The trade deadline was an opportunity for all 30 teams to shake things up, to reinforce a bid to win now and earn a postseason slot, to retool a roster or to add talent with which to rebuild. As such, it's no surprise that it helped trigger a bit of a shakeup in the rankings. Two-thirds of the teams moved up or down this week, but perhaps the single biggest development was that the Astros and Dodgers are locked in a virtual tie for No. 1 in our voting, even with the Dodgers getting three first-place votes to the Astros' two. Will Zack Greinke swing that razor-thin margin in Houston's favor in another week? We'll see.

This week we also saw the Cubs return to the top 10, leapfrogging the Cardinals in the rankings as well as the NL Central standings. The Cubs were one of three teams to make a three-spot jump this week, joined by the Mets in the wake of the team acquiring Marcus Stroman and the Phillies as the field of teams in it to win it in the National League doesn't seem to be getting any smaller. In a case of taking a big step forward, the Indians climbed into the top five for the first time this season as they put pressure on the Twins in the AL Central race.

The most surprising development was seeing the Red Sox plummet seven spots in the rankings this week. After clawing their way back to No. 5 last week, to see them fall from the top 10 seems as much a reward for their inaction at the deadline as it was for their taking multiple beatings at the hands of the Yankees and Rays. That sort of precipitous decline is a comment on how precarious Boston's shot at defending its World Series title has become.

For Week 18, our panel of voters was composed of Bradford Doolittle, Christina Kahrl, Eric Karabell, Tim Kurkjian and David Schoenfield.

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1. Los Angeles Dodgers
   2019 record: 74-40
   Week 17 ranking: 1

   Welcome to the majors, Gingergaard. Rookie Dustin May, with the long, curly, red locks, made his debut Friday and flashed the kind of stuff that made everyone realize why the Dodgers weren't about to trade him. He hit 98 mph with a sinker and showcased a low-90s cutter as 85 of his 97 pitches were fastballs or cutters. He pitched better than his final line indicated: 5⅔ IP, 9 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 3 SO. At the trade deadline, the Dodgers held on to their prospects, acquiring only left-hander reliever Adam Kolarek from the Rays and veteran infielder Jedd Gyorko from the Cardinals. -- David Schoenfield

   ICYMI: After keeping May at deadline, Dodgers debut 'Gingergaard'

2. Houston Astros
   2019 record: 73-40
   Week 17 ranking: 2

   The additions of Zack Greinke and Aaron Sanchez bring clarity to the rotation, as promising rookie Jose Urquidy returned to Triple-A Round Rock, and injured swingman Brad Peacock figures to resume a long reliever role upon his return. The Astros sure do not lack for playoff depth now. Greinke, among the big league leaders in ERA, WHIP and walk rate, comes off a solid July with a 2.90 ERA for the Diamondbacks. Want consistency? Greinke's highest ERA in a month this season was 3.27. -- Eric Karabell

   ICYMI: Four Astros spin magic, combine to no-hit Mariners

3. New York Yankees
   2019 record: 72-39
   Week 17 ranking: 3

   The Yankees were quiet at the trade deadline but responded by beating the Red Sox on Friday and sweeping a doubleheader Saturday. Unfortunately, the injury bug continues to strike. Edwin Encarnacion was hit by a pitch in the first game Saturday and suffered a hairline fracture in his right wrist; he could be out three-to-five weeks. In the nightcap, Aaron Hicks felt pain in his elbow while making a throw and landed on the IL Sunday because of a right flexor strain.And Gleyber Torres was sent to the hospital Sunday night for a core injury. Meanwhile, Gary Sanchez is eligible to be activated and is "very close to being an option," Aaron Boone said. Luis Severino should get his first work from a mound this week, aiming for a late August or September return. -- Schoenfield

   ICYMI: It's on Yankees rotation to rise to the challenge

4. Minnesota Twins
   2019 record: 69-42
   Week 17 ranking: 4

   Right-handers Sergio Romo and Sam Dyson were the big trade deadline acquisitions for a club with few issues offensively or, at this time, in the rotation, but lefty Taylor Rogers continues to thrive and figures to handle most of the save situations. Rogers is among the lefty relief leaders in strikeouts but with a better walk rate than those around him. Now in his fourth big league season, Rogers is throwing his fastball harder than ever and has lowered his walk rate while raising his K rate. -- Karabell

