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FILE - NASCAR president Steve Phelps announces the inductees to the 2025 NASCAR Hall of Fame class, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps resigns after inflammatory texts revealed in trial

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:16 PM CST

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The fallout from NASCAR's federal antitrust trial continued into the new year as NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps on Tuesday announced his resignation after more than 20 years with the top racing series in the United States.

His resignation comes after last month's trial in which inflammatory texts Phelps sent during contentious revenue-sharing negotiations were revealed. Phelps will leave the company at the end of the month, ahead of the start of the first exhibition race of the season on Feb. 1.

He was named NASCAR’s first commissioner last season after a courting process for the same role by the PGA golf tour. The opportunity with the PGA was revealed during December testimony of the antitrust trial brought by two race teams against NASCAR and Phelps testified he pulled out of consideration for that role upon the NASCAR promotion from president.

The top executive at NASCAR was deeply bruised during the trial — and the discovery process leading into it — when communications he exchanged with his leadership team was exposed. In one exchange, Phelps called Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress “a stupid redneck” who “needs to be taken out back and flogged.”

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NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps resigns after over 20 years with the organization

The Associated Press 1 minute read Yesterday at 9:05 AM CST

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps resigns after over 20 years with the organization.

US driver Guthrie wins first major Dakar Rally stage and takes overall lead

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

US driver Guthrie wins first major Dakar Rally stage and takes overall lead

The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 8:26 AM CST

ALULA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Mitch Guthrie won his first major Dakar Rally stage and led overall for the first time after a stunning second half drive in the Saudi desert on Tuesday.

Guthrie wasn't among the fastest cars until the checkpoint 167 kilometers into the 421-kilometer loop outside AlUla but was up front from that point and led without peer after 300 kilometers.

The American won by 2 1/2 minutes from Czech Martin Prokop. Guy Botterill, who was running ninth with 100 kilometers to go, crashed the party in third place. Prokop and fifth-placed Cristina Gutiérrez achieved their best major stage results in their 11th and 10th Dakars respectively.

“Best day ever,” Guthrie said. “I wasn’t expecting it, we just had a really clean day.”

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Yesterday at 8:26 AM CST

Driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Edouard Boulanger compete during the third stage of the Dakar Rally with a start and finish in Alula, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Driver Sebastien Loeb and co-driver Edouard Boulanger compete during the third stage of the Dakar Rally with a start and finish in Alula, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

A deadly plane crash, a burning home and a tense trial add up in NASCAR’s offseason of heartbreak

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

A deadly plane crash, a burning home and a tense trial add up in NASCAR’s offseason of heartbreak

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The new year began with a celebration of life for Emma Biffle, the 14-year-old daughter of one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers who was among seven people killed when Greg Biffle’s plane crashed just a week before Christmas.

The service Sunday was standing room only as the performing arts center in suburban Cornelius wasn't large enough to accommodate the turnout from the racing community and Davidson Day, the private school where many sent their children alongside Emma.

The heartbreaking memorial to a teenager lost in a tragic accident capped a month of sorrow for NASCAR with a new season just weeks away. The grieving isn't over, either, far from it.

It's not like the 2025 season ended on the highest note: Denny Hamlin was again denied his first Cup Series championship on a late sequence of events in the season finale that gave the title to Kyle Larson. When Larson was done with his post-race news conference, there was a toast in honor of Jon Edwards, a Hendrick Motorsports communications executive and mentor to many who died unexpectedly in April, a loss felt all season.

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Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

Flowers are displayed at the NC Auto Racing Walk of Fame for Greg Biffle, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Mooresville, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)
Flowers are displayed at the NC Auto Racing Walk of Fame for Greg Biffle, Friday, Dec. 19, 2025, in Mooresville, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

Perez says being Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull was ‘the worst job in F1’

The Associated Press 2 minute read Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Sergio “Checo” Pérez says being a teammate of Max Verstappen was "the worst job there is in Formula 1."

Pérez was beside Verstappen for four years at Red Bull before being dropped at the end of 2024 with two years left in his contract. Pérez is returning to F1 this year with new team Cadillac.

