I Dig Sports
Dodgers stay hungry, say '25 'a unique challenge'
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Five years ago, Mookie Betts stood in the middle of a clubhouse here and introduced himself to new Los Angeles Dodgers teammates by basically telling them they needed to master the details in February if they wanted to hoist the trophy in October.
On Tuesday, at the unofficial start of a season in which the Dodgers will face immense expectations, Betts relayed a similar message.
"We can't keep thinking about being champions again," Betts said on the day many of the Dodgers' players underwent their preseason physical exams. "We haven't even played Game 1. We have to take care of spring training, and then when Game 1 comes, then Game 1 comes. But we can't keep talking about the World Series."
It wasn't long ago that the Dodgers resembled something like a Greek tragedy -- continually fielding star-studded rosters and dominating regular seasons, only to absorb massive disappointment in the playoffs. That all changed last fall, when one of the Dodgers' most injury-ravaged rosters overcame the deep San Diego Padres, dispatched the plucky New York Mets and made quick work of the sloppy New York Yankees to capture the franchise's first title since 2020 -- and its first in a full season since 1988.
The Dodgers followed by doubling down on what was already one of the most decorated rosters in baseball history, guaranteeing close to $400 million to nine players: Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Teoscar Hernandez, Michael Conforto, Kirby Yates, Hyeseong Kim, Roki Sasaki, Enrique Hernandez and Clayton Kershaw, the latter expected to be official by Wednesday.
The Dodgers' competitive balance tax payroll for 2025 projects to be in the neighborhood of $385 million, according to Spotrac, about $65 million more than the second-place Mets. Through it all, they've become the target of complaints about the state of the sport. Owners have held up the Dodgers' financial capabilities in their push for a salary cap. Fans have bemoaned their use of deferrals -- most notably with Shohei Ohtani, who earmarked $680 million for his retirement -- to get deals done. Executives have chastised the Sasaki recruitment process, believing his signing with the Dodgers to be an inevitability.
"People are always going to find something to complain about," Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy said. "We're just trying to take care of our business and put ourselves in a good spot to make the postseason."
Major League Baseball has not had a repeat champion since the Yankees won their third in a row in 2000, but the Dodgers have a good chance. Baseball Prospectus' PECOTA, which runs thousands of simulations to project win totals for the upcoming season, has the Dodgers at 104 victories in 2025, at least 11 more than any other team.
The reasons are obvious. The Dodgers' rotation -- featuring Snell, Sasaki, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow and, eventually, Ohtani and Kershaw -- is among the best in the sport at full strength. Their lineup -- with Ohtani, Betts, Freddie Freeman, Teoscar Hernandez, Muncy, Will Smith, Conforto and Tommy Edman making up eight spots, possibly in that order -- is one of the fiercest in history. And their bullpen, already a strength, has added Scott and Yates to a group featuring Michael Kopech, Blake Treinen, Evan Phillips and Alex Vesia, among others. If dynasties are still possible in an unpredictable sport with an ever-expanding postseason field, the Dodgers seem primed to become one. But it's not something their players want to publicly embrace.
Their own playoff failures have taught them that.
"The thing about this sport is, it doesn't matter what kind of roster you have -- time after time, teams have shown that you get into the playoffs, anything can happen," Muncy said. "You look at the Diamondbacks a couple years ago, they made it to the World Series with [84] wins. And technically, they improved last year -- they had 89 wins -- and they didn't even make the playoffs.
"It's one of those things where, all you have to do is get into the postseason and anything can happen in this sport. You can have the best player in the world in this sport, and he can't always take over like in other sports, where if you have the best player on the court in the NBA, he's going to take over a game for the most part. It's not so much that way in baseball. That's why it's always a unique challenge trying to get to the World Series."
And so, Dodgers players spent a lot of their time Tuesday dismissing questions about dynasty-building and chasing the all-time regular-season wins record -- 116, set by the 1906 Chicago Cubs and the 2001 Seattle Mariners -- and instead talked about the importance of maintaining their edge.
The Dodgers won't host their first full-squad workout until Saturday, but the majority of their infielders -- minus Freeman, who is back in L.A. going through the final stages of rehabilitating his surgically repaired right ankle -- have spent the better part of the past two weeks taking ground balls at Camelback Ranch. The same can be said for the majority of their pitchers, who have started their throwing programs early in anticipation of a regular season that will begin March 18 from Japan.