   ICYMI: Cruz hits 3 HRs for second time in 10 days

5. Cleveland Indians
   2019 record: 66-45
   Week 17 ranking: 6

   Getting both Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes should punch up the Indians' lineup, reinforcements nicely timed with Jose Ramirez's rediscovering his power stroke and Jason Kipnis' showing signs of life at the plate. The shored-up offense should give the Tribe the punch to trade blows with the Twins, Red Sox and Yankees in a rough bit of scheduling in the next few weeks, one that might define whether Cleveland can reclaim the lead in the Central or be relegated to wild-card contention. -- Christina Kahrl

   ICYMI: Kluber takes step forward with sim game

6. Tampa Bay Rays
   2019 record: 65-48
   Week 17 ranking: 8

   The 2018 version of Jesus Aguilar -- a righty, power-hitting, DH type -- was precisely the player the Rays needed to bolster a position player group that provides a level of defense so essential to what Tampa Bay does that an offensive upgrade almost had to come from a DH. The risk here is that for most of the first half, Aguilar was a shadow of his 2018 self. He seemed to have turned things around with a strong July, and obviously the Rays saw enough to be convinced that he was the bat they needed rather than someone such as Nicholas Castellanos. That puts a spotlight on Aguilar going forward. His performance, along with the outcomes of the injury-related dramas surrounding starters Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow, will define what the Rays' season becomes. -- Bradford Doolittle

7. Oakland Athletics
   2019 record: 64-48
   Week 17 ranking: 9

   Acquiring both Tanner Roark and Homer Bailey restocked the rotation for the time being, and with top prospects A.J. Puk and Jesus Luzardo nearing readiness as they bounce back from injuries, the staff could soon be even stronger by September. Now, if only Khris Davis could get entirely right (and healthy) for the stretch run. Since his wOBA peaked at .341 on May 17, he has generated just a .262 wOBA, an awful clip for a DH. -- Kahrl

   ICYMI: Pitcher hits 90s in viral video, gets A's contract

8. Atlanta Braves
   2019 record: 66-47
   Week 17 ranking: 7

   The Braves had a good week all things considered, taking two of three from the Nationals on the road and winning two 10-inning games against the Nats and Reds. They also picked up three relievers at the trade deadline to help a bullpen that had a 5.76 ERA in July (following a 2.59 ERA in June): Shane Greene, Mark Melancon and Chris Martin. Greene blew his first save opportunity Saturday, but that came courtesy of a couple of soft hits. He picked up the loss Sunday, however, when Tucker Barnhart hit a three-run homer off him in the 10th. Welcome to the pennant race. -- Schoenfield

   ICYMI: Hank Aaron still fighting for diversity in baseball

9. Chicago Cubs
   2019 record: 60-51
   Week 16 ranking: 12

   While the Cubs added bullpen depth and a key right-handed bat in Nicholas Castellanos, their postseason outlook still feels uncertain because of injury-related limbo. David Phelps will help, but a healthy-ish Brandon Morrow remains Chicago's best hope for stacking lights-out relievers in key spots in front of Craig Kimbrel. Now, as Chicago waits for the results of Monday's scheduled MRI on the hamstring of Willson Contreras, catcher might be a sudden area of need. The Angels' recent decision to DFA backstop Jonathan Lucroy could prove relevant to this situation. -- Doolittle

   ICYMI: Busy Cubs plug several holes, but is it enough?

10. Washington Nationals
    2019 record: 58-53
    Week 17 ranking: 10

    Juan Soto continues to have the quietest 20-year-old season in recent memory. Entering Sunday, his 135 OPS+ ranks seventh-best for a 20-year-old since World War II, behind just Mike Trout, Al Kaline, Mickey Mantle, Alex Rodriguez, Frank Robinson and Ken Griffey Jr. Maybe the expectations were too high because he had a 143 OPS+ as a 19-year-old rookie. Still, he has a higher OBP and slugging percentage than fellow phenom Ronald Acuna Jr. -- Schoenfield