“I was on the best team but it was complicated because being Max’s teammate at Red Bull is the worst job there is in F1. I knew what I was up against,” Pérez told a podcast with Oswaldo Trava that was posted on YouTube on Sunday.

“At Red Bull everything was a problem; if I was faster than Max it was a problem, a very tense atmosphere was created; it was a problem if you were faster than Max," Pérez said. “If you were too slow and Max was slow then everything was a problem.”

Quintero wins Dakar Rally second stage and Al-Attiyah takes overall lead

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Quintero wins Dakar Rally second stage and Al-Attiyah takes overall lead

The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

ALULA, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Seth Quintero won the second stage of the Dakar Rally and missed out by seconds on taking the overall lead on Monday.

Meanwhile, motorbike defending champion Daniel Sanders dominated the 400-kilometer special from Yanbu across the Hedjaz Mountains to AlUla to win the stage and replace KTM teammate Edgar Canet as the overall leader.

Quintero, 18th on stage one, found the second more to his liking. The American driver took the lead by the 143-kilometer waypoint and after four hours won by 1 minute, 42 seconds from Toyota Gazoo teammmate Henk Lategan, the Dakar runner-up last year. A third teammate, Toby Price, was fourth.

“If you're battling your teammates for a win then you're having a good day,” Quintero said. “We're in a good way. We've done a lot of strategizing so if I can have an okay day tomorrow and be in mid pack at the start of the marathon (on Wednesday) then I'll be a happy camper.”

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Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

Rider Daniel Sanders drives beside camels during the second stage of the Dakar Rally between Yanbu and Alula, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Rider Daniel Sanders drives beside camels during the second stage of the Dakar Rally between Yanbu and Alula, Saudi Arabia, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Cadillac hires Zhou Guanyu as reserve driver for its debut F1 season

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Cadillac hires Zhou Guanyu as reserve driver for its debut F1 season

The Associated Press 2 minute read Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

SILVERSTONE, England (AP) — New Formula 1 team Cadillac made another experienced hire Monday with the choice of former Sauber driver Zhou Guanyu as its reserve.

The only driver from China in F1 history, Shanghai-born Zhou hasn't raced since 2024 but spent last season as reserve with Ferrari, which is supplying engines and gearboxes for Cadillac's debut season. That means he brings “relevant and recent experience” to Cadillac, the team said.

Zhou will be the backup to Cadillac's even more experienced pairing of Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez, who have a combined 16 wins and 527 starts between them.

"We wanted a candidate who had recent F1 driving experience, is prepared to work hard as part of a team and understands the challenges of developing a car throughout the season," team principal Graeme Lowdon said in a statement.

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Monday, Jan. 5, 2026

FILE - Ferrari driver Zhou Guanyu takes a selfie before the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix race at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, China, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, file)
FILE - Ferrari driver Zhou Guanyu takes a selfie before the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix race at the Shanghai International Circuit, Shanghai, China, Sunday, March 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, file)

De Mévius wins Dakar Rally stage one with amputee Baumel

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

De Mévius wins Dakar Rally stage one with amputee Baumel

The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

YANBU, Saudi Arabia (AP) — Belgian driver Guillaume de Mévius came through under the radar to win stage one of the Dakar Rally on Sunday.

De Mevius’ tracking beacon went silent for a large portion of the 305-kilometer loop around Yanbu and he unexpectedly won the stage by 40 seconds from five-time champion Nasser Al Attiyah.

The stage win was also a triumph for de Mévius' navigator Mathieu Baumel, whose right leg was amputated almost a year ago when he was hit by a car while offering roadside assistance in his native France. Baumel is wearing a prosthetic leg. He helped Al Attiyah win four Dakars and paired with de Mévius at last year's Dakar for the first time.

Edgar Canet won the motorbike stage after Ross Branch was penalized six minutes for speeding and was dropped from first place to seventh.

