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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. RAFA Racing is making a full season IMSA debut in 2025, beginning with six drivers taking center stage at Daytona Inl Speedway in three cars and two different championships in January.
Three entries in IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge and a single car in IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge is just the first wave of entries for RAFA Racings 2025 season.
Ian Porter and Kiko Porto will each pilot a Toyota GR Supra EVO2 in the sprint-racing format of VP Racing Challenge while Rafael Martinez and Jim Jonsin, joined at Daytona by Kevin Conway, will co-drive a Toyota GR Supra in the endurance-format Michelin Pilot Challenge as a Bronze entry. Matt Dicken will join Porter and Porto in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge with an LMP3 class entry.
Porter, Porto and Dicken will line-up first when the VP SportsCar Challenge season opens during the Roar Before The 24, January 17 19. Full season co-drivers Martinez and Jonsin will be joined by Conway for the four-hour season opener at Daytona one week later, January 23-24.
Porter joined RAFA Racing a year ago for his professional racing debut, capturing the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America title in the Cayman class with 10 wins in 14 races and added a pair of Porsche Endurance Challenge wins to his tally along the way. The motorsports success comes on the heels of the esports legends previous career, featuring three Call of Duty World Championships and an X Games medal for esports.
Porto turned his attention to sports car racing in 2024, finishing third in the Pro Class of Lamborghini Super Trofeo after beginning on the open-wheel path. The Brazilian driver was the USF2000 champion in 2021, where he also finished second in 2023. Porto was the runner-up in the U.S. Formula 4 Championship in 2019 after competing for most of the season as a 15-year-old. Like his teammate Porter, the 21-year-old Porto will be competing in open manufacturer competition for the first time.
Dicken returns to the IMSA paddock for the 2025 season, where he has competed across multiple platforms as a bronze-rated driver. Dickens past history includes Lamborghini Super Trofeo, Prototype Challenge, and the precursor to Michelin Pilot Challenge, among others.
Martinez and Jonsin team for the full season in Michelin Pilot Challenge, with both driving a Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 for the first time. Martinez was one of the busiest bronze-rated drivers in motorsports a season ago, competing domestically in Porsche Sprint Challenge and internationally in SRO GT4 European Series presented by RAFA Racing Club.
Jonsin and Martinez competed against each other on the track in Porsche Sprint Challenge. Off track, Jonsin has topped music charts as a producer for Lil Wayne, T.I., Usher, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and more, winning a Grammy for his work on Lil Waynes 2008 single Lollipop while continuously finding time for sports car racing.
The line-up for Toyota GR Supra EVO2 machines, along with Dickens Ligier JS P320, is just the opening salvo for the 2025 RAFA Racing line-up. RAFA Racing will be announcing Lamborghini Super Trofeo and additional GT4 championship efforts, along with a partnership with drivers in the Mazda MX-5 Cup championship, in the coming weeks.
CONCORD, N.C. When the dirt late model world has been asked who will be next to score their first win at the national level, one name that has consistently come to mind is Tyler Bruening.
In 2025, the Decorah, Iowa, driver will be back for his third full season with the World of Outlaws Late Models and said he believes this could be the year he finally rolls into victory lane to end the doubt once and for all.
Im really optimistic about the season and running the tour, Bruening said. I feel like were really prepared, I feel like the team is as strong as its ever been. And with the few little addition pieces sponsorship-wise, help-wise, I feel confident that were in contention to win races and to compete for a championship. Thats why were going to do it.
It would be one thing to prepare in the same way you always have and expect better results, but that is far from the case with Bruening. This offseason, hes placed a renewed focus on bringing the best-possible version of himself to Volusia Speedway Park to start the season, which has translated into his confidence level rising to an all-time high.
I feel like me personally, Im more prepared, Bruening said. I feel like Im the most prepared Ive ever been for a season physically and mentally. Really concentrating this offseason about my physical health, eating right, working out. Mental health, getting prepared for the grind and the season, the tour, being able to know what to expect and kind of feel more confident and comfortable going in and tackling the series.