    ICYMI: Nats get 'new toys,' add three to taxed pen

11. St. Louis Cardinals
    2019 record: 58-52
    Week 17 ranking: 11

    Despite carrying a one-game lead in the NL Central race into the deadline, the Cardinals didn't make any (healthy) veteran additions via trade. Perhaps they didn't need to: They got Marcell Ozuna (hand) back Saturday and Matt Carpenter (foot) on Sunday, and they might have Yadier Molina (thumb) back within the week. It'd be the first time they've had all three of them in the same lineup since June 25. -- Tristan H. Cockcroft

12. Boston Red Sox
    2019 record: 59-55
    Week 17 ranking: 5

    The prominent storyline around the Red Sox this week was that the players were in a funk because Dave Dombrowski didn't make any moves before the trade deadline. They certainly played like it, losing eight in a row to the Rays and Yankees. But if one is looking to cast blame, look past the GM's office to the sorry state of Boston's starting rotation, which was supposed to be one of the team's strengths but has underperformed all season, including a 10.70 ERA and an average of fewer than five innings per start during the current slide. -- Steve Richards

13. Philadelphia Phillies
    2019 record: 58-53
    Week 17 ranking: 16

    The acquisition of veteran outfielder Corey Dickerson might seem minor, but the offense continues to struggle against right-handed pitching, and Dickerson hit .330 with a .982 OPS against right-handers for the Pirates this season. An All-Star for the 2017 Rays and Gold Glove winner for the Pirates last year, a once-healthy Dickerson figures to push Jay Bruce to a bench role. In addition, look for rookie Adam Haseley to handle center field, with Scott Kingery pushing third baseman Maikel Franco to the bench role he has earned. -- Karabell

    ICYMI: Phillies file suit to keep Phanatic from free agency

14. Milwaukee Brewers
    2019 record: 57-56
    Week 17 ranking: 13

    With the pitching staff flailing in recent weeks, Milwaukee's focus at the deadline was to add arms. Starters. Relievers. Openers. Out-getters. However you want to classify a hurler, the Brewers needed it. Although GM David Stearns couldn't land a big fish, he added a reliable starter in Jordan Lyles, multi-inning relievers Jake Faria and the resurgent Drew Pomeranz, and a power arm in injury-plagued Ray Black. That's a lot of competent innings for Craig Counsell to work with. Unfortunately, just as the pitching depth improved, the offense suddenly went flat, increasing the concern that this might not be Milwaukee's year. -- Doolittle

15. Arizona Diamondbacks
    2019 record: 56-56
    Week 17 ranking: 14

    Arizona's front office might have done the best job in terms of threading the needle between dealing assets and remaining competitive now and in the near term. The D-backs deserve kudos for adding four viable pieces, including two of Houston's top pitching prospects, while getting out from under more than $50 million of what's left on Zack Greinke's contract. Plus, they added Mike Leake (9-8, 4.27, signed through 2020 with a mutual option for '21) to fill Greinke's spot in the rotation. -- Richards

    ICYMI: Inside the Greinke deal -- 24 hours that rocked the deadline

16. San Francisco Giants
    2019 record: 56-56
    Week 17 ranking: 18

    Kudos to GM Farhan Zaidi for dealing from where he had depth (veteran filler on his staff) to add younger, controllable talent and an infielder with some pop in Scooter Gennett. The Giants' odds of earning a wild-card spot might be long, but they would not have survived trading away Madison Bumgarner. Having kept him, the Giants can play out their hand, make a qualifying offer and see if there's a long-term deal to be struck with Bumgarner. -- Kahrl

    ICYMI: How the Giants earned keeping MadBum

17. New York Mets
    2019 record: 55-56
    Week 17 ranking: 20

    The Mets pitched much better in July, compiling a 3.29 ERA and 1.23 WHIP, which helped trigger a winning month and a return to the playoff race. Adding Marcus Stroman from the Blue Jays should only help things. While closer Edwin Diaz continues to struggle, especially based on his standout 2018 campaign, setup man Seth Lugo permitted nary a run in July over 12⅔ innings, striking out 16 with one walk. Lugo posted six holds, a third of the team total. Diaz seems safe in his role, but if he and Jeurys Familia cannot perform better, Lugo could save games too. -- Karabell

    ICYMI: Mets suddenly -- shockingly -- can do no wrong

18. Texas Rangers
    2019 record: 57-54
    Week 17 ranking: 17

    Texas sold high on Chris Martin at the deadline, getting lefty Kolby Allard from the prospect-rich Braves, so that was nice. With the trade speculation gone, All-Star Mike Minor posted his first win in a month, Lance Lynn posted his 14th win of the season, and the Rangers won four in a row -- though the last three were against the Tigers, which might be worth only partial credit. -- Richards

