WILMETTE, Ill. — We know how hard motorsports professionals work at the track, but this month we will examine the off-track business activities of industry professionals.

Life as a driver, crew chief and team owner can be a lucrative endeavor. However, similar to time between races, substantial time is spent working away from the track.

The length of a career can also vary widely. Many will stay in the sport for years, but factors such as funding, sponsorship, performance, management and manufacturer support will play a big role. The development and importance of safety has also contributed to the longevity of a driver’s time behind the wheel.

Many are taking a proactive approach to the next stage of their careers. Traditional paths lead to broadcast booths, studio shows, team ownership or driving coach. The racing family receives the familiar face and voice warmly.

Motorsports requires being resourceful. Define the problem and develop a solution. To be competitive, stay motivated and take calculated risks, and most importantly be passionate.

With three rounds of matches to go in the Premier League season, the race to qualify for the Champions League has become a battle between four clubs seemingly unable to grasp the opportunity.

Third-placed Tottenham, sitting on 70 points, took a huge leap towards confirming a top-four spot with a late home win against Brighton on Tuesday, but Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, separated by just three points from fourth to sixth, continue to drop points.

United host Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday in a game that is now crucial for both clubs' aspirations, but with time running out to make the top four, who needs the Champions League most, which clubs are best-equipped to cope with a year in the Europa League and who is facing a nightmare scenario by failing to qualify?

3rd place: Tottenham, 70 points

Remaining Fixtures: West Ham (H), Bournemouth (A), Everton (H)

Why they need a top-four finish

Tottenham have finally moved into their spectacular new stadium, but they now have to pay for it and the money that comes from being in the Champions League is crucial in ensuring that the finances remain healthy enough for the club to avoid having to sell their best players.

As this season's run to the semifinals, and potentially beyond, has shown, Spurs are an emerging force under coach Mauricio Pochettino and are a team capable of winning the Champions League.

But missing out on qualification and ending up in the Europa League would leave Spurs vulnerable to losing their top stars, and Pochettino, to clubs who can offer Champions League football.

If Spurs finish in the top four, their business model and football development will only become stronger.

What happens if they miss out?

Christian Eriksen is stalling on a new contract, while Toby Alderweireld can leave for £25 million this summer, so Spurs would find it difficult to keep those two key players if they can only offer Europa League football.

And for a club that has not added to their squad since January 2018, recruitment plans would be hit badly if Champions League football is not booked.

Of all the clubs chasing a top-four finish, Spurs are arguably most at risk of the ramifications of missing out because of the delicate balancing act of keeping the team together and paying for the stadium, so Champions League qualification is absolutely vital.

Prediction: The win against Brighton has put Spurs in pole position and, with two home games to come, they will secure qualification by finishing third.

4th Place: Chelsea, 67 points

Remaining Fixtures: Man Utd (A), Watford (H), Leicester (A)

Why they need a top-four finish

With Eden Hazard increasingly likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, Chelsea need to be able to offer Champions League football in order to attract a top quality replacement.

There is also the question mark over the future of coach Maurizio Sarri, who might just cling onto his job if he can guide the club back into the Champions League.

Chelsea are in the midst of a transitional period and their rebuilding plans would be accelerated by a return to the tournament, both in terms of finance and the ability to attract better players.

But, of course, they still have the problem of a two-window transfer ban imposed by FIFA. They do still hope to get the ban paused, or overturned, to be able to deal this summer.

The funding of owner Roman Abramovich will always insulate Chelsea from the financial hit of not being in the Champions League, but as the only London club ever to win the competition, there is a determination at Stamford Bridge to regain the prestige of being back among the elite.

What happens if they miss out?

Any slim prospect of keeping Hazard would evaporate if Chelsea face another year in the Europa League and Sarri might follow the Belgian out of the door.

But there could be a positive element of missing out on the Champions League for Chelsea in the shape of their emerging youngsters.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi have been given first-team chances this season and, if Chelsea are unable to offer Champions League football to prospective signings, the club's hugely successful youth policy could finally bear fruit with more senior graduates.