Muncy has taken that as a sign that this team is "hungrier than ever."
"We didn't win last year because we were talking about the World Series every day," Betts said. "I think we won last year because we talked about the task at hand. I think we have to continue to talk about the task at hand and not worry about the end goal. We have an end goal, of course, but you have to take steppingstones to get there and not worry about getting there. We'll get there when we get there."
Lin Shidong Becomes Youngest Mens World No.1 in Table Tennis
In the storied history of table tennis, youth has always symbolised potential. But Lin Shidong has turned potential into unprecedented achievement, becoming the youngest-ever mens World No.1 following his spectacular triple crown victory at Singapore Smash 2025.
Lins path to the summit was sealed with a masterful performance at Singapore Smash 2025, where he showcased his exceptional versatility by capturing the triple crown. In an electrifying Mens Singles final, he overcame compatriot Liang Jingkun with scores of 9-11, 11-8, 11-8, 6-11, 11-3, 11-2, adding to his earlier triumphs in Mixed Doubles and Mens Doubles.
The road to World No.1 has seen several young talents make their mark through the decades. Kong Linghui emerged as one of table tennis youngest stars, reaching World No.1 in January 1996 at just 20 years, 2 months, and 22 days. Germanys Timo Boll made his mark in January 2003 at 21 years, 9 months, and 24 days, followed by Wang Hao in December 2004 at 20 years, 11 months, and 16 days. Ma Long joined these ranks in January 2010 at 21 years, 2 months, and 12 days beginning a remarkable reign that would see him hold the top ranking for a record 64 months, including an unprecedented 34 consecutive months from March 2015. More recently, Fan Zhendong continued this tradition when his victory at the 2018 Qatar Open propelled him to World No.1 in April 2018 at 21 years, 2 months, and 10 days.
Now, Lin Shidong has shattered all previous records, ascending to World No.1 at an astonishing 19 years, 9 months, and 24 days. The prodigys journey has been marked by precocious achievements from the very beginning. At just 10 years old, Lin became the youngest athlete on Hainan Provinces table tennis team, and a year later, he made history as the youngest player to compete in the National Championships. His selection to the national team at 17 in 2022 marked another milestone, becoming the first player from Hainan Island to achieve this honour.
That same year, the then 17-year-old dominated the ITTF World Youth Championships 2022, securing four gold medals including the U-19 singles title. His rise continued in 2023, where he claimed bronze in mixed doubles with Kuai Man at the ITTF World Championships his first appearance at the prestigious event. After triumphing in the mens singles at the All China Table Tennis Championships, Lin returned to the ITTF World Youth Championships 2023 to successfully defend all four of his titles.
Behind his meteoric rise lies an extraordinary work ethic. His childhood coach, Li Meng, has noted Lins exceptional dedication, highlighting how he consistently trained for seven to eight hours daily from an early age, significantly outworking his peers in terms of practice time. Wang Hao, speaking from his perspective as both the mens national team head coach and a former youngest World No.1, has expressed deep admiration for Lins development. In his observations of the young talent, Wang has emphasised Lins unique abilities and how he consistently distinguishes himself among the rising generation of players.
The new World No.1s growth has been shaped not only by his talent but also by strong family values. Growing up in Hainans challenging weather conditions, Lin has spoken about his fathers unwavering dedication, taking him to practice through rain and typhoons, while instilling in him the importance of staying humble regardless of success. As Lin Shidong writes his name into the history books, his achievement signals an exciting new chapter in table tennis, where youth and excellence combine to push the boundaries of whats possible in the sport.
ITTF Welcomes WTTs Enhancements to Event Regulations, Task Force Conducts Mission Successfully
The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) welcomes and fully supports World Table Tennis (WTT)s latest regulatory enhancements to the WTT Series, marking a significant step forward in player-centric governance and event development.
The changes including greater flexibility in mandatory participation rules, an additional USD 1 million in prize money, and direct entry for reigning Olympic champions reflect a collective commitment to strengthening the professional table tennis landscape.