19. Los Angeles Angels
    2019 record: 56-57
    Week 17 ranking: 15

    The Angels were quiet at the trade deadline, but improved performance from rookie third baseman Matt Thaiss could make a huge difference in lengthening the lineup. Thaiss, a lefty hitter and first-round pick in the 2016 amateur draft, has shown occasional power against right-handed pitching but, in a small sample, poor plate discipline, which goes against his minor league record. Thaiss posted a .390 OBP at Triple-A Salt Lake this season, and his overall OBP in 404 minor league games was .363. Be patient, Angels fans. -- Karabell

    ICYMI: Trout tracker: He's now better than four Hall of Famers

20. Cincinnati Reds
    2019 record: 52-58
    Week 17 ranking: 19

    It was an eventful week for the Reds, who took two of three games against the Pittsburgh Pirates but absorbed 17 total games' worth of suspensions -- that's excluding since-traded Yasiel Puig's three games -- following a nasty brawl on Tuesday. Bear in mind that these teams meet again in Pittsburgh on Aug. 23-25 and Sept. 27-29, when there might be additional fireworks. The team also added Trevor Bauer, one of the top pitchers available at the deadline, in the three-team deal with the Indians and Padres involving Puig, unexpectedly beefing up a rotation that ranked sixth in the majors at the time (3.88 ERA). It's make-or-break time for this team on the fringe of the NL Central and wild-card races. -- Cockcroft

    ICYMI: Bauer's goal to be 'better person, player' with Reds

21. San Diego Padres
    2019 record: 51-60
    Week 17 ranking: 22

    The Padres' big trade deadline acquisition was 2018 Futures Game MVP Taylor Trammell, a curious addition considering he had just six home runs and a .336 slugging percentage in 94 games for Double-A Chattanooga. As they did when they dealt for Fernando Tatis Jr. three years and one month prior, they took a chance on a high-ceiling prospect who has plenty of room for growth. It seems to have worked out with Tatis: Despite appearing in just 76 games so far this season, Tatis has 3.8 fWAR. -- Cockcroft

    ICYMI: Padres surprise winner of three-way Bauer trade

22. Colorado Rockies
    2019 record: 52-60
    Week 17 ranking: 21

    The struggles of Wade Davis in the closer role finally were too much for Rockies manager Bud Black, who on Friday announced that Scott Oberg would replace Davis. Oberg has been one of this season's most effective relievers, posting a 1.53 ERA and .184 batting average allowed. It was a move long overdue, as at the time of the announcement, the Rockies' 6.48 ERA in save opportunities was easily the majors' worst and nearly a half-run higher than any other team's. -- Cockcroft

23. Pittsburgh Pirates
    2019 record: 48-63
    Week 17 ranking: 23

    A nine-game losing streak helped convince the Pirates to trade away veterans Corey Dickerson and Jordan Lyles and designate Jung Ho Kang for assignment. All-Star and Home Run Derby participant Josh Bell has slumped in a major way recently, as he hasn't homered since July 5 and has batted .169 (13-for-77) with only four extra-base hits, all doubles, in 23 games since. -- Cockcroft

    ICYMI: Pirates shut down Taillon for season

24. Toronto Blue Jays
    2019 record: 45-69
    Week 17 ranking: 26

    Clearly in sell mode, the Jays made their share of deadline moves, trading away Marcus Stroman, Eric Sogard, Aaron Sanchez and Joe Biagini, but the returns didn't wow most observers (OK, they didn't wow any observers). Then Sanchez went out and threw six innings in a combined no-hitter in his Astros debut, rubbing salt in the wounds for Jays fans. Hey, they still have Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio for years to come. -- Richards

    ICYMI: Jays call up top prospect Bichette

25. Chicago White Sox
    2019 record: 48-61
    Week 17 ranking: 24

    For years, sabermetric doctrine has been that quality closers are out of place on rebuilding teams. But as baseball has run into a shortage of reliable end-of-game relievers, at this year's deadline teams looking to move from building to contention in 2020 -- such as the White Sox, Padres, Rangers and Pirates -- might have given extra consideration to the difficulty of replacing a ninth-inning stud. Thus, Alex Colome remains in Chicago for this season's stretch run and will be back next season as the White Sox push for a return to relevance. -- Doolittle