Financially, Chelsea are in a stronger position than Spurs to ride out another year in the Europa League, but if a new coach comes in and turns to the youngsters, the transition may take even longer.

Prediction: Everything hinges on Sunday's trip to Old Trafford, and Arsenal can take advantage and leave Chelsea finishing in fifth.

5th Place: Arsenal, 66 points

Remaining Fixtures: Leicester (A), Brighton (H), Burnley (A)

Why they need a top-four finish

Arsenal's business model has always been heavily reliant on the money earned from playing in the Champions League and two seasons in the Europa League has hit them hard.

Coach Unai Emery has been restricted in the transfer market and Arsenal simply cannot compete financially with their top-six rivals as long as they sit outside the Champions League.

Traditionally London's biggest club, Arsenal as a Champions League team are an attractive proposition to potential signings, but they are forced to shop in the second tier as a Europa League outfit.

So Arsenal need to be back among the big boys for reasons of finance and prestige. Another year out will see them drop even further behind.

What happens if they miss out?

Emery's transfer budget is already restricted and he will be forced to find a replacement for Aaron Ramsey, leaving on a free transfer to Juventus, as well as bolstering every other department of his squad this summer, namely the defence.

The former Sevilla and Paris Saint-Germain coach has worked wonders simply to make Arsenal competitive for the top four this season, but his task will only become harder if they miss out on the Champions League for 2019-20.

Petr Cech has announced his retirement, so a back-up keeper will be needed, and Danny Welbeck is out of contract, so perhaps more than any club, Arsenal need the Champions League riches to keep the wheels turning.

Prediction: If Arsenal can win one of their two remaining away games, they should end the season in fourth position.

6th Place: Manchester United, 64 points

Remaining Fixtures: Chelsea (H), Huddersfield (A), Cardiff (H)

Why they need a top-four finish?

Financially, United can withstand missing out on the Champions League for one, maybe even two seasons, and there is even a school of thought that such a failure would actually trigger the reality check required to make the club focus properly on the challenge of returning to the top of the game.

But even United feel the pain of not playing in the Champions League, especially when their biggest rivals -- Liverpool and Manchester City -- are becoming potential European champions.

Champions League football would enable Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to rip up his squad and attract top quality players to Old Trafford. A year in the Europa League would force United to pay bigger fees and higher wages to get their main targets and, after upsetting the pay structure to sign £400,000-a-week Alexis Sanchez last season, that is the last thing the club wants to expose itself to.

What happens if they miss out?

The biggest pain felt by United would be to their pride, as the self-styled "biggest club in the world" missing out on the Champions League for the third time in six seasons would be a real humbling proposition.

Solskjaer would be under no financial pressure to sell any of his players and United would continue to generate millions off the pitch, but they would be a less attractive proposition on it to stars whose sole focus is playing in the Champions League.

No team has won the Premier League after starting the season in the Europa League, so United would already be on the back foot domestically and, with Solskjaer under pressure to oversee a "cultural reset" at Old Trafford, being out of the Champions League would only make life more difficult.

Prediction: United need to win all three remaining games to have any hope, but their recent form suggests they will fall short and finish sixth.

There have been many families in sports in which the talent extends beyond one generation. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., for instance, has been absolutely demolishing minor league pitching, hitting .331 and slugging .531 across four seasons and reminding pretty much everyone of his Hall of Fame dad. With Vlad Jr. getting called up to the major leagues, it's a good time to take a look at some of the most successful father-son duos in sports history.

We also take a glimpse into the future with some up-and-comers to keep an eye on in the next generation.

MLB

Ken Griffey Sr./Ken Griffey Jr.

Father's accomplishments: Ken Griffey Sr. played 19 seasons in the major leagues, mostly with the Cincinnati Reds. He was part of the Big Red Machine that won World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. Griffey Sr. was a three-time All-Star and finished his career with a .296 batting average, 152 home runs and 859 RBIs. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1980 All-Star Game and has been inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame.