ITTF President Petra Sörling commented, Players are at the heart of everything we do, and we remain committed to listening to their perspectives. I am delighted to see World Table Tennis implementing these positive reforms, demonstrating our collective ability to address concerns genuinely, collaboratively, and swiftly. These adjustments not only enhance the prestige of the WTT Series but also reflect a balanced approach to player well-being.
To support this process, the ITTF Executive Board established a dedicated Task Force on 2 January in response to player concerns. Bringing together representatives from both ITTF and WTT, the Task Force engaged directly with athletes, gathered extensive feedback, and conducted a thorough review of existing regulations. It provided several recommendations, from which WTT selected the first set of updates.
President Sörling extended her deep appreciation to the Task Force, whose expertise and dedication played a pivotal role in shaping these reforms. She specifically acknowledged the contributions of Task Force members: Sharath Kamal Achanta, Co-Chair of the ITTF Athletes Commission; Dr. Alaa Meshref and Wahid Oshodi, ITTF Executive Vice Presidents; Mounir Bessah, WTT Executive Director of Events; Polona Cehovin, WTT Head of Player Relations; Jean-Michel Saive, Chair of the ITTF Entourage Group; and Andreas Hain, President of the Federation of International Table Tennis Manufacturers (FIT).
Their tremendous efforts in engaging players and the broader table tennis community were instrumental in initiating a comprehensive review, leading to meaningful changes that elevate the WTT Series while prioritizing athlete interests, she noted.
She also expressed gratitude to Liu Guoliang and Steve Dainton for their constructive collaboration in their roles of WTT Chair and Chief Executive Officer, emphasizing the importance of an open dialogue in advancing table tennis at the highest level.
The success of this process reaffirms the strength of our partnership and our shared ambition to provide the best possible conditions for athletes to perform and thrive.
With the Task Force having successfully conducted its mission, ITTF remains committed to working alongside WTT to support the seamless implementation of these changes and to ensure continued progress for the global table tennis community.
Full details on the WTT Series regulatory updates are available on WTT website.
Lions watch week two: Fly-halves, flankers & props star
Fin Smith produced an inspired second-half display at Twickenham to turn the tide in England's favour over France.
Smith, on his first Test start, began slowly before creating two late tries.
He changed the direction of attack to clip the ball wide for Northampton Saints team-mate Tommy Freeman to gather and score, before timing his pass for Elliot Daly to glide through the French defence in the penultimate minute.
Smith's conversion handed England victory and he was named player of the match to stake his claim for the number 10 jersey.
Marcus Smith, who started at fly-half in the opening round defeat by Ireland, had a solid game from full-back but will be targeting a return to his preferred position.
It remains to be seen whether Farrell considers Marcus Smith as an option at fly-half or elsewhere but Fin Smith has certainly boosted his chances.
In the Scottish capital, Finn Russell was denied the chance to impose himself on Ireland and strengthen his claim to the Lions' 10 shirt which he wore in South Africa in 2021, after colliding with team-mate Darcy Graham in the first half.
His opposite number Sam Prendergast ended the game with the player-of-the-match award after a balanced and controlled display.
The 21-year-old, on his fifth cap, fired an excellent long pass for Calvin Nash to score the opening try and kicked 12 points from the tee.
Former Scotland captain Johnnie Beattie told BBC Rugby Union Weekly: "He is 21 years old and is only going to get better.
"He needs game time to mature and grow in confidence but in terms of raw material, with his kicking game and his ability to take time on the ball and choose the right option, his distribution was excellent."
BBC rugby union correspondent Chris Jones added: "The 10 is a really interesting debate. It is still Finn Russell's shirt from 2021 because he finished the third Test.
"He didn't get a chance against Ireland to show what he can do but knowing Finn, he will have a blinder against England at Twickenham and cement himself.
"But then there is Fin Smith, Sam Prendergast, Jack Crowley and Marcus Smith, whether he goes at 10 or as more of a floating outside back."
Ratcliffe's Ineos blames cost-cutting for legal battle with NZ rugby
Ineos has blamed "cost-saving measures" across its business for an alleged "breach" of its sponsorship of New Zealand Rugby (NZR), a move that has led to legal action from the governing body.
The British petrochemical firm, which co-owns Manchester United as part of its sport portfolio, has walked away early from its sponsorship deal of NZR.