26. Miami Marlins
    2019 record: 42-67
    Week 17 ranking: 27

    The Marlins didn't have the talent to make any big deals, but credit them with doing well with the trades they could. They flipped a pair of independent league pitching finds to the Rays to get a preseason top-100 prospect in Jesus Sanchez and a good arm in Ryne Stanek, plus Lewin Diaz's grade-70 power from the Twins for a Romo rental as he bounces back from an injury-marred 2018. Working with what little they had left, the Fish did well at the deadline. -- Kahrl

27. Seattle Mariners
    2019 record: 47-67
    Week 17 ranking: 25

    The Mariners were no-hit for the second time this season Saturday, courtesy of Aaron Sanchez and three Astros relievers. The no-hitter at the hands of the Angels on July 12 was also a combined one. The Astros swept the three-game series, limiting the Mariners to seven hits while hitting seven home runs. No surprise here: The Mariners are now 1-12 against the Astros in 2019. Believe it or not, the Mariners won the season series last year 10-9. -- Schoenfield

28. Kansas City Royals
    2019 record: 40-73
    Week 17 ranking: 28

    The Royals shed Homer Bailey, Jake Diekman and Martin Maldonado via trade during the run-up to the deadline while letting veteran stopgaps such as Ben Lively, Brad Boxberger, Terrance Gore, Wily Peralta and Lucas Duda move on. The Royals are going to be very young for the rest of the 2019 season. All this makes sense given their rebuilding timeline. Less easy to comprehend is the apparent unwillingness to pay down the contract of Ian Kennedy to find a taker for the veteran righty, who has done well in a relief role this season. Perhaps the Royals see him returning to serve as closer for a 2020 team they hope will make a better run than the 2019 version did. -- Doolittle

29. Baltimore Orioles
    2019 record: 38-73
    Week 17 ranking: 29

    The Orioles didn't cash in any assets, and though they didn't have a lot to work with, it seems they could have dealt reliever Mychal Givens or outfielder Trey Mancini. But O's GM Mike Elias wasn't moved to deal, largely because the bulk of his players are under team control, and the trades he discussed wouldn't have raised the talent level of the organization, he told reporters. Meanwhile, Mancini had nine RBIs and slugged .667 with three doubles and two homers for the week. -- Richards

30. Detroit Tigers
    2019 record: 32-75
    Week 17 ranking: 30

    The Tigers dealt the two bargaining chips they had that still had any value in Nicholas Castellanos and Shane Greene, getting a trio of live arms to dream on and a playable bat for the outfield in Travis Demeritte. That's not a bad bit of milking value from the regrettable Robbie Ray trade of 2014 and the last two months before Castellanos fled as a free agent. But with the big league roster weaker than ever, 110-plus losses looks unavoidable. -- Kahrl

British number three Cameron Norrie came from a set down to beat Hungarian Marton Fucsovics in the opening round of the Rogers Cup in Montreal.

After three successive breaks of serve in the first set, world number 55 Fucsovics, who lost to Norrie on the Monte Carlo clay this year, went ahead.

Norrie soon levelled the match, taking the second set in only 34 minutes.

The left-hander then won three games in a row to complete a 5-7 6-2 6-3 victory in two hours and seven minutes.

He will play third seed Alexander Zverev next following the German's bye into the second round.

They have played each other once before, also on the hard courts, when Zverev won 7-6 6-3 in the Mexican Open semi-finals in Acapulco.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Kyle Busch Motorsports has announced that Alex Tagliani will drive the organization’s No. 51 Tundra Aug. 25 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

Tagliani’s No. 51 Tundra will carry sponsorship from three Canadian companies; CanTorque, Spectra Premium and RONA.

The Canadian has two poles, 15 laps led, one top-five and two top-10 finishes across four NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series starts, all coming at the 2.459-mile road course north of the border.

In addition to four Gander Truck Series starts, Tagliani has compiled four poles, 92 laps led, four top-five and five top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 13.0 across eight NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, all on road courses.

He currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series where he has recorded one win, one pole, 42 laps led, three top-five and five top-10 finishes across four starts and sits fourth in the championship standings this season.