How his son followed: Ken Griffey Jr. also had a long career, playing 22 seasons in the big leagues, including 13 with the Seattle Mariners and nine with Cincinnati. Griffey Jr. was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016 after a stellar career. He is seventh all-time with 630 career home runs and was a 13-time All-Star along with winning 10 Gold Gloves for his play in center field. He was the American League MVP in 1997 and led the AL in home runs four times during his career. In 1990, Griffey Sr. and Griffey Jr., both playing for the Mariners, made history when they became the first father-son duo to hit back-to-back home runs in a game.

Bobby Bonds/Barry Bonds

Father's accomplishments: Bobby Bonds played the majority of his 14 seasons with the San Francisco Giants and became just the second player to hit 300 career home runs and steal 300 bases, joining Willie Mays. He set records for most times leading off a game with a home run in a season (11) and in a career (35) -- both of which have since been broken. Bonds was a three-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove Award winner.

How his son followed: Barry Bonds played 22 seasons, mostly with the Giants, and was a seven-time National League MVP. Bonds holds the record for most career home runs, with 762, and for most home runs in a single season, with 73. He was a 14-time All-Star, 12-time Silver Slugger Award winner and eight-time Gold Glove Award winner. Bonds tied his father for the most seasons with 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases with five. He also holds the MLB records for most walks (2,558) and intentional walks (688) during his career.

Sandy Alomar/Roberto Alomar/Sandy Alomar Jr.

Father's accomplishments: Sandy Alomar Sr. played 15 seasons and could play all infield and outfield positions. He was an All-Star in 1970 and played a full 162-game season that year and in 1971. Alomar Sr. was a talented bunter and aggressive on the basepaths, totaling 227 stolen bases during his career, including 39 in 1971.

How his sons followed: Twelve-time All-Star Roberto Alomar was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011. He won World Series championships with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992 and 1993. Roberto Alomar won more Gold Gloves (10) than any other second baseman and finished his 17-year career with a .300 batting average, 2,724 hits and 210 home runs. Sandy Alomar Jr. was the first rookie catcher to start an All-Star Game, winning Rookie of the Year and a Gold Glove Award in 1990. Alomar Jr. was named an All-Star six times during his 20-year career and had a 30-game hitting streak in 1997.

Cecil Fielder/Prince Fielder

Father's accomplishments: Cecil Fielder was a three-time All-Star and won a World Series title with the New York Yankees in 1996. In 1990, Fielder was the first player to hit at least 50 home runs in a season since George Foster did in 1977. Fielder led the American League in home runs in 1990 and 1991 and in RBIs from 1990 to '92. Fielder hit 319 career home runs with 1,008 RBIs and was a two-time winner of the Silver Slugger Award.

How his son followed: Prince Fielder is the youngest player to hit 50 home runs in a season (his age-23 season), and Cecil and Prince Fielder are the only father-son duo to each hit 50 home runs in a season. Prince Fielder was a six-time All-Star and won the Home Run Derby twice -- once as an NL All-Star and once as an AL All-Star. Fielder totaled 319 home runs for his career, the same number as his father, and drove in 1,028 runs. Fielder was a three-time Silver Slugger Award winner and the AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2015.

NBA

Dell Curry/Stephen Curry/Seth Curry

Father's accomplishments: Dell Curry retired as the Charlotte Hornets' career scoring leader (9,839 points) and ranked first in 3-pointers made (929). Curry was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 1994 and averaged 11.7 points and 2.4 rebounds per game during his 16-year career.

How his sons followed: Stephen Curry has led the Golden State Warriors to three NBA championships and been named the NBA's Most Valuable Player twice. Curry is a five-time All-Star and was the NBA scoring champion in 2016. He holds the NBA record for most made 3-pointers during a regular season, with 402, and most regular-season consecutive games with a made 3-pointer, with 157. Seth Curry was a two-time NBA D-League All-Star and has spent time with several NBA teams, including averaging 12.8 points over 70 games in 2016-17 with the Dallas Mavericks. He signed recently with the Portland Trail Blazers during free agency.

Doc Rivers/Austin Rivers

Father's accomplishments: As a player, Doc Rivers was known for his defense, but he did average a double-double during the 1986-87 season with 12.8 points and 10.0 assists per game. He was an NBA All-Star in 1988 and played with four teams during his 13-year career. Rivers was named Coach of the Year in 2000 with the Orlando Magic and led the Boston Celtics to an NBA title as their coach in 2008. He has been head coach of the LA Clippers since 2013.