In 2021 Ineos, which is chaired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, agreed to become performance partner of NZR from 2022 to 2027.
The deal included Ineos branding on the back of playing shorts and on the front of training jerseys for the nation's teams, including three-time World Cup winners the All Blacks and six-time women's world champions the Black Ferns.
In a statement on Tuesday, NZR said Ineos had "failed to pay the first instalment of the 2025 sponsorship fee, confirming its decision to exit our six-year agreement".
It added: "Having learned of Ineos' decision to walk away three years early, we have moved to protect the interests of New Zealand Rugby and the wider game.
"We have been left with no option but to launch legal proceedings to protect our commercial position."
Ineos says it has contributed more than 30m US dollars (24m) to the rugby teams in recent years.
Citing the struggling chemicals industry in Europe because of "high energy taxes and extreme carbon taxes", Ineos said in a statement: "We have had to implement cost-saving measures across the business.
"We sought to reach a sensible agreement with the All Blacks to adjust our sponsorship in light of these challenges.
"Unfortunately, rather than working towards a managed solution, New Zealand Rugby has chosen to pursue legal action. We remain in ongoing discussion."
NZR rugby added it was "actively pursuing new commercial opportunities and global interest in the All Blacks and other teams in black remains high".
Gatland leaves Wales head coach role during Six Nations
Warren Gatland has left his role as Wales head coach during the Six Nations after a record 14 successive Test match defeats.
Gatland, 61, was contracted until the 2027 World Cup but has departed by mutual consent, the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) confirmed.
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will take over as interim head coach for the remaining three games of the Six Nations.
WRU chief executive Abi Tierney said both parties had agreed an immediate change was "in the best interests" of the Wales squad.
In a statement, Gatland said: "I would like to thank the WRU board for the faith shown in me after a tough campaign throughout 2024 and affording me the time and resource to try to turn things around for this 2025 tournament.
"We have worked hard, we have a talented young squad that is developing and have been desperate to turn potential into results but now is the right time for a change.
"I've reached the end of this particular chapter, but remain grateful to all those in Wales who have supported me, the players who have played for me and all those around me, especially my management team, who have contributed to what we have achieved over the years."
No announcement has been made on the rest of the current coaching team.
The WRU are due to hold a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, which you will be able to follow live on the BBC Sport website from 15:00 GMT.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. Austin Beers went to victory lane in Monday nights Tour-type modified feature during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway.
Beers took the lead from Ryan Preece on the 11th lap and led the remainder of the 59-lap event on the half-mile asphalt race track.
Stephen Kopcik came on strong to finish second, while Patrick Emerling grabbed third spot.
Timmy Solomito and Craig Lutz completed the top five.
Max Reaves won the pro late model feature, while Max Handley earned the 602 modified main event.
Tim Moore topped the Florida modified series.
The finish:
Austin Beers, Stephen Kopcik, Patrick Emerling, Timmy Solomito, Craig Lutz, Ryan Preece, Cam McDermott, Eric Goodale, Anthony Nocella, Amy Catalano, Jake Lutz, David Sapienza, Matt Hirschman, Andrew Krause, Trevor Catalano, J.R. Bertuccio, Jeffrey Battle, Chris Finocchario, Brian Robie, Jack Baldwin, Jeff Goodale, Danny Knoll, James Pritchard, Glenn Styres, Christopher Hatton, Tyler Catalano, Rich Parker, Ronnie Williams, Norman Newman.
BARBERVILLE, Fla. Many drivers who make the trek to Florida each February dream of hoisting just one Gator Trophy.
And then theres Nick Hoffman, who snagged the reptilian award for the 25th time in his career in Mondays DIRTcar late model feature at Volusia Speedway Park.
Its awesome, especially to start the week this way, Hoffman said. Its so tough to come down here, this is one of the toughest fields we see all year. To stand on the top step of the podium is pretty cool.
Hoffman started the race on the outside of polesitter Cade Dillard and fell in line behind the No. 97 for the opening circuits.
As the race progressed, the bottom of the track became the preferred groove, with Dillard and most of the field opting to hug the inside wall around the half-mile track. That opened the door for Hoffman to ride the cushion and get side-by-side with Dillard for the top spot.