Bruening has reasons to be optimistic, as he has done nearly everything except win a race in his two previous seasons. His rookie campaign in 2021 included 12 top-five finishes highlighted by a career-best second at Lavonia Speedway good enough for third in the standings and the Rookie of the Year Award.
Upon returning to the Outlaws in 2024, Bruening picked up where he left off with a fifth-place run in the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals finale, his first of six top fives last year.
It also marked Bruenings first season with 2018 World of Outlaws champion Mike Marlar as a teammate in the Skyline Motorsports camp. Bruening said having someone of Marlars caliber to lean on has not only been an invaluable asset as he continues to develop as a driver, but also in helping Skyline become one of the top teams in the sport.
Anytime you can have a veteran driver like Mikey is, it just accelerates the whole program, Bruening said. It expands your notebook three-fold, it allows me as a driver to concentrate a little bit more on driving and preparing myself. And then knowing and having confidence that any questions, concerns, setup tips or anything that I can think of, I can just turn to him and get that good, confident, solid answer.
With the 2025 season set to commence in less than two weeks at DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Jan. 22-25), Bruening feels good about his chances of starting the season on a high note. He proved his ability to contend at Volusia a year ago, as two of his three top fives at the track came last season.
But the season-opening trip to Florida is special for many reasons aside from his on-track performance, as it marks the continuation of a family tradition that started long before Bruening ever ripped a Late Model around the Worlds Fastest Half Mile.
Growing up as a kid, me and my dad would come down to Florida and go to the 500 and do the NASCAR deal, Bruening said. Floridas more of a special place to me than normal people, I guess. Growing up, the history with me and my dad going down, Ive just always held a special place in my heart for Florida.
And I do really like Volusia, I do like racing at bigger tracks. I feel like it takes a different set of tools in your toolbox to race well at a big track. Volusias been a little bit of a curveball the past few years with some new dirt, and its been a little bit uncharacteristic from what I remember years ago. But in the same sense, I think theyve made a lot of really positive changes over the offseason, and Im really excited about racing there.
The International Hot Rod Assn has parted ways with its president, Kenny Nowling.
The move was confirmed with a statement on Facebook on Thursday afternoon.
The International Hot Rod Association and former president Kenny Knowling have parted ways effective immediately. This decision underscores the IHRAs commitment to prioritizing safety, competition and integrity in its operations, the statement read.
As this transition period begins to take shape internally, the IHRA is focused on maintaining transparency and communication. Weekly updates will be provided, leading to a live Q&A session in February with the new leadership of the IHRA, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and engaged.
Nowling was appointed president of IHRA on Oct. 21 and less than a month later began touting the renowned sanctioning bodys return to glory.
In December, Nowling announced the signing of a multi-million-dollar sponsorship from Darana Hybrid, which is owned by Darryl Cuttell, and the return of the IHRA Nitro Jam Series among other announcements.
Less than a week later, Nowling announced that Cuttell was purchasing the organization, which was founded by Larry Carrier in 1970.
It is unknown at this time if Cuttell has taken control or if ownership has reverted to previous owner Larry Jeffers.
MLS sorry after falsely confirming Atlanta transfer
Major League Soccer apologized on Thursday for posting an erroneous story on its website with the wrong name of a player that was purportedly being transferred to one of its clubs.
The article in question stated that Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi had been acquired by Atlanta United FC. This proved to be untrue, and on Thursday, MLS attempted to repair the damage.
"Major League Soccer's website mistakenly posted an article that named the wrong player as having signed with an MLS club," the league said in a statement to ESPN. "The article was immediately removed and corrected. MLS extends its sincere apologies to the impacted parties."
Part of the confusion lay in that Atlanta had previously teased the arrival of a new player on X in Japanese, writing: "Stay tuned."
As it turned out, the player in question was former Sagan Tosu forward Cayman Togashi and not Furuhashi.