Overall across 78 Pinty’s Series starts Tagliani has collected nine wins, 10 poles, 33 top-five and 53 top-10 finishes, including a win in last year’s race which was held prior to the Gander Truck Series event. He finished second in the championship standings in 2018 and third in 2016.

Taglaini is also a veteran of more than 200 Indy car races during his career between the NTT IndyCar Series and the defunct Champ Car World Series. He has one Indy car victory, at Road America in 2004, and won the pole for the 2011 Indianapolis 500.

He will once again pull double-duty, competing in the 51-lap Pinty’s Series race Sunday morning before the 64-lap Gander Truck Series event Sunday afternoon.

“It’s a real honor to represent KBM by driving the 51 truck – I really appreciate Kyle and the entire team’s trust in giving me the opportunity to try to win,” Tagliani said. “Carrying three Canadian companies to support the initiative at CTMP is really special. CanTorque showcasing their new tools made in Canada, driving a KBM truck equipped with a Spectra Premium Radiator and having lucky fans living a special behind-the-scenes experience feels really unique.”

HICKORY, N.C. — When Dave Marcis arrived at Hickory Motor Speedway for Saturday’s CARS Tour Throwback 276, he thought he was just going to sign some autographs.

Marcis, a winner of five NASCAR Cup Series races during a career that spanned 35 years and included 883 starts, was one of the honorees for the third edition of the CARS Tour’s most popular event.

Joining the likes of Dennis Setzer, Brett Bodine and Ernie Irvan, Marcis was scheduled to sign autographs for the bevy of fans that filled the grandstands prior to the doubleheader that featured late model stock cars and super late models.

What Marcis didn’t know was that 19-year-old Ryan Repko had chosen to honor Marcis with a throwback paint scheme during the late model stock car portion of the event. Repko’s car was wrapped to match the Realtree-sponsored car Marcis drove in his final NASCAR start during the 2002 Daytona 500.

“When I came I didn’t even know there was a race car here with my number on it as well as one of my sponsors, so I didn’t have a clue,” Marcis admitted.

Repko started the day off strong, qualifying second for the 138-lap stock car race alongside former series champion and JR Motorsports driver Josh Berry. The qualifying effort left Repko disappointed, but when Marcis came to introduce himself to the young driver from North Carolina he reminded Repko what was really important.

“I watched the cars qualify, I watched the board and I knew Ryan had qualified very well. In fact, he was the fastest car until very late in the qualifying session and then one car beat him,” Marcis said. “Then I went down and introduced myself to him and talked to him. He felt bad because he didn’t win the pole. He said he would like to have won the pole, so I could sign the plaque for him.

“I said well, just win the race and I’ll sign the checkered flag.”

Fast-forward a few hours and Repko did exactly that, taking the lead on lap 110 and driving away to what he called the biggest victory of his young career.

“This is kind of my backyard, my home track, so I’m really thankful to get my first CARS win here,” Repko said in victory lane. “I just can’t even believe it.”

Marcis said he watched the race from the stands and was rooting for Repko throughout the night. Early in the event, Repko took the lead and led until a lap-40 caution, but Marcis felt like he needed to drop back and start saving his equipment.

As if on cue, Repko fell back to second during the next restart behind Craig Moore. He stayed there, patiently waiting, until regaining the lead on lap 110. It was as if he could hear Marcis in the stands giving him direction.

“I felt like he had everything under control throughout the whole race,” Marcis said. “He used his head. He didn’t overdrive his race car and burn the tires off. He didn’t let people force him to overdrive the car.

“Really, on that one restart when he didn’t maintain the lead, I actually felt like that was better because he sat behind the car and took care of his tires and when it was time to go, he went,” Marcis said.

When Repko pulled into victory lane and unbuckled his belts and took off his helmet, one of the first people to greet him was Marcis. Grinning ear to ear, Marcis took part in the victory lane celebration. He even put on the trophy helmet that Repko earned for winning the event.

The helmet fit Marcis perfectly. He made sure to sign it for Repko before the end of the night, giving the young gun a memory he’ll never forget.

“The helmet fit him pretty good,” Repko joked. “It’s really special that I was able to win with him here.”

ELKHART LAKE, Wis. – Taking his son to school nine years ago in his native Lake Minnetonka, Minn., Patrick Kelly was seriously injured in a crash that nearly took his life.

