TULSA, Okla. — NASCAR touring series regular Garrett Smithley wasn’t necessarily planning to be in Oklahoma next week for the 35th Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals, nor did he expect to have a ride for the event.

As he explained in advance of the Super Bowl of Midget Racing, “it just kind of happened.”

Smithley got the call to drive the Michael Koontz-owned No. 17d after Cody Ware, who was originally scheduled to pilot the Tranter Gaerte Chevrolet-powered Spike Chassis, had to back out of the event due to other obligations.

The 28-year-old from Ligioner, Pa., is eager to tackle the challenge of his maiden Chili Bowl appearance, though he admitted he’s “got a lot to learn” when it comes to dirt racing.

“Cody was going to run the same car that Ryan Ellis ran last year with Michael Koontz; I guess Ryan helped set them up, but Cody had to back out last minute because of another obligation that he had going on where he couldn’t make it next week,” Smithley said. “So we all got in a group chat and he said, ‘Hey, Ryan’s talked to the owner. Would you want to run it?’ And there was no question in my mind about doing it. But that’s kind of how this happened for me.

“This is a bucket-list race for me; there’s a handful of races that I want to race in before the end of my career and the Chili Bowl is one that’s right at the top of my list,” he added. “Because of the mystique and the fact that it’s become such a huge event, it was a no brainer for me to say, ‘Yeah, let’s do it.’ I just wanted to jump at the opportunity and I’m really glad that it’s all come together to do this.”

Smithley is a veteran of 189 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national series, including 26 races last year in the premier NASCAR Cup Series. He ran full time for four years in the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 2016-’19 before stepping up predominately to the Cup Series level in 2020.

Driving on dirt, however, is not something that Smithley considers to be in his wheelhouse.

“I’ve only run one dirt race in my life and that was in a big-block modified for MRO, so it’s something out of my comfort zone,” Smithley said regarding dirt racing. “But again, the Chili Bowl is a bucket list race and I’ve always wanted to run it, so why not just jump in with both feet and do it, you know?”

Considering the two are longtime friends, Smithley said he plans to lean on fellow NASCAR and Chili Bowl competitor Ryan Ellis for advice as he embarks on his maiden voyage at the Super Bowl of Midget Racing.

“I’ve talked to Ryan already, obviously, and I’ll probably talk some with James Davison as well. He was my teammate last year and he ran the Chili Bowl last year as well, so he knows some of what to expect,” Smithley noted. “I’ve texted back and forth quite a bit with Dillon (Welch), too. He’s become a good buddy of mine and I know he’s one of the top guys that do that stuff, so he’s been helping me out quite a bit.

“I’m trying to have fun, but I’m trying to watch film too in order to prepare,” he added. “I tried to get a test (session), but it was way, way too late in the game for me to find anybody local to be able to do that. So I’m going to go and run the five or six practice laps that we get on Monday and see what we’ve got and then we’ll go from there into our prelim night after that.”

Not knowing what to expect, Smithley tipped that he plans to enjoy his time competing next week and soak in what it means to race as a competitor at the Chili Bowl.

It doesn’t mean his fire to be successful will be diminished, however.

“I have zero expectations. I have no idea how it’s going to go,” said Smithley. “I’ve heard for years and years how big of a party it is up there and how cool of an event it is. I’ve watched it for years from home. Phillip (Smalley, marketing guru) had a Chili Bowl party for years and years when he had a house in Concord, and we’d always go and that was a tradition … that we would always have a good time at that Chili Bowl party and watch. I would watch it intently, thinking I would like to do it one day, but really never did anything about it until it really just fell into my lap this year.

“I am going to soak it in. I’m going to Marvel. I’m glad that my prelim is later in the week, it’s on Thursday, so I have most of the week to take it all in and go have a good time and hang out with the crew and my friends that are there before we get rolling,” Smithley continued. “At the same time, though, I’m still a competitor. I can talk about all this stuff and say I don’t care about how I do and that I have no expectations, but at the end of the day when I put that helmet on, I’m going to still want to and try to go as fast as I possibly can. I’m going to try to go as far as I can in the alphabet soup.

“I’m going to enjoy it, but I’m also going to be competitive at the same time and see how it shakes out.”

The 35th Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals takes place Jan. 11-16 inside the River Spirit Expo Center in Tulsa, Okla.

SPEED SPORT’s LIVE From the Chili Bowl coverage is supported by MyRacePass, KICKER, Curb Records and Swann Communications! To find out more about each of our partners and to check out all of SPEED SPORT’s Chili Bowl coverage, visit our Chili Bowl Index Page! DON’T MISS SPEED SPORT’S LIVE From the Chili Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m. ET on MAVTV!