The Daily Mail reported last month that Atlanta had submitted a $12 million bid for Furuhashi. The Five Stripes recently hired former Celtic boss Ronny Deila to be their manager, though Deila's spell in Glasgow ended in 2016, five years before the arrival of Furuhashi at Celtic.
Real Madrid will chase a record-equalling 14th Spanish Super Cup title in the final against Barcelona after second-half goals by Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo helped them to a 3-0 win over Mallorca in their semifinal on Thursday.
England midfielder Bellingham broke the deadlock after the hour mark with a low shot into the middle of the goal before Mallorca defender Martin Valjent's own goal doubled the lead in stoppage time, followed by a Rodrygo strike from close range.
Spanish champions Madrid will play Barcelona for the trophy on Sunday after goals by Gavi and Lamine Yamal earned the Catalan club a 2-0 win over Athletic Club on Wednesday.
Barcelona and Madrid will meet in the competition's final for third consecutive time, with Carlo Ancelotti's side prevailing last year while Barcelona last lifted the trophy in 2023.
Barcelona hold the record of 14 titles, with Madrid on 13.
Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Last year's Copa del Rey finalists Mallorca defended well against Madrid and the game was goalless at the break after early attempts by Lucas Vázquez and Bellingham forced Mallorca keeper Dominik Greif into saves.
Bellingham found a way past the Slovakian keeper in the 63rd minute, however, following an excellent team move.
Rodrygo hit the post with a header and Kylian Mbappé's follow up shot was brilliantly denied by Greif before Bellingham opened the scoring.
Los Blancos continued pushing to increase their lead but did not find the net again until Valjent sent the ball into his own net two minutes into stoppage time, attempting to block a shot from Madrid substitute Brahim Díaz.
Rodrygo made it 3-0 three minutes later, converting a stunning cross into the box by Vazquez to celebrate his 24th birthday in style.
The Spanish Super Cup has been a four-team competition since 2020, featuring the winners and runners-up of LaLiga and the Copa del Rey.
Carlo Ancelotti called the on-field spat between Real Madrid and Mallorca's players "unnecessary" after Madrid's 3-0 win in their Spanish Supercopa semifinal in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.
Jude Bellingham put Madrid ahead in the 63rd minute in Jeddah before a late own goal by Mallorca defender Martin Valjent and a last-minute strike from Rodrygo Goes made sure of the team's progression to Sunday's final.
Both teams clashed on the field after Rodrygo's goal, with Mallorca defender Pablo Maffeo -- who had frequently sparred with Vinícius Júnior during the match -- confronted by Bellingham and then substitute Raúl Asencio as Ancelotti entered the field to try to keep the peace.
"I tried to calm things down a bit with Maffeo," Ancelotti told Movistar. "I went onto the pitch to help end the fight. The players were upset, but in the end nothing happened."
"The fight was unnecessary," Ancelotti added later in his post-match news conference. "The game was over. I don't blame my players or Mallorca's players, it was unnecessary for both teams."
"There's a Mallorca player [Maffeo] who we have problems with every game," midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni, who was withdrawn as a precaution after a clash of heads, told Movistar after the game.
"People got angry but the most important thing is winning. It isn't important. We don't want to talk about this guy because that's what he wants."
"I don't know, I was focused on the end of the match," Mallorca coach Jagoba Arrasate said. "I don't know what happened, our players were angry about the two goals, I think. I was a long way away."
Madrid will play Barcelona in Sunday's final after they beat Athletic Club 2-0 in Wednesday's first semifinal.
"Recently the Clásico has always been unpredictable," Ancelotti said. "It's hard to say what the next game will be like. It will be entertaining, there'll be a lot of quality on the pitch ...
"Right now the team is improving because Bellingham is more active, he's combining more with Vinícius and Rodrygo."
Bellingham -- who ended Thursday's game with some muscular discomfort -- has now scored nine goals in all competitions this season.
"Jude is a phenomenal player," Tchouameni said. "He helps us win games all the time."
