything he’s taken on. We’ve watched Austin grow as a driver and as a person, and we’re proud to have him continue that growth with RCR in the NASCAR Cup Series.”

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Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Auto Racing

Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin (11) pit crew goes over the wall during Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway, Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026, in Richmond Va. (AP Photo/Robert Simmons)

As Chase’s top seed, Denny Hamlin is optimistic about NASCAR title bid against surging Team Penske

Nate Ryan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

As Chase’s top seed, Denny Hamlin is optimistic about NASCAR title bid against surging Team Penske

Nate Ryan, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Heading into the NASCAR Chase, Denny Hamlin is feeling good about his “bad” days.

By his high standards for the No. 11 Toyota, middling performances might be enough for the Joe Gibbs Racing star to capture his first Cup Series championship.

With a seventh place Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Hamlin clinched the top seed in the 10-race title run that will begin next month at Darlington Raceway.

“These are our bad days,” Hamlin said after rebounding from a pit-stop problem and narrowly missing a crash on the opening lap. “I feel good about where our team is right now. Everyone is kind of clicking well, and we don’t have a whole lot of weaknesses.”

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Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Auto Racing

McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain reacts after winning the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Post)

Lando Norris says his car isn’t good enough for F1 title shot but McLaren could fix that

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Lando Norris says his car isn’t good enough for F1 title shot but McLaren could fix that

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — Lando Norris says he doesn't yet have a car capable of vying for the Formula 1 title despite back-to-back Grand Prix wins but he could “win every race” remaining this season if McLaren manages to solve its biggest vulnerability.

The F1 defending champion boosted his title chances with victory at the Dutch GP on Sunday after a daring pass on standings leader Kimi Antonelli in the process.

“I know I’ve just won two races in a row and had two poles in a row, but at the minute I don’t have the car I need to fight for a championship,” Norris said after the race. He added that the right changes to target McLaren's troubles in slow-speed corners could set him up to chase down Mercedes driver Antonelli.

“We’re very, very strong in high-speed (corners), and that’s the place we’ve improved the car the most ... No one matches us in high speed, and that’s a good thing,” Norris said.

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Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Auto Racing

Daniel Suarez (7) makes his way through Turn 1 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Ryan Blaney wins second consecutive NASCAR Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Ryan Blaney wins second consecutive NASCAR Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway

The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — Ryan Blaney and his team wound up making the most of a major mistake Sunday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

The Team Penske star just needed a moment to vent on his team radio about a pit crew blunder before charging from 17th to first for his second consecutive NASCAR Cup Series win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“Whenever I say those things after something bad happens, it’s my relief valve,” Blaney said about scolding his team with an expletive. “I have to get it out in the open, or I’ll be stewing over it a while. That’s how I have to get over things. I wish I wasn’t that way, but I’d rather it be that way than have it be in the back of my mind the rest of the race, not thinking of the main goal. It takes me five or 10 seconds to move on.”

After shaking it off, Blaney recovered to lead the final 74 laps on the 1.058-mile oval, fending off runner-up Bubba Wallace by 0.586 seconds.

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Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

Auto Racing

Kyle Kirkwood (27) makes a pit stop for gas during the IndyCar Freedom 250 Grand Prix auto race in Washington, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Kirkwood gives the Freedom 250 an American winner on the streets of downtown Washington

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Kirkwood gives the Freedom 250 an American winner on the streets of downtown Washington

Noah Trister, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

WASHINGTON (AP) — On the streets of downtown Washington, an American led almost the whole way.

Kyle Kirkwood raced to his second victory of the IndyCar season Sunday, dominating the Freedom 250 in his No. 27 Honda. Kirkwood crossed the finish line in front of the U.S. Capitol 3.09 seconds ahead of Christian Lundgaard, after leading for 128 of a possible 147 laps.

“This likely is the most satisfying win that I’ve had, just the magnitude of it. This one and my first are pretty similar,” said Kirkwood, who now has seven career IndyCar victories. “When you think about the magnitude, what this means, having this race here in D.C., being the Freedom 250, as an American, it might top the first win for me.”

The race was set up as part of the country’s 250th birthday celebration. President Donald Trump gave drivers the green flag at the start and District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser served as grand marshal.

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Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

Auto Racing

Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Italy waves for the podium after taking the seond place at the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff defends ordering Russell to give up 2nd place to Antonelli

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff defends ordering Russell to give up 2nd place to Antonelli

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — Mercedes boss Toto Wolff defended the use of team orders in the Formula 1 title fight after George Russell protested when he was asked to give up second place in the Dutch Grand Prix to teammate Kimi Antonelli.

Over team radio, Russell questioned the call to let Antonelli past in the final stages of Sunday's race, suggesting it left him vulnerable to Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton behind with little to gain for the team. Antonelli was on fresher tires but eventual winner Lando Norris was far ahead.

Russell, who held off Hamilton to keep third, relented after the race and said his teammate and title rival Antonelli “deserved to finish ahead."

“Team orders are always harsh from one driver’s perspective,” Mercedes team principal Wolff said, arguing that not swapping positions would have left both drivers a target for Hamilton. “We’re not losing time with each other if there are competitors breathing down our neck. We’ve seen it with the Ferraris at the beginning of the year in Shanghai, you just lose so much race time, you risk losing more points.”

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Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

Auto Racing

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands in action during sprint race at the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Dutch Grand Prix sees a potential path back to F1 amid Middle East uncertainty

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Dutch Grand Prix sees a potential path back to F1 amid Middle East uncertainty

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

The Dutch Grand Prix is bidding goodbye to Formula 1 on Sunday but its organizers say it could potentially "serve as an alternative venue” in the future amid continuing uncertainty over next year's schedule.

Already this year, the security situation in the Middle East following the outbreak of the Iran war has meant Bahrain's race was moved to Malaysia and the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix was canceled.

F1 has indicated at least one extra event in Europe if the season-ending races in Qatar and Abu Dhabi can't take place as planned. One likely candidate could be the Imola circuit in Italy. There are more question marks over how the four contracted Middle East races could be included in the 2027 schedule.

“Circuit Zandvoort could serve as an alternative venue in the future if another Grand Prix were unable to take place due to geopolitical circumstances, for example. The circuit’s FIA Grade 1 license will remain valid for another three years,” the Dutch Grand Prix organization told The Associated Press in a statement Saturday.

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Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

Auto Racing

Mercedes driver George Russell of Britain, left, atlks to McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain after the qualifying for the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort , Netherlands, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

Lando Norris wins F1’s Dutch Grand Prix after a daring pass on Kimi Antonelli

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Lando Norris wins F1’s Dutch Grand Prix after a daring pass on Kimi Antonelli

James Ellingworth, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (AP) — Lando Norris had a clear message for his Formula 1 rivals after a spectacular race-winning pass on standings leader Kimi Antonelli. Write off his title defense at your peril.

“This fight is still on,” Norris said over team radio after winning the Dutch Grand Prix for back-to-back F1 victories and a trophy presented by the King of the Netherlands.

Norris asked his McLaren team to “just keep bringing upgrades (to the car), just keep bringing performance please" as he eyes an 83-point gap to Antonelli.

Max Verstappen nearly reeled in a similarly vast lead last year as Norris held on by just two points. Now the British driver is the hunter.

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Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

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