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FILE - Kyle Busch waits in his car before practice for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup series Coca-Cola 600 auto race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., Saturday, May 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File, File)

NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell tells Kyle Busch family ‘we got you’ before start of Coca-Cola 600

Steve Reed And Michael Marot, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 6:08 PM CDT

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR CEO Steve O’Donnell honored Kyle Busch's widow, Samantha, and the couple's children, Brexton and Lennix, before the start of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday in an emotional speech.

Standing on the frontstretch at Charlotte Motor Speedway, O'Donnell looked directly at the Busch family and said, "Samantha, I want you to know that this sport stands with you, and that you and your children are NASCAR family forever. And Brexton and Lennix, your dad loved you with all his heart. Everyone gathered here, everyone behind you, everybody watching on TV, and all those people up in that grandstand are your family — and we’ve got you. ”

Tears rolled down Samantha Busch’s cheek as she wrapped her arm tightly around 11-year-old Brexton, an aspiring racer. Both wore black T-shirts that read “Battle of the Busches.”

Busch’s older brother and former Cup Series champion, Kurt, and his parents, Tom and Gaye, also attended the tribute.

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Kimi Antonelli of Italy makes a turn during the Canadian Formula One Grand Prix at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Antonelli claims Canadian GP for fourth straight F1 win after Russell exits

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Antonelli claims Canadian GP for fourth straight F1 win after Russell exits

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: 5:52 PM CDT

MONTREAL - Formula One leader Kimi Antonelli charged to victory in a wild Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday, claiming his fourth-straight race win after teammate George Russell exited due to engine failure.

The title-chasing Mercedes drivers put on a show in a thrilling fight through 30 laps, trading the lead several times and coming dangerously close to making contact, until disaster struck for Russell.

The 28-year-old Brit threw his headrest across the track and slammed his fists into the front of the car before leaving the circuit, whipping his gloves to the ground in rage.

That gave Antonelli a clear path to victory ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who overtook Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for second in a throwback battle with six laps to go under cold and windy conditions at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

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Updated: 5:52 PM CDT

Auto Racing

Mercedes teen star Kimi Antonelli wins the Canadian GP for his 4th straight F1 victory

The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: 6:17 PM CDT

MONTREAL (AP) — Italian teen star Kimi Antonelli charged to his fourth straight Formula 1 victory Sunday in a wild Canadian Grand Prix after Mercedes teammate George Russell was knocked out by an engine failure.

The title-chasing Mercedes drivers put on a show in a thrilling battle through 30 laps, trading the lead several times and coming dangerously close to making contact, until Russell ran into trouble.

That gave the 19-year-old Antonelli a clear path to victory ahead of Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, who overtook Red Bull’s Max Verstappen for second with six laps to go in cold and windy conditions at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

“It was a really fun battle, to be fair, with George. We were pretty much on the limit,” Antonelli said. “It was very close and it was a shame for him to have the failure because it would have been a very cool battle. But we’ll take it.”

Auto Racing

Felix Rosenqvist, foreground, of Sweden, beats David Malukas to the finish line to win the Indianapolis 500 auto race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Sunday, May 24, 2026. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

David Malukas and Pato O’Ward come up short yet again in Indianapolis 500

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

David Malukas and Pato O’Ward come up short yet again in Indianapolis 500

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 7:04 PM CDT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — David Malukas sat in his car trying to replay what just transpired in the Indianapolis 500.

Somehow, he saw Felix Rosenqvist speeding past him in the final yards to win the closet finish in race history. The difference, 0.023 seconds between first and second place, was made even more painful because he left the Brickyard second last year, too.

The 24-year-old Team Penske driver understandably looked devastated in the immediate aftermath. Malukas' father spoke with him on pit lane. His teammate, Scott McLaughlin, stood up and gave Malukas a hug during the postrace news conference. Even the fact he'd moved into second place in the points standings didn't matter.

There was no consolation for losing one of the world's biggest races by half a car length in the final yards.