'A bit of nicer call': McSweeney's return part of Australia's future-proofing
"Obviously [it was] nice news after a bit of a chaotic couple of months," McSweeney told reporters at Brisbane airport. "It was a bit of nicer call than the last one. I will take heaps of learning from my experiences in my first three Tests and hopefully learn from that if I get the opportunity to play over there I play really well."
It would need a reshuffle of the batting order for McSweeney to return to the side in Sri Lanka, which is not out of the question with Travis Head an option to open although there will also been a keenness to get subcontinent cricket into Konstas, but even if he doesn't play it is notable that he as been recalled swiftly.
"I think it shows the character that we've seen and the sort of person he is, the way he responded and spoke so well about it publicly pretty soon after it happened and jumped straight back into performing for the Heat," Bailey said.
McSweeney has previously traveled to the MRF Academy in India to further his education against spin and expects to have to use a different set of skills than works for him in Australia should he get an opportunity.
"It's a great challenge no doubt, but one I have planned for and will be ready for no doubt," he said. "Playing spin in Australia has to be very different to playing spin over in Sri Lanka. I've worked out a method in Australia that has worked for me in my Shield career but will definitely have to work out a new one to be a good player over there."
In the official release, Bailey had talked of the tour as a chance for players to "grow their games in the subcontinent" with a view on the years ahead, although later insisted that qualification for the World Test Championship final, with the 3-1 series margin over India, had not changed the selectors' thinking over who went on this trip.
"I know there's been a lot of speculation around that [WTC qualification], but we view every Test tour and Test match as being really important," Bailey said. "So for us, it was more around structuring up two or three different ways of what we thought the first XI may look like."
While it is not rubberstamped that Konstas retains his spot as an opener, it would be a way to help fast-track his education at Test level in what are likely to be spin-friendly conditions with an eye on the 2027 Test tour of India.
"What we have seen is he's a quick learner, absorbs a lot of information," Bailey said. "So [we are] expecting him to get a lot out of it. From his spin play in Australia and the opportunities he has played in different parts of the world, we think he's got a game that's well suited and a technique that can stand up. That's one of the exciting things about this tour. We'll learn a bit more about his game in different conditions to what he's just faced in Australia."
Connolly, meanwhile, has been selected after just four first-class matches which have brought three half-centuries, including 90 on debut in last year's Sheffield Shield final, and he has yet to take a wicket in the format with his left-arm spin. However, the selectors have been encouraged by his big-temperament which has already earned him four white-ball appearances.
"Technically, we like it. Temperament, we like. Character, we like. Clearly, skill set, there's a lot to like there as well," Bailey said. "On the first-class front, there's not a great deal of games behind him, but he is one that's been around that one-day group. We have in the past used that as a stepping stone at different times to see a player a bit more, find out a bit more about the way they play. He was obviously the beneficiary of that. He's someone that we've had our eye on for a period of time."
Andrew McGlashan is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo
Hill's agent says star WR 'committed' to Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill is "committed" to the team, his agent Drew Rosenhaus said, after Hill's recent postgame comments seemed to hint at a potential exit.
Hill voiced his displeasure after the Dolphins' season-ending loss to the New York Jets on Sunday, saying he had to do what is best for him and his family, "if that's here or wherever the case may be."
"I'm out, bruh," Hill said Sunday. "It was great playing here but at the end of the day, I have to do what's best for my career."
During an appearance Thursday on "The Pat McAfee Show," Rosenhaus dismissed Hill's comments as the emotional words of a frustrated competitor.
"I believe Tyreek is a great asset to the Dolphins and I think he's the least guy people should be worried about in this organization. They have many more worries -- Tyreek Hill's not one of them." Drew Rosenhaus
Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said Tuesday that he had a productive conversation with Hill, and the wide receiver did not ask him for a trade. Rosenhaus on Thursday noted Hill's "excellent" meeting with Grier and coach Mike McDaniel and said he believes Hill is committed to the team that traded for him back in 2022.