I let Cade get out front there and control the pace for a little bit, Hoffman said. Once we got close to lap traffic, it was time for me to go. Felt like our car was really good, very maneuverable where I could kind of go anywhere and make speed.
After taking the crossed flags in the 25-lap affair, Hoffman cleared Dillard entering Turn 1 and never let go of the top spot. The win was his second late model win during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals in as many years to go along with 23 DIRTcar UMP Modified victories in the event, expanding his Gator collection that was already the largest of any driver in any division.
I feel like I just know what to expect out of my car here, Hoffman said regarding the reasons behind his Volusia success. I know what it should feel like to be good, and I feel like thats translated from the Modified to the Late Model. Knowing what I need to do to make raw speed, Im just good at big, sweeping half miles. Its something that Ive always been good at. Finally got this thing where it steers and I can maneuver wherever I want, I feel like thats the most important thing about this place.
Hoffman didnt go unchallenged in the late stages of the race though, as Ricky Thornton Jr. got within a car length of the No. 9 but was unable to make the pass in traffic.
His runner-up effort was still a stark contrast from his Sunshine Nationals results, as Thornton missed the Feature on Friday night before finishing 19th on Saturday.
I feel like theres a little bit of an area where we can be a little bit better, but I feel like weve gained a lot of speed since we were here last month, Thornton said. I thought I had a shot for a minute in traffic, I kind of figured whoever got past the two lap cars and got out was just going to take off, and I couldnt even see him at the checkers.
Coming home in third was Jonathan Davenport, who is three-for-three in Volusia podiums in 2025 after finishing second on both nights of Sunshine Nationals.
We got to second one time, and as soon as we got to second, I pushed out of the bottom there and let two more back by me, Davenport said. We were definitely going back and forth through the lap cars there. Every time Id get a good run, Id run up right behind a lap car and have to maneuver around them. But Im sure thats what everyone else was doing too.
Max Blair drove from ninth to fourth to collect the Hard Charger Award, while Ryan Gustin completed the top five.
The finish:
Feature (25 Laps): 1. 9-Nick Hoffman[2]; 2. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[4]; 3. 49D-Jonathan Davenport[5]; 4. 111-Max Blair[9]; 5. 19R-Ryan Gustin[6]; 6. 76-Brandon Overton[10]; 7. 97-Cade Dillard[1]; 8. 1-Brandon Sheppard[8]; 9. 32-Bobby Pierce[11]; 10. 157-Mike Marlar[3]; 11. 99-Devin Moran[16]; 12. 16-Tyler Bruening[12]; 13. 58-Garrett Alberson[14]; 14. 96-Tanner English[13]; 15. 44-Chris Madden[18]; 16. 40B-Kyle Bronson[7]; 17. 18-Chase Junghans[17]; 18. 1T-Tyler Erb[21]; 19. 76N-Blair Nothdurft[15]; 20. 12-Ashton Winger[24]; 21. 49-Jake Timm[23]; 22. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[22]; 23. 5-Mark Whitener[20]; 24. B1-Brent Larson[19]
BARBERVILLE, Fla. Kyle Cummins won Monday nights USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship season opener at Volusia Speedway Park.
His 18th career victory was his first on a half-mile race track.
Starting fourth, Cummins made quick work of the field as he split between Logan Seavey and Mitchel Moles on the back straightway on the first lap, then chased down and swept around the outside of polesitter Brady Bacon in turns three and four to occupy the lead.
Cummins was never headed for the remainder of the 25-lap event, only losing ground due to a pair of late-race cautions which bunched up the field and evaporated his lead momentarily. Still, nobody was in the same stratosphere as Cummins and his Petty Performance Racing/Avanti Windows & Doors Premier Recycling/Mach-1/Stanton Chevy.
There at the beginning, the car was just great, Cummins noted. I felt like I was struggling there at the end and I didnt know where to go. A caution when youre coming to the checkered is like the most terrible thing ever, but we got it done and were pretty excited to chalk this one up. Ive never won here before and its a big half-mile. People say I cant run half miles. I think we proved them wrong a little bit tonight.
The victory was the second for Cummins in his Winter Dirt Games career following his triumph in February of 2023 at Ocala Speedway.