How his son followed: In 2015, Austin Rivers was traded to the Clippers and became the first NBA player to play for his father. Rivers has averaged 9.4 points per game during his six-year career, including 15.1 PPG in 2017-18 with the Clippers. In June 2018, he was traded to the Washington Wizards for Marcin Gortat.

Mychal Thompson/Klay Thompson

Father's accomplishments: Mychal Thompson, the No. 1 pick in the 1978 NBA draft, won back-to-back NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1987 and 1988. Thompson was on the All-Rookie team in 1979 and went on to average 13.7 points and 7.4 rebounds a game during his career. He averaged a double-double in 1981-82 with 20.8 points and 11.7 rebounds per game.

How his son followed: Klay Thompson has won three NBA championships with the Warriors. Mychal and Klay Thompson became just the fourth father-son duo to have each won an NBA title as a player and the first to have both won back-to-back championships. Klay Thompson, a four-time All-Star, was named to the All-Rookie team in 2012 and won the 3-Point Contest in 2016. He holds the NBA playoff record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 11.

Joe "Jellybean" Bryant/Kobe Bryant

Father's accomplishments: Joe "Jellybean" Bryant played eight seasons in the NBA before heading to Europe and playing seven seasons with teams in Italy. He scored 53 points in a game twice during the 1987-88 season with Pistoia. Bryant played into his 50s, suiting up in the American Basketball Association.

How his son followed: Five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant is third in career scoring with 33,643 points. He played 20 seasons for the Lakers and was named an All-Star 18 times. Bryant was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2008 and the Finals MVP in 2009 and 2010. He was the NBA scoring champion in 2006 and 2007 and was named to the All-NBA first team 11 times and the All-Defensive first team nine times. Kobe has had both his No. 8 and his No. 24 retired by the Lakers.

NFL

Archie Manning/Peyton Manning/Eli Manning

Father's accomplishments: Archie Manning was a quarterback in the NFL for 13 seasons, mostly with the New Orleans Saints. Despite never leading a team to a winning record, Manning made the Pro Bowl in 1978 and 1979. He threw for 125 touchdowns and rushed for 18 more during his career. Manning has been inducted into the Saints Ring of Honor and Saints Hall of Fame.

How his sons followed: Peyton Manning was the first pick in the 1998 NFL draft and holds the NFL records for career passing yards (71,940) and passing touchdowns (539). He is the only starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl for two franchises. A 14-time Pro Bowler, Peyton Manning was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player five times and a first-team All-Pro seven times. Eli Manning was the first pick in the 2004 NFL draft and has led the New York Giants to two Super Bowl titles, earning Super Bowl MVP honors both times. He is a four-time Pro Bowler and ranks sixth in passing yards in NFL history, and he started 210 consecutive games from 2004 to 2017, the second-longest streak by a quarterback in NFL history.

Howie Long/Chris Long/Kyle Long

Father's accomplishments: Eight-time Pro Bowl selection Howie Long played his entire 13-year career with the Raiders organization. The defensive end helped the Raiders win the Super Bowl in 1984 and he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1985. Long finished his career with 84 sacks and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. He also made 10 fumble recoveries and two interceptions during his time in the NFL.

How his sons followed: Chris Long was the No. 2 pick in the 2008 NFL draft and has won back-to-back Super Bowls -- with the New England Patriots in 2017 and with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018. The defensive end has recorded 63.5 sacks during his 10-year career and was named to the All-Rookie team in 2008. Kyle Long, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, is a guard for the Chicago Bears. He was a second-team All-Pro in 2014 and made the All-Rookie team in 2013.

Clay Matthews Jr./Clay Matthews III/Casey Matthews

Father's accomplishments: Clay Matthews Jr. played 19 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Cleveland Browns. He appeared in 278 games, the most by a linebacker, and recorded 1,561 tackles, 69.5 sacks and 16 interceptions during his career. Matthews was a four-time Pro Bowler and was first-team All-Pro in 1984, recording 12 sacks that season.