"What you see with Tyreek, it's very genuine. He wants to win -- it's not good enough for him not to make the playoffs," Rosenhaus said. "I think at the end of the day, he's committed to this Dolphins football team," he said. "I believe Tyreek is a great asset to the Dolphins and I think he's the last guy people should be worried about in this organization. They have many more worries -- Tyreek Hill's not one of them."
However, Rosenhaus stopped short of confirming that Hill wants to remain in Miami, as he has yet to speak with his client about the topic.
"Let me just say this -- I've got to have that conversation with Tyreek. I'm not going to speak for him," he said. "I'm not going to say, 'He does, he doesn't.' That's a discussion I'm going to have to have with him that I haven't had yet."
Hill turned in one of the worst statistical seasons of his career in 2024, with 81 catches for 959 yards and six touchdowns despite playing in all 17 games -- which was a feat in itself, according to his agent.
Rosenhaus told McAfee that Hill broke his wrist during a joint practice with the Washington Commanders in August and doctors recommended he undergo season-ending surgery.
"We have top wrist doctors saying to Tyreek, 'You need to get this operated on, you're going to miss the season,'" Rosenhaus said. "Tyreek says to me and the Dolphins, 'I'm not going to miss the season, I'm going to play. I want to be there for my team.'"
Rosenhaus said doctors told Hill that the issue may linger for the remainder of his career if he didn't get it surgically repaired quickly, but Hill opted to play through it. Hill confirmed to local reporters in November that surgery was "brought up," and that he'd be "in a good space" to decide on surgery during the offseason.
Hill told ESPN's Lisa Salters in November that an MRI showed a torn ligament in his wrist, and that the injury was exacerbated during his detainment by Miami-Dade Police Department officers outside of Hard Rock Stadium before the team's regular-season opener in September.
If Sunday's loss was Hill's last game in a Dolphins uniform, it would mark an unceremonious end to a statistically significant start to his Dolphins tenure. Hill removed himself from Sunday's game, with McDaniel saying he was alerted in the fourth quarter that Hill "was not available."
During their exit interview this week, McDaniel said he and Hill cleared the air about his decision to pull himself from the game -- and that it would never be tolerated again.
"I think the competitive spirit of his can represent postgame, especially in a season or a game that nobody likes, it can allude to a relationship being one way," McDaniel said. "I was very direct with him. He was very honest, and it was great terms that we were discussing. Discussed multiple things including, without wavering, that it's not acceptable to leave a game and won't be tolerated in the future, and he embraced accountability. I wouldn't say there's anything necessarily to fix as much as we had to clear the air in a rough and tumultuous situation."
Hill has two years remaining on the extension he signed with the Dolphins in 2022. He agreed to a restructured contract this past offseason that brought the full guaranteed money total on his contract to $106.5 million -- the most fully guaranteed money for a wide receiver in NFL history.
Sources: Georgia QB Beck plans to enter portal
Georgia quarterback Carson Beck plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal, sources confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.
Beck had declared for the NFL draft on Dec. 28 but is now reversing course and will explore a transfer.
Sources told ESPN that Miami looms as the favorite for Beck and the timeline for his decision is expected to play out within a week.
While Miami is the favorite for Beck, a source said Beck's camp intends to listen to all potential suitors for the best situation: "It's a strategic thing, not an emotional thing," the source said.
Beck, a two-year starter at Georgia, is currently recovering from surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow after suffering the injury during the Bulldogs' SEC championship victory over Texas.
Beck will not be able to throw until March, sources told ESPN, which would have complicated his NFL draft process and will likely force him to miss spring practice at his next school. Sources said the variety of feedback he got from the draft process led to this decision, as he changed his mind in the past 24 hours. He received advice that if he could return and wanted to, he should probably return and play another season in college.
A source said Beck received feedback that he could end up anywhere between the first and third round, with much of that uncertainty due to the fact that he would not be able to throw for a team in predraft workouts.