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Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026

Driver Seth Quintero and co-driver Andrew Short compete during the first stage of the Dakar Rally in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
Driver Seth Quintero and co-driver Andrew Short compete during the first stage of the Dakar Rally in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon receives a knighthood from New Zealand

Steve Mcmorran, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon receives a knighthood from New Zealand

Steve Mcmorran, The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon was awarded a knighthood Wednesday in New Zealand's New Year honors list.

“I’ve been called a lot of things, but I never thought that ‘Sir’ was going to be one of them," Dixon said. "That was kind of crazy. Totally out of the blue ... You automatically go back to the start like the first time driving a go-kart and then all the rest of the memories happened at warp speed.”

Scott Ronald Glyndwr Dixon, now a Knight Commander of the New Zealand Order of Merit, was born in Australia to New Zealand-born parents who later returned to live in Auckland.

Dixon, who won the Indianapolis 500 in 2008, received the knighthood for services to motor sport. He was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2024.

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Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

FILE - Scott Dixon celebrates winning the IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix auto race in Detroit, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)
FILE - Scott Dixon celebrates winning the IndyCar Detroit Grand Prix auto race in Detroit, Sunday, June 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)

Father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin dies after house fire, mother critically injured

Gary D. Robertson And Adrian Sainz, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin dies after house fire, mother critically injured

Gary D. Robertson And Adrian Sainz, The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The father of NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin died and his mother was critically injured after a weekend fire heavily damaged the North Carolina home where they lived, officials said Monday.

Firefighters arrived Sunday night at a two-story home near Stanley that was mostly engulfed in fire, with flames showing through the attic, the Gaston County Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services said in a news release.

Dennis Hamlin, 75, and Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, were found outside the home, suffering from catastrophic injuries, officials said. Dennis Hamlin later died from his injuries at a hospital, officials said.

Mary Lou Hamlin was taken to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Burn Center in Winston-Salem, where she was being treated Monday, officials said.

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Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025

FILE - Denny Hamlin looks on prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)
FILE - Denny Hamlin looks on prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

NASCAR’s Brad Keselowski breaks leg in skiing accident, expected to recover for Daytona 500

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

NASCAR’s Brad Keselowski breaks leg in skiing accident, expected to recover for Daytona 500

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, a former series champion who is now co-owner of RFK Racing, broke his right leg while on a ski trip, the team announced Friday.

Keselowski underwent surgery Thursday and doctors have told him to expect a quick recovery that will have him back for the season-opening Daytona 500 in February. He is winless in 16 starts in the showcase race as he enters the final years of his driving career.

“Life has a way of reminding you to slow down,” Keselowski posted on social media with photos of him in the hospital surrounded by his wife and children, an image of the break, and video of him using a walker. “Grateful for my family by my side, an excellent medical team, and the ability to take a few steps forward today. Focused on Daytona. Bonus — I'm now bionic!”

Keselowski did not reveal the extent of his injury, or what bones are broken.

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Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

FILE - Brad Keselowski is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)
FILE - Brad Keselowski is introduced to fans prior to a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, May 25, 2025, in Concord, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

NASCAR mourns the loss of Greg Biffle, family in tragic plane crash in North Carolina

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

NASCAR mourns the loss of Greg Biffle, family in tragic plane crash in North Carolina

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Greg Biffle was picked by NASCAR as one of its top 75 drivers in history. He was a Hall of Fame nominee for the stock car series and he drove for 18 years at the top of the sport.

Yet for all the races and the handful of memorable wins, he is perhaps best remembered for his selfless and tireless work helping others as a helicopter pilot supplying aid a year ago in the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.

Biffle loved flying and he was in the air again Thursday, aboard a small jet that crashed at the Statesville airport north of Charlotte, authorities said. He was believed to be among seven people killed, including his wife and two children. He was 55. 

“This tragedy has left all of our families heartbroken beyond words,” said a joint statement released on behalf of the victims. "Greg and Cristina were devoted parents and active philanthropists whose lives were centered around their young son Ryder and Greg’s daughter Emma. Emma was a wonderful human being with a kind soul who was loved by many people. Ryder was an active, curious and infinitely joyful child.”