How his sons followed: Clay Matthews III, a six-time Pro Bowler, helped the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl title after the 2010 season. The linebacker was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 and has totaled 80 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and six interceptions during his nine-year career. Linebacker Casey Matthews played 2011-14 for the Philadelphia Eagles and recorded 2.5 sacks.

NHL

Bobby Hull/Brett Hull

Father's accomplishments: Bobby Hull received the Hart Memorial Trophy twice as the NHL's most valuable player and also earned the Art Ross Trophy three times as the NHL's leading points scorer. The left wing won the Stanley Cup in 1961 with the Chicago Blackhawks and was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. Hull led the NHL in goals seven times and was the second-leading goal scorer in NHL history with 610 when he retired (now 17th). Hull won back-to-back All-Star Game MVP awards in 1970 and 1971.

How his son followed: Brett Hull scored 741 goals during his career, the fourth-highest total in NHL history. The right wing won Stanley Cups in 1999 with the Dallas Stars (including scoring the championship-winning goal) and in 2002 with the Detroit Red Wings. Hull scored at least 50 goals in five consecutive seasons, and his 86 goals in 1990-91 are the third most in NHL history for a single season. He was named the NHL's MVP that season and received the Hart Memorial Trophy. Hull was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2009, joining his father to become the first father-son duo in the Hall.

Auto racing

Dale Earnhardt/Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Father's accomplishments: Dale Earnhardt won 76 Winston Cup races, including the 1998 Daytona 500. Earnhardt also claimed seven NASCAR Winston Cup championships, tying Richard Petty for the most all time. It was 22 years before Jimmie Johnson matched the accomplishment again in 2016. Earnhardt died as a result of a collision in the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500 and was posthumously inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame inaugural class in 2010.

How his son followed: Dale Earnhardt Jr. won 26 Cup series races, including the Daytona 500 twice (2004, 2014). He also had 260 top-10 finishes in Cup races during his career. Junior was a fan favorite, winning the Most Popular Driver award 15 times. He was the Busch Series champion in 1998 and 1999 before being named NASCAR Rookie of the Year in 2000. He is retired and a broadcaster now.

Honorable mention: Ray Boone/Bob Boone/Bret Boone/Aaron Boone; Felipe Alou/Moises Alou; Tom Gordon/Dee Gordon/Nick Gordon; Rick Barry/Brent Barry/Jon Barry; Bill Walton/Luke Walton; Larry Nance/Larry Nance Jr.; Tim Hardaway/Tim Hardaway Jr.; Bruce Matthews/Jake Matthews/Kevin Matthews; Jackie Slater/Matthew Slater; Gordie Howe/Mark Howe; J.P. Parise/Zach Parise; Peter Stastny/Paul Stastny; Lee Petty/Richard Petty/Kyle Petty; Mario Andretti/Michael Andretti/Jeff Andretti/Marco Andretti; Ken Norton Sr./Ken Norton Jr.; Calvin Hill/Grant Hill; Peter Schmeichel/Kasper Schmeichel.

Next generation

Vladimir Guerrero/Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Third baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is a top prospect in the Blue Jays organization and showing flashes of the same power that made his father a nine-time All-Star.

Fernando Tatis/Fernando Tatis Jr.: Infielder Fernando Tatis Jr. is a top prospect in the Padres organization but underwent thumb surgery in July that ended his 2018 season. ESPN's Keith Law rated Tatis as the No. 1 prospect in baseball at the season's midpoint. His father, Fernando Tatis, once hit two grand slams in the same inning.

Bobby Witt/Bobby Witt Jr.: Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., the son of former pitcher and World Series champion Bobby Witt, is the early favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2019 MLB draft.

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez/Dereck Rodriguez: Pitcher Dereck Rodriguez made his MLB debut in 2018 for the Giants and went 6-4 with a 2.81 ERA on the other end of the battery from where his Hall of Fame father played for 21 seasons.

Craig Biggio/Cavan Biggio: Cavan Biggio is a highly ranked prospect in the Blue Jays organization, following his Hall of Fame father's lead and playing at second base.