Despite that injury setback, Beck will immediately become the most coveted quarterback available as a late entry to the transfer market. While Miami looms as the favorite, there are other big brand teams that could jump out as suitors including Texas Tech and Notre Dame.
The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior went 24-3 as the Bulldogs' starter and was viewed as a potential No. 1 draft pick entering the 2024 season. He threw for 3,485 yards with 28 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season and led Georgia back to the SEC title game.
Beck injured his elbow on the final play of the first half against Texas on Dec. 7. Renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed Beck's surgery on Dec. 23 in Los Angeles.
"He wants to win," said the source close to Beck. "He didn't come back to get knocked out at halftime of a conference championship."
Entering his fifth college season, Beck was viewed as a potential top-10 draft pick. ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. currently considers Beck the No. 5 quarterback in his draft rankings.
Miami has not added a transfer quarterback this offseason to succeed Cam Ward, the potential No. 1 pick. They've quietly been canvassing the transfer market in recent weeks, per sources, as they have been set on bringing in a front-line starter who can produce immediately, much like Ward did.
Ward made a similar decision last January, initially declaring for the NFL draft but changing his mind and transferring to join the Hurricanes after he was unsatisfied with his draft feedback. Ward finished fourth in Heisman Trophy voting in his lone season in the program after producing 4,313 passing yards and 43 total touchdowns.
On3 first reported Beck's intentions to enter the portal.
Raiders fire GM Telesco days after firing Pierce
HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Las Vegas Raiders have fired general manager Tom Telesco after one season, the team announced Thursday.
The move comes two days after the team fired coach Antonio Pierce after his first full season as the team's coach.
"We appreciate [Telesco's] efforts in helping build a foundation for the future. We wish Tom and his family all the best," the team said in a statement.
The Raiders finished 4-13 this season, hampered by an unsettled quarterback situation. Telesco signed Gardner Minshew, giving him a two-year, $25 million contract with $15 million guaranteed. Minshew began the season as the starter but was benched in favor of Aidan O'Connell after five games. Both Minshew and O'Connell dealt with injuries during the season, forcing the team to also start Desmond Ridder.
The Raiders hired Telesco, 52, last January, doing so less than six weeks after he and coach Brandon Staley were fired by the Los Angeles Chargers following a 63-21 loss to Las Vegas.
Telesco, hired in part for his success in drafting, nailed the Raiders' top three picks last spring.
He went with the best player available, rather than picking to fill a need, with the No. 13 pick and selected tight end Brock Bowers, who set an NFL rookie single-season receiving record with 112 catches and was named to the Pro Bowl.
In the second round, Telesco drafted offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson, who started games at left guard and at center.
And in the third round, Telesco took DJ Glaze, who settled into a starting role at right tackle, which had been the Raiders' top position of need entering the draft.
Injuries wreaked havoc with the Raiders' roster this season as, per the team, 31.8% of Las Vegas' Week 1 starters spent time on injured reserve (tied for the highest percentage in the league) and, with the second-youngest roster in the NFL (average age was 25 years, 344 days), 37.6% of the snaps played were by first- or second-year players (the third-highest mark in the league).
The Raiders, under Telesco and Pierce, endured a 10-game losing streak, their longest skid since opening the 2014 season 0-10.
Las Vegas also went 0-6 against the AFC West for the first time since 2006.
The new GM-coach combo will inherit the No. 6 pick as well as an additional third-round draft choice from the New York Jets as part of the Davante Adams trade.
The new GM and coach will presumably work with new Raiders minority owners Tom Brady and Richard Seymour, both of whom bought into the franchise, owned by Mark Davis, in the fall.
Also, the Raiders' new GM is projected to have $107.3 million in salary cap space and a slew of decisions to make on in-house free agents, including edge rushers K'Lavon Chaisson and Malcolm Koonce, linebackers Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo, cornerback Nate Hobbs, safeties Marcus Epps and Tre'von Moehrig, and running backs Alexander Mattison and Ameer Abdullah.
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