HA’IL, Saudi Arabia – Carlos Sainz Sr. was untouched en route to victory in Friday’s Dakar Rally stage to inch back into contention for the overall victory.

The Mini X-Raid driver led the entire way during the 348 kilometer shortened stage, winning by more than four minutes ahead of Yazeed Al Rajhi.

Meanwhile, Stephane Peterhansel finished the day fourth and holds a nearly six minute lead over Nasser Al-Attiyah. Sainz was able to gain several minutes thanks to his stage victory on Friday, but he still sits just more than 40 minutes behind Peterhansel in third.

In the motorcycle battle, Honda rider Joan Barreda Bort picked up the stage victory Friday, beating Ross Branch by a scant 13 second margin. At the top of the class rankings, Toby Price holds the top spot by just more than two minutes ahead of Kevin Benavides.

France’s Alexandre Giroud won Friday’s quad stage, with Nicolas Cavigliasso continuing to maintain a more than 30 minutes lead in the division. Airat Mardeev picked up the truck class stage victory ahead of class leader Dmitry Sotnikov, who still leads the class by more than 37 minutes.

American Seth Quintero won Friday’s lightweight stage. Aron Domzala holding a 40-second advantage ahead of another American, Austin Jones, in the lightweight rankings.

New Jersey Devils goaltender Corey Crawford is taking an indefinite leave of absence from the team due to personal reasons, the team announced Friday.

Crawford has not practiced since training camp opened for the team last week. His absences were first described as "maintenance days" by coach Lindy Ruff before the team said he was taking personal days on Wednesday and Thursday.

"We need to give him his space," Devils veteran forward Travis Zajac told reporters Thursday. "Obviously, no one knows himself better than he does, so obviously we want him to be part of this team, but I think going forward, he's got to make that decision. I think he can take all the time he needs. We want him here."

Crawford, 36, signed a two-year deal with the Devils this past offseason with an average annual value of $3.9 million. He had been the Chicago Blackhawks' starting goaltender since 2010-11 -- and helped them to two Stanley Cup championships -- but the team decided not to re-sign him this offseason.

The Devils had a need for a veteran goaltender after buying out Cory Schneider, and Crawford was due to share the net with 24-year-old Mackenzie Blackwood, who was re-signed to a three-year, $8.4 million contract before training camp began.

New Jersey has three other goalies on its camp roster: Scott Wedgewood (24 games of NHL experience), Gilles Senn (two games of NHL experience) and Evan Cormier (0 games of NHL experience).

Crawford ended his Blackhawks career ranked third in franchise history with 260 career wins, trailing only Tony Esposito and Glen Hall. Crawford is the Blackhawks' franchise leader in postseason wins (52) and is the only goaltender in team history with multiple Stanley Cups.

Three of English football's minor leagues said on Friday they wanted their season halted and declared null and void due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Southern, Northern Premier and Isthmian Leagues -- whose clubs form the seventh and eight tiers of the football system -- issued a joint statement reviewing the implications of the latest government lockdown.

- Hamilton: The Premier League's COVID gamble
- Villa-Liverpool on despite COVID outbreak
- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)

It said clubs at steps three and four of the National League would be asked by the Football Association "to provide views on whether the 2020-21 season should be terminated and, if not, what the alternative should be.

"Independent of that survey, all three of the Trident League's Boards hold the view that the season should cease immediately and be declared null and void," it added.

It said the ultimate decision rested with the FA Council but all fixtures up to March 6 were postponed since there was no indication the national lockdown will be lifted before then.

Paul Hilton, chairman of Northern Premier League side Radcliffe FC who had average gates of around 500 before fans were barred, told Sky Sports that the clubs needed supporters in stadiums to be financially viable.

"I think unfortunately most of the clubs are going to agree that the way forward in the current climate is ultimately going to have to be to stop," he said.

Pep Guardiola has said USMNT goalkeeper Zack Steffen has "settled perfectly" at Manchester City.

With first-choice Ederson sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, Steffen stepped in for key victories over Chelsea and Manchester United.

- Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only)
- Stream FA Cup matches live on ESPN+ (U.S. Only)
- FA Cup preview: COVID-19 crisis, upsets and drama

The 25-year-old, who has made six appearances this season, produced a fine save from Bruno Fernandes in the 2-0 win at Old Trafford on Wednesday and could make his third start in a row against Birmingham City in the FA Cup on Sunday.

"He's settled perfectly to the dynamic of the group," Guardiola told a news conference on Friday. "He's a guy who listens in training.

"He's been training with maybe the best goalkeeper coach with Xabi [Mancisidor] and he has the opportunity to improve a lot.

"He made an incredible save in the first half from the shot from Bruno Fernandes but they were actions with the ball that he's done really well."