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Updated: 7:04 PM CDT

Auto Racing

FILE - Katherine Legge (78) is introduced before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race on May 10, 2026, in Watkins Glen, N.Y. (Photo/Adrian Kraus, File)

Katherine Legge looks to salvage day at Coca-Cola 600 after bid to complete racing’s ‘Double’ ends

Michael Marot And Steve Reed, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Katherine Legge looks to salvage day at Coca-Cola 600 after bid to complete racing’s ‘Double’ ends

Michael Marot And Steve Reed, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: 4:53 PM CDT

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Katherine Legge arrived at Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600 looking to salvage a disappointing day with a strong finish at NASCAR's longest race of the season.

Legge's quest to become the first woman to complete “The Double” — racing 1,100 miles spread out over two tracks on one day — ended quickly Sunday when she crashed out in the Indianapolis 500.

The English driver completed just 17 of the scheduled 200 laps at Indianapolis Motor Speedway's iconic 2.5-mile oval before she ran into the car of Ryan Hunter-Reay, knocking both cars out of the race. Hunter-Reay started spinning in the second turn and braked hard to keep his car off the wall, and the trailing Legge steered inside to try to avoid the 2013 Indy 500 winner. But as smoke emerge from both braking cars, Legge's car hit the inside wall.

“I’m fine, just gutted more than anything,” she said after being checked and released at the track's infield medical center. “Ryan spun in front of me, I think he was battling his car for a minute, I was just chilling, trying to save fuel and he spun down the track and started coming up the track, so I tried to go low and just didn’t make it.”

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Updated: 4:53 PM CDT

Auto Racing

Gilles Villeneuve’s helmet, as shown in this handout photo, from his final Formula One race in 1982 has sold for a record US$1.25 million, according to a motorsports memorabilia collector.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout-Hall of Fame Collection (Mandatory Credit)

Helmet worn by Canadian F1 great Gilles Villeneuve sells for record US$1.25M

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Helmet worn by Canadian F1 great Gilles Villeneuve sells for record US$1.25M

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 2 minute read Updated: 12:26 PM CDT

MONTREAL - Gilles Villeneuve’s helmet from his final Formula One race in 1982 has sold for a record US$1.25 million ($1.727 million), according to a motorsports memorabilia collector.

Darren Jack, president and CEO of Hall of Fame Collection based in Burlington, Ont., said his company brokered the sale for the world-record price, exceeding the previous mark of £720,000 (then US$966,449) set by Ayrton Senna’s helmet from the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix, sold last year.

Villeneuve’s helmet had been in a private collection for close to 30 years.

Jack said the late Canadian racing legend wore the helmet for Ferrari at the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, where he finished second after Ferrari teammate Didier Pironi famously overtook him on the final lap despite team orders to slow down.

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Updated: 12:26 PM CDT

Auto Racing

Alex Palou, of Spain, pauses during a photo session before practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Late pass sends Felix Rosenqvist past David Malukas for the closest Indianapolis 500 win in history

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Late pass sends Felix Rosenqvist past David Malukas for the closest Indianapolis 500 win in history

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 6:23 PM CDT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Felix Rosenqvist thought his car was good enough to win the previous four Indianapolis 500s. On Sunday, the 34-year-old Swede finally got to celebrate with a sip of milk.

The difference: He was more focused on being a dad and felt less pressure to reach victory lane.

Rosenqvist responded by making a daring, outside move in the closing yards, sling-shotting past leader David Malukas and across the yard of bricks by half a car-length in the closest race in 500 history and cap the most memorable month of his life.

The 0.023-second victory was his second in 120 career IndyCar starts, his first on an oval and came exactly 20 days after he welcomed his first child, daughter Stella.

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Updated: 6:23 PM CDT

Auto Racing

Mercedes driver George Russell, of the United Kingdom, leads McLaren driver Lando Norris, also of the United Kingdom, as they drive during the sprint race at the Formula One auto racing Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on Saturday, May 23, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe

Russell storms to pole position ahead of Mercedes teammate Antonelli at Canadian GP

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Russell storms to pole position ahead of Mercedes teammate Antonelli at Canadian GP

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:01 PM CDT

MONTREAL - George Russell’s perfect weekend continued Saturday at the Canadian Grand Prix.