Roger Clemens/Kody Clemens: Second baseman Kody Clemens, the 2018 Big 12 Player of the Year, is in the Detroit Tigers organization and showing his power at the plate; his father, a seven-time Cy Young Award winner, brought the heat from the mound.

Dante Bichette/Bo Bichette: Shortstop Bo Bichette is a highly touted prospect in the Blue Jays organization, playing in the infield; his father was an outfielder.

Andre Rison/Hunter Rison: Sophomore Hunter Rison has transferred from Michigan State to Kansas State and is looking to have the same kind of success as a wide receiver that his father, a Super Bowl champion with the Packers and five-time Pro Bowler, did during his 12-year NFL career.

Randy Moss/Thaddeus Moss: LSU sophomore Thaddeus Moss transferred from NC State and is a pass-catcher like his soon-to-be Hall of Fame father, but he plays tight end instead of wide receiver for the Tigers.

Michael Irvin/Michael Irvin II: Michael Irvin II is a junior tight end for the Miami Hurricanes. Will he find success like his Hall of Fame and three-time Super Bowl champion father, who also played for the Canes?

Larry Allen/Larry Allen Jr.: Larry Allen Jr. is a senior offensive lineman at Harvard and plays guard, like his Hall of Fame and 11-time Pro Bowl father did during his 14-year NFL career.

Marion Barber Jr./Thomas Barber: Thomas Barber is a junior linebacker for the Minnesota Golden Gophers and was first on the team in tackles in 2017. His father also played at Minnesota, as a running back, and went on to play in the NFL. Thomas' brothers, Marion III and Dominique, also played in the NFL.

John Bosa/Joey Bosa/Nick Bosa: Nick Bosa is a junior defensive end for Ohio State and was named the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2017. His older brother, Joey, is starting his third season in the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers and was named to his first Pro Bowl last season. Their father was also a defensive end in the NFL.

Shaquille O'Neal/Shareef O'Neal: Shareef O'Neal, a four-star recruit at UCLA, will miss the entire 2018-19 season after doctors discovered a heart ailment that required surgery. The power forward expects to return after a medical redshirt season in 2018-19. His Hall of Fame and four-time NBA champion father played center.

Greg Anthony/Cole Anthony: Cole Anthony is No. 3 in the ESPN 100 basketball recruits for 2019. The point guard is undeclared; his father, also a point guard, played in the NBA for several different teams from 1991 to 2002.

Keith Tkachuk/Matthew Tkachuk/Brady Tkachuk: Left wing Matthew Tkachuk was drafted at No. 6 in 2016 by the Calgary Flames, and his brother, Brady, was selected at No. 4 in the 2018 draft by the Ottawa Senators. Their father, a left wing like his sons, is one of only five American-born NHL players to score at least 500 goals.

Michael Nylander/William Nylander/Alexander Nylander: William Nylander was selected at No. 8 in the 2014 NHL draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs and named Rookie of the Month in October 2016 and March 2017. His brother, Alexander, was drafted at No. 8 in 2016 by the Buffalo Sabres; both sons look to have long NHL careers like their father did.

John Harkes/Ian Harkes: Ian Harkes received the Hermann Trophy as the top college soccer player in the country in 2016 and is playing for D.C. United like his father -- who won two MLS Cup titles with the club and is a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Defending London Marathon champion says a women-only world record could be on the cards for Sunday

Vivian Cheruiyot appears in a confident mood ahead of Sunday’s Virgin Money London Marathon, and with good reason.

The defending champion returns to the UK capital as a 66:34 half-marathoner, having improved her PB to claim victory in Lisbon last month. That run, she says, paired with her performances in training, proves she’s in even better shape than last year, when she defeated a field including her fellow Kenyan Mary Keitany after a superbly-judged race which resulted in a 2:18:31 PB.

“I am in better shape because last year I changed things and the programme of last year and this year has been the same,” says the 2016 Olympic 5000m champion, who made her marathon debut in London in 2017.

“We normally compare (the training of) last year and this year and I did better than last year which means I am in better shape than last year so I am happy about that.