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Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025

FILE - Greg Biffle smiles along pit row during qualifying for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, in Hampton, Ga. (AP Photo/David Tulis, File)
FILE - Greg Biffle smiles along pit row during qualifying for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series auto race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, in Hampton, Ga. (AP Photo/David Tulis, File)

Portugal to host F1 in 2027 and 2028 replacing Dutch GP

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Portugal to host F1 in 2027 and 2028 replacing Dutch GP

The Associated Press 2 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

PARIS (AP) — Portugal will return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2027 and 2028, replacing the Dutch Grand Prix.

The Algarve International Circuit near Portimão previously hosted F1 in 2020 and 2021 during the coronavirus pandemic.

The two-year deal brings the series back to Portugal after a six-year absence.

“The circuit delivers on-track excitement from the first corner to the checkered flag, and its energy lifts fans out of their seats," F1 president Stefano Domenicali said on Tuesday. "I look forward to working together again to ensure that Portimão returns to the calendar in emphatic style.”

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Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025

FILE - Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain jumps out of his car after his record breaking 92nd win at the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. (Jorge Guerrero, Pool via AP, File)
FILE - Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain jumps out of his car after his record breaking 92nd win at the Formula One Portuguese Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimao, Portugal, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020. (Jorge Guerrero, Pool via AP, File)

New ownership group takes over Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanvile, Ont.

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

New ownership group takes over Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanvile, Ont.

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025

BOWMANVILLE - Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has been purchased by a new ownership group.

The new group is led by Peter Thomson with Chris Pfaff and Alek Krstajic as partners.

CTMP is a multi-track motorsport facility outside Bowmanville, Ont., that opened in 1961.

“Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is a place with deep heritage and a loyal community," said Pfaff in a statement. "Our team is proud to be its next steward. We’re committed to respecting everything that makes CTMP special today, while building the foundation for an elevated experience in the years ahead."

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Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, a multi-track motorsport facility about 100 km east of Toronto, has been purchased by a new ownership group. An aerial view of the CTMP event centre is seen in an undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - CTMP (Mandatory Credit)
Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, a multi-track motorsport facility about 100 km east of Toronto, has been purchased by a new ownership group. An aerial view of the CTMP event centre is seen in an undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout - CTMP (Mandatory Credit)

F1 teams and FIA sign new Concorde Agreement to govern the sport

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

F1 teams and FIA sign new Concorde Agreement to govern the sport

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

LONDON (AP) — Formula 1, its teams and the FIA governing body have signed a new Concorde Agreement to govern how the sport is run through 2030.

The new governance agreement announced Friday was signed by all 11 teams, including Cadillac, which is heading into its first season in 2026.

No details were made public but the FIA signaled it would be able to “invest further in improved race regulation, race direction, stewarding and technical expertise for the benefit of the championship."

The announcement came on the same day that FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem was re-elected unopposed for a new four-year term. The commercial part of the new agreement was already signed in March.

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Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car followed by McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain during the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands steers his car followed by McLaren driver Lando Norris of Britain during the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem re-elected unopposed after rivals dispute rules

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem re-elected unopposed after rivals dispute rules

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

PARIS (AP) — Mohammed Ben Sulayem was re-elected unopposed Friday as president of auto racing governing body the FIA, after a campaign overshadowed by allegations from his rivals that election rules unfairly kept them off the ballot.

Ben Sulayem's new four-year term, rubber-stamped at the FIA general assembly in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, continues a tenure that has included disagreements with Formula 1 drivers and a high rate of staff turnover at the governing body.

“Thank you to all our FIA members for voting in remarkable numbers and placing your trust in me once again," the former rally driver from the United Arab Emirates said in a statement. “We have overcome many obstacles but here today, together, we are stronger than ever.”

The FIA said Ben Sulayem's presidency had seen stronger finances and ”greater transparency, accountability and professional standards."

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Friday, Dec. 12, 2025

FILE - Mohammed Ben Sulayem. FIA President visits the starting grid before the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar, on Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File)
FILE - Mohammed Ben Sulayem. FIA President visits the starting grid before the Qatar Formula One Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar, on Dec. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic, File)

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