He was hit head-on by a school bus driver who was texting while driving and swerved into oncoming traffic. Thankfully, Kelly’s son was uninjured. However, the prognosis for Kelly was bleak.

“They struggled to revive me,” he said.

Kelly suffered a significant brain injury and one of his knees was crushed. Eventually, he was told he’d never race again.

“I had just bought an LMPC car,” Kelly said. “I had to sell the car. I didn’t think I was ever going to return to racing.”

For seven years, he was told that he needed to forget about racing.

“Racing cars is definitely not in your future. It’s not something you’re going to be able to do,” Kelly said people told him. “There’s no way.”

On Sunday, in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship’s Road Race Showcase at Road America, Kelly and co-driver Matthew McMurry took the checkered flag in the LMP2 class.

When the race was over, Kelly said he felt numb, thinking about the long, long road to recovery, which culminated with a spot on the top step of the podium at Road America.

“It’s hard to describe in words how I feel,” Kelly said, adding, “It was hard to stay relaxed.”

About two years ago – seven years since the crash – an MRI showed enough significant improvement and he was given the OK to pursue racing again. That was the first time since the near fatal crash serious thought was given to racing.

“Every year we’d do the functional MRIs and every year things started to get better and better,” Kelly said. “I was very careful not to bump my head because they talked about how what you really need is time without an impact or acceleration or deceleration to heal a brain injury.

“Sure enough, I got cleared and they told me have at it.”

Then, he had another challenge ahead of him.

“How am I going to talk my wife into this?” Kelly said he remembered telling himself on what he needed to do to return to racing.

The conversation went OK.

“At first we just talked about doing track days,” Kelly said. “I said, ‘You know what. I’m just going to do some testing. I love being in a race car. There’s nothing in the world I love more.’”

He likes to play video games. But racing is what he loves.

“I can’t tell you much I genuinely love it,” Kelly said. “My wife went along with that.”

Coming back to racing was exciting, but, in hindsight, he admitted Road America probably wasn’t the best race track to make his return at because of the high speeds. His biggest worry was passing and managing traffic. He was also concerned about maintaining a rhythm and not get too excited.

Holding a first-place trophy, his smile showed it was indeed the right decision.

“I can’t tell you what an incredible rush and excitement it is to win at this track,” Kelly said. “It’s a bit humbling.”

KENT, Wash. – Any time that NHRA drag racing legend John Force wins a Funny Car event, it makes for a memorable victory celebration.

However, the party that followed Force’s win in Sunday’s Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways may go down in history as one of his most unforgettable ever.

Force stormed to his milestone and record-extending 150th Funny Car triumph during the final race of the three-week Western Swing, knocking off longtime rival Ron Capps in the final round with a winning pass of 3.971 seconds at 320.58 mph in his PEAK Chevrolet Camaro.

He quickly rushed to the winner’s circle, erupted out of his car and planted a kiss on Capps square on the lips before rolling into a classic, John Force monologue.

Afterward, Force chuckled about his spur-of-the-moment antics.

“Old Capps, I love him,” said Force of the second-winningest driver in Funny Car history. “I tried to hire him here years ago, and I hope I didn’t embarrass him just then. I’m the guy that kissed him. He did not kiss me, but I just … you know, sometimes I just love him. I know he was trying to beat me and giving it all he had. He’s the real deal, he’s a real great racer, and I guess luck was with me today and I got to win.

“I know if I kiss Ron Capps, I might get my picture in the paper.”

When the win light blinked on in Force’s lane during the all-important final round, the change in the air was instantaneous.

The stress, intensity and weight of the quest for Force’s milestone win was finally lifted.

It was apparent in the winner’s circle as the drag-racing legend moved to speak with FOX reporter Jamie Howe, with a level of jubilation that even exceeded Force’s typical enthusiasm.

“Don’t let anybody tell you that this (expletive) doesn’t matter,” said Force. “I’ve been so (expletive) up lately. I’m sorry; I’m sorry. but this is the best (feeling) right here. I’ve been screwed up for 25 races. I hate that monkey (on my back).

“Where is that monkey? I love that monkey now!”

Force had been riding a 25-race winless drought, going all the way back to his victory at Colorado’s Bandimere Speedway in July of 2018, and the questions were beginning to whisper out.

Would he ever get win No. 150, or would Force’s legendary career total hold at 149?