Hours after winning the sprint race, Russell charged to the pole position for the third consecutive year as Mercedes locked out the front row for Sunday’s main event.

The 28-year-old Brit appeared off the pace after making a pit stop in the final qualifying segment, then he surged to the top of the leaderboard with a thrilling last-gasp lap around Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

"It is the most exhilarating feeling in the world when it comes last minute, out of nowhere," he screamed over the team radio.

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Updated: Yesterday at 6:01 PM CDT

Auto Racing

Russell clashes with Mercedes teammate Antonelli in Canadian GP sprint win

The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:04 PM CDT

MONTREAL (AP) — George Russell clashed early with Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli in the Canadian Grand Prix sprint race Saturday, sending the teen star into the grass in an entertaining victory from the pole.

Russell — who later took the pole for his Grand Prix title defense Sunday at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve — fended off a pair of attacks from Antonelli on the sixth of 23 laps as the drivers made contact in Turn 1, forcing the 19-year-old Italian into the grass.

“That was very naughty,” a furious Antonelli said in one of several complaints as emotions boiled over on the team radio.

Antonelli — the winner of the last three Grand Prix races — accused Russell of pushing him off before demanding a penalty.

Auto Racing

An in memoriam photo of former driver Kyle Busch is displayed on the video board of the backstretch at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Friday, May 22, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

Somber mood surrounds Coca-Cola 600 as drivers prepare to race three days after Kyle Busch’s death

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Somber mood surrounds Coca-Cola 600 as drivers prepare to race three days after Kyle Busch’s death

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 3:58 PM CDT

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR driver Connor Zilisch found himself in bed scrolling through social media on his phone, growing more depressed with each post he read about Kyle Busch.

For the first time in his life, Zilisch had a hard time getting himself motivated to go to the racetrack.

He’s not the only one grappling with the sudden and tragic death of the sport's 41-year-old superstar.

On Sunday night, 39 Cup Series drivers return to the track for the Coca-Cola 600 just three days after the death of Busch, who had more wins (234) than anyone across NASCAR's three national series.

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Yesterday at 3:58 PM CDT

Auto Racing

Tyler Reddick drives through Turn 2 during the NASCAR All-Star auto race at Dover Motor Speedway, Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Dover, Del. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)

Points leader Tyler Reddick on the pole for Coca-Cola 600 after rain washes out qualifying

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Points leader Tyler Reddick on the pole for Coca-Cola 600 after rain washes out qualifying

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 2:01 PM CDT

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Points leader Tyler Reddick will start on the pole for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway after persistent rain washed out NASCAR Cup Series qualifying on Saturday.

Rain remains in the forecast for Sunday night's crown jewel event.

Reddick’s No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota will start first when the green flag falls on the 400-lap race and will be joined on the front row by the No. 54 Toyota of Ty Gibbs from Joe Gibbs Racing. Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen, Spire Motorsports’ Michael McDowell and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chase Briscoe round out the top five.

Austin Hill will start 13th in the No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, taking the place of Kyle Busch, who died Thursday after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming complications, according to a statement released by his family.

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Yesterday at 2:01 PM CDT

Auto Racing

Mercedes driver George Russell of the United Kingdom drives down the pit lane after taking pole following the sprint qualifying session at the Formula One auto racing Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal on Friday, May 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Mercedes’ Russell fends off Antonelli to win dramatic sprint race at Canadian GP

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Mercedes’ Russell fends off Antonelli to win dramatic sprint race at Canadian GP

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:28 PM CDT

MONTREAL - George Russell clashed with Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli to win a dramatic Canadian Grand Prix sprint race from the pole Saturday and ignite a battle for the Formula One title.

Russell fended off a pair of attacks from Antonelli, the current championship leader, on the sixth of 23 laps as the drivers made contact on Turn 1 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, forcing the 19-year-old Italian into the grass.

“That was very naughty,” a furious Antonelli said in one of several complaints as emotions boiled over on the team radio.