“I also did a personal best at the half-marathon in Lisbon so I think I am going to run good on Sunday.”

“I’m in better shape than last year.” Vivian Cheruiyot is back in London and ready to defend her #LondonMarathon title. pic.twitter.com/dcKsmQYGaV

— Athletics Weekly (@AthleticsWeekly) April 25, 2019

Twelve months ago, in challenging hot conditions, Keitany and Tirunesh Dibaba had been accompanied by male pacemakers as they set their sights on Paula Radcliffe’s world record of 2:15:25. Keitany stormed through half way in 67:16 before fading in the final miles, with Cheruiyot coming through for victory after having sat back off the lead pack initially.

This time the race will feature female pacemakers, as it did in 2017 when Keitany ran her women-only world record of 2:17:01 to secure her third London Marathon title.

While Dibaba won’t be racing on Sunday as she is expecting her second child, Keitany does return and the pair will also be joined by two other sub-2:19 runners – Chicago champion Brigid Kosgei and Berlin winner Gladys Cherono.

Cheruiyot believes a women-only world record could be on the cards.

“The male pacemakers, they were quicker (last year) because the ladies wanted to run 2:15. I think now people are trying to run 2:17,” she says. “It’s possible (for the women-only world record to be broken) on Sunday if the weather is good because I know the athletes are very strong.

“I’m going to try my best (to break the record herself). It will depend on how my body responds. If it is going to respond very well, I am in good shape and I’ll try to do my best.

“If it’s going to be 68 (minutes) at half way, that is okay for me, I can stay with them all the way through. Last year 67 was too fast.

“Running a PB in Lisbon really gives me confidence because mostly I did it alone. We have people pacing us here so my chances of running 2:17 are very high.”

Since making her debut two years ago, Cheruiyot has raced three more marathons – in Frankfurt (first in 2:23:35), London and New York (second behind Keitany in 2:26:02) – and, despite missing the track, she insists she won’t be returning to in-stadium action.

“I miss it a lot because I really liked running on the track, especially the 5000m – it was really enjoyable for me,” says the 35-year-old four-time world track gold medallist.

“We used to go for 40 minutes, one hour training (for the track), but now you have to do 40km for training – it’s very hard.

“When I started training for the marathon I was like ‘I’m going to finish the training, I’m going to be tired forever!’ But now I am catching up, I am used to it and I love it now.”

BATAVIA, Ohio – Ongoing rain in the days leading up to the events at Tri-City Speedway and Macon Speedway in Southern Illinois has forced the cancellation of this weekend’s Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events.

The Hoker Trucking Best in the Business 50 at Tri-City Speedway will now take place on Thursday, July 11 in conjunction with the NAPA Know How 50 on Friday, July 12.

The action at Macon Speedway will shift to Tuesday, July 23, capping off a busy Midwest swing for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

PARK CITY, Kan. — After several near misses in the early going this season, Zack VanderBeek found the road to victory lane and garnered his 48th career USMTS win at 81 Speedway Thursday night.

The 34-year-old from New Sharon, Iowa, hasn’t employed any drastic measures to get faster, just plugging away.

“We made some little changes, but we’re just working hard and not giving up,” he said. “It’s a heck of a lot easier when you can start in front of these guys.”

Local favorite and Wichita native Cody Schniepp snagged the Sybesma Pole Award, but VanderBeek muscled his familiar No. 33z Casey’s General Stores VanderBuilt Race Cars USMTS Modified into the top spot to lead the first lap.

About 20 minutes and 40 laps later, ‘The Z-Man’ finally had a checkered flag to take home from C. Ray Hall’s historic facility-a place where VanderBeek had piled up several near-misses over the last decade.

“King of America was tough, and then going down south there’s a lot of good cars,” VanderBeek added. “We’ve been kind of right there but you just have to get in the right position. I think we’ll have some more wins this year.”

Conversely, Rodney Sanders has a series-best four triumphs at the 81 Speedway and two wins under his belt this season already. This time, however, “The Sandman” had to follow his long-time nemesis to the finish line.