The win was the third in USAC National Sprint Car competition for the Petty team with Cummins as the driver after the two competed together on the full season tour in 2024.
Whereas their first win together came in their 28th try in 2024, this one came right off the bat, swiftly and decisively.
Among the items Cummins was eying redemption for was the first of two 2024 USAC National Sprint Car events at Volusia. In the first of those, Cummins led a race-high 14 laps before being surpassed by Seavey with 11 laps remaining. Seavey went on to celebrate the victory, and ultimately, the series championship at seasons end.
Last year was rough, Cummins admitted. The team that weve got is like family. Were jelling really well, and I knew after the first practice yesterday at Ocala, the car was as good as Ive had down here in Florida. Ive just got to give it up to (team owner) Jerry Petty for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. It took a year, and it was a lot of work. Weve finally found a good balance and all the guys are working great together.
Just prior to halfway, on lap 10, Cummins had upped his lead to more than two seconds with Bacon and Daison Pursley both in tow several car lengths behind. Cummins kept Bacon and Pursley at bay.
I ran that thing the first 10 laps, and I think I never lifted off the floor, Cummins stated. It was hooked up good.
By lap 15, Cummins had pushed his lead to four seconds as Justin Grant rushed his way into third past Pursley in traffic. However, on the 20th lap, 17th running Kobe Simpsons ride slowed to a halt in turn three surrounded in smoke with an apparent engine issue.
Thus, Cummins 4.235-second lead was stricken from the record, and now he had to firm up his grip on the steering wheel with the field on his rear bumper with five laps remaining.
That was of no issue to Cummins who immediately separated himself from Bacon et al. to the tune of 1.096 seconds over the next four-plus laps and had a checkered flag just within his reach.
However, moments after taking the white flag, the yellow flag was displayed for Jake Swanson, who slowed dramatically on the final lap in the middle of turn four.
The stoppage necessitated a green-white-checkered finish. It proved to be no big thing for Cummins who once more stomped his competition by thumping them on the restart, stretching his advantage to 0.840 seconds by the time he crossed the line.
Coming to the white flag, Pursley stuck the bottom between turns three and four to zip past both Grant and Bacon to climb from fourth to second.
Bacon took third with Grant fourth and Briggs Danner rounding out the top five.
USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship, Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, Fla., Feb. 10, 2025
HONEST ABE ROOFING QUALIFYING: 1. Daison Pursley, 86, CBI-16.156; 2. Justin Grant, 4, TOPP-16.228; 3. Kyle Cummins, 3p, Petty-16.304; 4. Mitchel Moles, 19AZ, Reinbold/Underwood-16.342; 5. Logan Seavey, 57, Abacus-16.379; 6. Brady Bacon, 20, Dyson-16.413; 7. Briggs Danner, 39, Hogue-16.440; 8. Kevin Thomas Jr., 3R, Rock Steady-16.531; 9. Eddie Tafoya Jr., 51T, Tafoya-16.643; 10. Brian Ruhlman, 49, Ruhlman-16.667; 11. Hayden Reinbold, 19, Reinbold/Underwood-16.708; 12. Robert Ballou, 12, Ballou-16.718; 13. Kobe Simpson, 21K, Simpson-16.719; 14. Kale Drake 2B, 2B Racing-16.720; 15. Jake Swanson, 5T, Daming/Swanson-16.725; 16. Nic Harris, N2, Harris-16.751; 17. Trey Osborne, 6T, Osborne-16.763; 18. Chase Stockon, 92, Sertich-16.773; 19. Tom Harris, 84, Harris-16.779; 20. C.J. Leary, 21AZ, Team AZ/Curb-Agajanian-16.825; 21. Carson Garrett, 15, BGE-16.914; 22. Jadon Rogers, 66, Amati-16.958; 23. Joey Amantea, 88J, JPA-16.988; 24. Matt Goodnight, 39G, Goodnight-16.991; 25. John Mollick, 4J, Clever-17.013; 26. Mark Smith, M1, Smith-17.063; 27. Harley Burns, 16, Britt Aero-17.090; 28. Gunnar Setser, 5G, KO-17.155; 29. Kayla Roell, 4K, Roell-17.554; 30. Eddie Vancil, 7v, Vancil-17.942; 31. Troy Carey, 45N, Carey-18.276; 32. Mike Haggenbottom, 51, Hoagie-18.579; 33. Kyle Jones, 79, Hall-NT; 34. Ricky Lewis, 41, Lewis-NT.