Guardiola is set to hand striker Sergio Aguero his first start since October when Birmingham, 18th in the Championship, visit the Etihad Stadium.

The 32-year-old has only managed nine appearances this season after recovering from a knee injury. Sources have told ESPN Aguero is still waiting to discover whether or not he will be offered a new contract with his existing deal set to expire in the summer.

"He has trained really well," Guardiola added. "Today [Friday] he was off but if tomorrow he feels good he's going to play [against Birmingham].

"It would be great to have him fit and in the best condition, he's optimistic and positive, he's been saying he will do a good season -- "I will score a lot of goals" -- and this is the most important thing.

"We don't want to put him under pressure. There are games that maybe we don't need him but we do for most of the games."

The phrase "can't wait," comes up frequently when talking to Dom Bess. At least six times in a 20-minute conversation.

He "can't wait" for the Test series in Sri Lanka to start; he "can't wait" to bowl on more responsive wickets and, most of all he "can't wait" to renew his spin-bowling partnership with former Somerset teammate, Jack Leach.

That's understandable. After a summer spent playing a supporting role on England's green and pleasant land - well, pleasant if you're a seam bowler - he is now facing the prospect of six successive Tests in Asia. The understudy is about to promoted to top billing. Well, top-billing alongside the man who has been competing for a place with him for club and country over much of the last three or four years.

ALSO READ: Leach admits Covid concerns meant he feared for Test future

It's not hard to see what the England management see in Bess. He is an excellent fielder, he is a good enough batsman to have made a half-century on Test debut and he gives every impression of being an irrepressible character. There's a lot to like.

Some young players, knowing the starring role into which they are about to be thrust, would become anxious about the responsibility. Especially after an underwhelming first day of action on tour; Bess claimed 1-59 in 16 overs in Hambantota learning, at first hand, that Joe Root is a very accomplished player of spin bowling.

But he laughs off the experience. Reasoning, quite rightly, that conditions in Hambantota - where the pitch was oddly green and provided copious assistance to the seamers - would be nothing like those expected in Galle, he dismisses both his own modest figures and the fact that Team Buttler were reduced, at one stage, to 48-6. "You shouldn't stress," he says. "We're not. It was very good bowling. It's quite clever from the Sri Lankans in terms of the pitch. I won't be thinking too much about it."

The only reservation about Bess is whether his bowling is ready. It's not that there's anything wrong with it. It's just that he is, very clearly, still learning his trade. And, right now, it's not entirely clear what his weapons are. Most of all, his stock ball doesn't generally cause the batsmen to adjust as much as you might expect with a Test spinner. There's little of the drift and dip of Moeen Ali or Graeme Swann; there's not the spin or the control of Nathan Lyon.

Remember when Shan Masood hit Bess's stock ball over mid-wicket and back over his head? It's hard to imagine such a limited batsman even attempting such a stroke against those other off-spinners. In an ideal world, Bess would probably have another couple of years playing lots of first-class cricket before he was asked to keep England's slim hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final alive.

But we're not in an ideal world. Adil Rashid is nursing his shoulder back to health; Moeen's career, even before Covid-19, has been in decline and Leach has been struggling with his health. With English cricket no longer providing much of a breeding ground for young spinners, England have been persuaded to invest in Bess in the hope he will learn on the job and graduate into the real thing.

Maybe if there was an absolutely outstanding specialist spin candidate, the England management would pick them. But as there isn't and given how many days England spinners are resigned to playing peripheral roles, it probably makes sense to pick a player who can find a way to contribute even when not taking wickets.

This is not entirely new territory for Bess. When he was called into Somerset's Championship team, he had a modest record in the Second XI Championship with just 24 wickets in 20 matches at an average of 48. But, playing on turning wickets at Taunton, he soon gained confidence and benefited from a volume of overs that would be the envy of young spinners around the rest of the country.

It's not impossible that history could repeat itself at a higher level. The signs from South Africa, where he provided a vital holding role in Cape Town and claimed a maiden five-wicket haul in Port Elizabeth, is promising.

And that's why they like him. They know he's going to have some tough days. And they believe he will react phlegmatically, learn from them and be that much better the next day.

"We were chatting for ages, joking about one day playing for England. Hopefully that could be next week."

Dom Bess on the prospect of playing with Jack Leach in Sri Lanka

If, as expected, Bess and Leach play in Galle, it will be the first time they have played a Test together. For two men who have competed for a place at both England and Somerset level without ever losing intensity or falling out, it will be a special occasion. Not so long ago, they were dreaming of this day.

"I remember rooming with Leachy in the Somerset second team," Bess says. "It must have been in 2016 and we were playing down at Kent. We were chatting for ages, joking about one day playing for England. Hopefully that could be next week.