Sanders chased Schniepp for the first half of the main event before eventually working his way into second, but he was never able to mount a serious challenge on the leader despite two caution flags late in the race.

“Once I got to second, I knew Zack was probably not going to make a mistake,” said the 2013 and 2014 USMTS National Champion. “At that point, I was just trying to save my right rear tire and just kind of hang on.”

For his part, Schniepp kept pace with the lead duo until the end, coming home with a career-best third-place USMTS finish, holding off Ryan Gustin over the final laps.

Jake O’Neil returned to USMTS action after nearly a month off to recover from an apparent staff infection in his legs, and snatched a top-five finish.

The finish:

Zack VanderBeek, Rodney Sanders, Cody Schniepp, Ryan Gustin, Jake O’Neil, R.C. Whitwell, Dereck Ramirez, Hunter Marriott, Joe Duvall, Chad Wheeler, Tanner Mullens, Bryce Schniepp, Tyler Wolff, Austin Siebert, Dustin Hodges, Scott Green, Mike Striegel, Cole Traugott, Nathan Hagar, Terry Phillips, Adam Kates, Jake Nightingale, Dan Powers, Josh Lanterman, Tyler Davis, Darron Fuqua.

EAGLE, Neb. — Leading the only lap that pays, Canadian Thomas Kennedy made a stunning last-lap pass of Matt Covington to win with the Lucas Oil American Sprint Car Series presented by the MAVTV Motorsports Network Thursday night at Eagle Raceway.

“I knew I had the fastest car; it was just a matter of time and I was either going to make it or break it,” said Kennedy. “Luckily traffic held him [Matt Covington] up a bit and I was able to get underneath him, but this is awesome. Especially starting 13th and wheeling my ass all the way to the front.”

The Buffalo Wild Wings No. 21k rolled to the white flag with a nearly half straightaway disadvantage to the A-Rock Materials No. 95 of Covington. Finding his lane blocked by slower cars through the first and second turns, the brief slowdown by Covington was just enough for Kennedy to pounce. Rushing the bottom of the high-banked oval, Kennedy made the pass off the second turn.

Racing into the final two turns, Covington tried to retake the top spot but would have to settle for second.

“Last week it was lapped traffic that won me the race, and tonight I lost it. I just took it too easy on them. These guys out here are fast, and you have to go every lap and I just got conservative and gave it away,” explained Covington.

Wayne Johnson finished third with Cody Ledger and Josh Baughman rounding out the top five.

A field of 35 was on hand for the Track Enterprises promoted event.

The finish:

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 21K-Thomas Kennedy, [13]; 2. 95-Matt Covington, [4]; 3. 2C-Wayne Johnson, [11]; 4. 35L-Cody Ledger, [9]; 5. 17-Josh Baughman, [3]; 6. 28-Scott Bogucki, [14]; 7. 81-Jack Dover, [17]; 8. 11-Roger Crockett, [6]; 9. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr, [22]; 10. J2-John Carney II, [8]; 11. 23-Seth Bergman, [18]; 12. 47X-Dylan Westbrook, [19]; 13. 5J-Jamie Ball, [1]; 14. 9X-Jake Bubak, [10]; 15. 17W-Harli White, [20]; 16. 23S-Stuart Snyder, [21]; 17. 82-Jason Martin, [15]; 18. 44-Chris Martin, [23]; 19. 92-Jordan Weaver, [5]; 20. (DNF) 21P-Robbie Price, [2]; 21. (DNF) 84-Brandon Hanks, [7]; 22. (DNF) 1-Travis Rilat, [16]; 23. (DNF) 52-Blake Hahn, [12]; 24. (DNF) 77X-Alex Hill, [24]

FULTON, N.Y. – A poor forecast with temperatures in the 30s and 40s has forced Fulton Speedway and Super DIRTcar Series officials to cancel the High Bank Holdup Weekend scheduled for Friday and Saturday.

No rescheduled dates for either event have been scheduled at this time.

The Super DIRTcar Series returns to action on Tuesday, May 7 for the Ultimate Outlaw 100 at Outlaw Speedway in Dundee, N.Y.