It was a question that even the iconic driver himself admitted he’s asked at times over the last year.

“It’s been 25 races (since my last win); Denver last year,” Force reminded reporters after his raucous celebration. “I give credit to a lot of crew chiefs over the years, though. I came here the first time with Steve Plueger, and you know he’s a great chassis builder and tuner. I came here with Austin Coil and then with Bernie Fedderly. I say those are the greatest crew chiefs in the world. They got most of those  (150) wins, but so many other crew chiefs … (Brian) Corradi and Daniel Hood and Fabresi, they led the charge for this one and they’ve had to put up with me all year, not being happy with the way the car steered and how I sat in it.

“Then I got the monkey on my back, and I know I finally said it, after I’ve said for a long time that it doesn’t bother me, but it does drives you nuts. You go to bed every night thinking about it and asking yourself if you’re going to get another one,” Force added. “Then I asked myself, ‘where’s the monkey?’ That monkey taught me so much that the pressure is there, and it forces you to focus on your car if you want to do well … and John Force does.

“Sometimes you need that slap in the face, and that monkey (on my back) made me focus.”

That focus led to perfection on Sunday at once of Force’s best race tracks, as he triumphed for the ninth time at the picturesque Washington drag strip, located not far from the metropolis of Seattle.

“There’s certain tracks I’m really happy at,” noted Force. “I mean I love Indy (Lucas Oil Raceway), but Pomona is work and a job for me because there are so many family members there and that’s where our home base is for the team. But I always loved Seattle. This place has treated me so well over the years.”

As he basked in the moment, that monkey on Force’s back went flying off, a feeling he relished in at last.

“I’m glad it’s over, but I’m gonna keep racing and I can calm down now and not live with thinking that I’d never get it,” said Force of his 150th win. “One thing that I didn’t do is yell out, ‘Petty, I’m coming after 200!’ I never raced (Richard) Petty, so no, no more jokes about that. I’m just going to go race my car, and remind everyone that I’ve only got a few more years left. I want to enjoy it.

“I want to have fun, and when you can’t win, it’s just not fun,” he continued. “That’s when the budgets get crazy and the road gets tougher. But we keep coming out here and keep fighting for it each week.”

Though the quest for win No. 150 is finally over, Force’s legendary career still has some additional life in it, as he noted in one of his final comments before departing on Sunday night.

“I’ve got three years left on my contract, so you all are stuck with me,” Force smiled.

Sarah Cornett-Ching hasn’t been on the race track much recently, but on Saturday she got the chance to compete during the Throwback 276 at Hickory Motor Speedway. We caught up with her prior to Saturday’s race to find out how she’s been and what she’s been up to.

Wayne Rooney is in advanced talks with Derby County about joining the Championship side as player-coach, according to multiple outlets in the United Kingdom, with sources confirming to ESPN that he is set to meet with club directors on Tuesday.

The Telegraph were first to report the news.

Derby's new Dutch manager Phillip Cocu declined to comment on the reports but Sky said England's record goalscorer was due to fly to the Midlands to discuss the details of the deal.

The 33-year-old ex-Manchester United and Everton striker, who has two years left on his contract with MLS club DC United, has previously spoken of his desire to go into management.

The BBC reported that Derby owner Mel Morris believes Rooney could help to get the club back into the Premier League.

"At the moment I can't say anything," Cocu told Sky Sports after Derby beat Huddersfield Town 2-1 in their opening fixture of the new Championship campaign.

"Like I said before the game we are working on completing the team. It isn't complete yet. I cannot say anything about names before things are done.

"We have a lot of players we think could be an asset for the team. You always try to get the best you can with the resources at the club. A few more days then hopefully I can say something more."

Derby appointed Rooney's former England team mate Frank Lampard as manager last season and he took them to the playoff final but has since joined his former club Chelsea.

Sky Sports said Rooney sees Derby as an ideal opportunity to learn the ropes while also prolonging his playing career.

Rooney was a big fan of Dutch manager Louis van Gaal's coaching methods when he was at Manchester United and has been convinced that Derby boss Cocu has a similar approach.

According to the outlet, Rooney sees the role as a chance to get coaching experience and return home to be nearer his relatives.

If negotiations go well, he could be confirmed as a Derby player and coach within days, Sky reported.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.