The teenage sensation then snapped, accusing Russell of pushing him off before demanding a penalty.

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Updated: Yesterday at 1:28 PM CDT

Auto Racing

FILE - Kyle Busch waits for the start of a NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race Saturday, June 19, 2021, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)

Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, his family says

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, his family says

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 1:46 PM CDT

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming complications, according to a statement released by his family.

Dakota Hunter, vice president of Kyle Busch Companies, said in a news release the family received the medical evaluation on Saturday.

Busch, a two-time NASCAR champion, died at 41 on Thursday, a day after passing out in a Chevrolet simulator.

Sepsis is considered a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body has an extreme, overactive response to an infection, causing the immune system to damage its own tissues and organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Updated: Yesterday at 1:46 PM CDT

Auto Racing

Ed Carpenter, left, talks with Scott McLaughlin before practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

Scott McLaughlin and Team Penske head into Indianapolis 500 looking to rewrite the 2025 script

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Scott McLaughlin and Team Penske head into Indianapolis 500 looking to rewrite the 2025 script

Michael Marot, The Associated Press 5 minute read Yesterday at 9:50 AM CDT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Scott McLaughlin waited 12 months to erase the worst memory of his life.

He spent the time contemplating the haunting images of a spinning car hitting the wall last May before the race had even started, his hands flapping in anger and the frustration sinking in as he climbed out. All the inconsolable McLaughlin could do was cover his face.

He's not going to blow it Sunday at another sold-out Indianapolis 500.

Instead, McLaughlin intends to take full advantage of a second chance on Indianapolis Motor Speedway's 2.5-mile oval, and he hopes to show everyone what he's learned and how resilient he's become as he tries to write a worst-to-first script.

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Yesterday at 9:50 AM CDT

Auto Racing

FILE - Former F1 driver Alain Prost arrives before the third free practice at the Monaco racetrack in Monaco, May 25, 2024, ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix Formula One race. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

Former F1 champion Alain Prost reportedly injured as police investigate robbery at family home

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Former F1 champion Alain Prost reportedly injured as police investigate robbery at family home

The Associated Press 2 minute read Yesterday at 6:52 AM CDT

NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss police are investigating an alleged robbery amid reports that four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost was injured during a home invasion.

Swiss tabloid Blick reported late Friday that the 71-year-old Prost sustained a head injury from intruders who forced his son to open a safe during the incident Tuesday morning.

“The perpetrators entered the residence while the occupants were present, threatened them, and forced one family member to open a safe before fleeing with the stolen goods,” the public prosecutor’s office said in a statement. “Despite the extensive search operation launched, the perpetrators have not yet been apprehended at this stage.”

The police, who did not name the victim, said “several” balaclava-wearing intruders “broke into the house. Once inside, they threatened the occupants and inflicted minor head injuries upon one family member, under circumstances that remain to be established. The perpetrators then forced another family member to open a safe before making their escape with stolen items, a precise inventory of which is currently being compiled.”

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Yesterday at 6:52 AM CDT

Auto Racing

Mercedes’ George Russell takes pole for F1 sprint race at Canadian Grand Prix

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, May. 22, 2026

MONTREAL (AP) — George Russell took the pole Friday for the sprint race Saturday at the Canadian Grand Prix, with Mercedes teammate and Formula 1 points leader Kimi Antonelli second on the starting grid.

Russell, set to defend his Montreal title Sunday, had a fast lap of 1 minute, 12.965 seconds in qualifying for the first sprint race in Montreal. The 28-year-old English driver is coming off a fourth-place finish at the Miami Grand Prix.

“I never doubted myself. I knew what I can do,” Russell said. “Miami was obviously a bit unique. This is an amazing circuit here, high grip, feels like you’re driving a proper Formula 1 car around here, which is how it should be and I’m glad today it came together.”

F1 introduced sprints in 2021. The shortened races cover roughly 60 miles (100 kilometers), about a third of the distance of a Grand Prix event, for a maximum of eight points. A Grand Prix victory is worth 25.

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