ROD END SUPPLY FIRST HEAT: (8 laps, top-5 transfer to the feature) 1. Logan Seavey, 2. Carson Garrett, 3. Daison Pursley, 4. Kobe Simpson, 5. Kayla Roell, 6. John Mollick, 7. Eddie Tafoya Jr. 2:23.752
CAR IQ SECOND HEAT: (8 laps, top-5 transfer to the feature) 1. Chase Stockon, 2. Kale Drake, 3. Brady Bacon, 4. Justin Grant, 5. Jadon Rogers, 6. Ricky Lewis, 7. Mark Smith, 8. Brian Ruhlman, 9. Eddie Vancil. NT
K1 RACEGEAR THIRD HEAT: (8 laps, top-5 transfer to the feature) 1. Briggs Danner, 2. Kyle Cummins, 3. Joey Amantea, 4. Jake Swanson, 5. Hayden Reinbold, 6. Tom Harris, 7. Harley Burns, 8. Troy Carey. 2:22.162
HOOSIER TIRE FOURTH HEAT: (8 laps, top-5 transfer to the feature) 1. Robert Ballou, 2. C.J. Leary, 3. Mitchel Moles, 4. Kevin Thomas Jr., 5. Nic Harris, 6. Gunnar Setser, 7. Matt Goodnight, 8. Mike Haggenbottom. 2:20.744
ELLIOTTS CUSTOM TRAILERS & CARTS SEMI: (12 laps, top-4 transfer to the feature) 1. Ricky Lewis, 2. Gunnar Setser, 3. Tom Harris, 4. Brian Ruhlman, 5. Eddie Tafoya Jr., 6. Mark Smith, 7. John Mollick, 8. Matt Goodnight, 9. Harley Burns, 10. Mike Haggenbottom, 11. Troy Carey, 12. Eddie Vancil.
FEATURE (25 laps, starting positions in parentheses) 1. Kyle Cummins (4), 2. Daison Pursley (6), 3. Brady Bacon (1), 4. Justin Grant (5), 5. Briggs Danner (7), 6. Logan Seavey (2), 7. Kale Drake (14), 8. Kevin Thomas Jr. (10), 9. C.J. Leary (18), 10. Mitchel Moles (3), 11. Robert Ballou (8), 12. Chase Stockon (9), 13. Jadon Rogers (20), 14. Jake Swanson (15), 15. Ricky Lewis (24), 16. Joey Amantea (21), 17. Hayden Reinbold (12), 18. Carson Garrett (19), 19. Kayla Roell (23), 20. Brian Ruhlman (11), 21. Gunnar Setser (22), 22. Nic Harris (16), 23. Tom Harris (17), 24. Kobe Simpson (13).
NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell has announced his entry into the highly anticipated Clyde Hart Memorial Tuesday night at New Smyrna Speedway.
The event is the season opener for the ASA STARS National Tour and can be seen on SPEED SPORT affiliate Tracktv.com.
Bell will be driving the No. 20 Mobil1 Toyota Camry fielded by fellow Oklahoma native Donnie Wilson. It will also be a reunion of Bell and Bond Suss who first helped Bell with his transition to asphalt in 2014.
Im really looking forward to the opportunity to race in the Clyde Hart Memorial, said Bell, who won a World of Outlaws sprint car feature last week as he returns to short-track racing this season. I grew up racing at short tracks around the country and always enjoy coming back to race.
Bell, who races for Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series, has been a standout driver in the NASCAR ranks. Hes a former NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion and has finished in the top five the last three seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Before Bell made it to NASCAR, he ran at short tracks all over the country. Hes won crown jewel midget events like the Chili Bowl Nationals and the Turkey Night Grand Prix three times.
Bell has run at New Smyrna Speedway in super late model competition as well. Back in 2015 Bell ran for Kyle Busch Motorsports and made three starts. In those three starts he had a second place finish, a fourth-place finish and finished out the weekend with a win in the 100-lap World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing finale.
Catch all the action on Tracktv.com.
Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: 
Email: 