"We have always had a battle between each other. But to get back on the park with him hopefully, and bowl at either end, is something I am certainly going to cherish.

"Myself and Leachy has been a really interesting one. The situation has only made us both grow as spinners and people because being good mates as well, getting dropped or getting picked, and vice versa… it is very tough.

"It's taken its toll. In those few seconds when I have been picked and ecstatic, and then when he got injured and I made my debut. It was such a strange situation. I don't think a lot of people will have gone through that kind of thing with a very close mate.

"I only think it's going to be good for us. We will relish the challenge of being on the pitch together, hopefully in conditions that suit us. And it takes away about wanting to be number one because it's all about the team first.

"It's going to be a really exciting prospect but I don't think anything changes in what we do as a pair. We have a great partnership. It's really exciting. The main goal is winning as a collective. I can't wait."

The Dallas Stars had six players and two staff members test positive for COVID-19, and the NHL expects the team will not open its 2020-21 season any earlier than Jan. 19.

Those who tested positive are self-isolating and following CDC and NHL protocols. The positive tests have forced the Stars to close their training facilities, and they will remain closed for several days while further daily testing and contact tracing is conducted.

Per NHL policy in the preseason, the names of those who tested positive were not released.

The NHL regular season is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, Jan. 13. Dallas, the reigning Western Conference champion, was scheduled to be on the road for the first four games of the season, playing the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning in two-game sets through Jan. 19. Their home opener is scheduled for Jan. 22 against the Nashville Predators.

Dallas is one of four NHL teams that intend to open the season with fans in attendance, with a 30% capacity cap of around 5,000 fans.

"The League is in the process of reviewing and revising the Stars' regular season schedule with the expectation that the team will not open its 2020-21 season earlier than Tuesday, January 19. The Stars organization has, and will continue to follow, all recommended guidelines aimed at protecting the health and safety of its players, staff and community at large as set by the NHL, local, state and national agencies," the NHL announced on Friday.

The NHL and the NHLPA anticipated the potential postponement of games in crafting the 56-game schedule for this season, building in room to make them up.

BEREA, Ohio -- Two days before their first playoff appearance in 17 seasons, the Cleveland Browns finally will practice.

The NFL cleared the team to practice Friday afternoon for the first time this week. Cleveland's training facility had been closed since Tuesday, after head coach Kevin Stefanski and four others within the team tested positive for COVID-19.

Practices on Wednesday and Thursday were canceled, as the team instead prepared remotely for Sunday night's AFC wild-card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"We're going to have to bank on the timing and the things that we've worked on to this point with having limited reps," wide receiver Jarvis Landry said after Thursday's practice had been canceled. "We can't use this as an excuse. We can't use this as something that is going to hinder us. We just have to find a way."

The Browns, significantly shorthanded, will have to find a way Sunday. Stefanski, Pro Bowl guard Joel Bitonio, safety Ronnie Harrison and potentially several other key players will not travel to Pittsburgh due to COVID-19 protocols.

All Browns players tested Thursday and Friday are negative, with only assistant offensive line coach Scott Peters, who had missed last Sunday's game as a high-risk close contact, testing positive for COVID-19, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Earlier this week, tight ends assistant Drew Petzing and defensive backs coach Jeff Howard tested positive for the virus. And this past Sunday against the Steelers, the Browns were without offensive line coach Bill Callahan and receivers coach Chad O'Shea, who tested positive last week.

Special teams coordinator Mike Priefer will serve as acting head coach Sunday, while offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt will call plays for Stefanski.

"This is a team that fights," Van Pelt said Thursday. "This is a team that is resilient. ... I feel really good about taking whoever is left down there to Pittsburgh. I know you will get (our) best."

Tommy Lasorda became a Hall of Famer as the manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers after a playing career that started when the team still called Brooklyn home, but it was his larger-than-life personality that made him a true icon of baseball and a fan favorite across the country.

It's no surprise that upon news of his death at 93 on Friday, tributes poured in from coast to coast. Here are just a few of the social media messages memorializing Lasorda from athletes, celebrities, teams and fans.

More Lasorda tributes: Kurkjian: He loved Dodger blue | Images and quotes

Hall of Fame Dodgers Manager, LA icon, and my great friend Tommy Lasorda passed away late last night. For the last 8 years I've sat next to Tommy at every Dodgers game and he taught me invaluable lessons on the strategy and history of baseball. pic.twitter.com/6RxmoQ7Che

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 8, 2021

Tommy Lasorda, this wonderful man, Hall of Famer in baseball and in life, this is him, so much joy. So much love he had for baseball, for the @Dodgers . To win, to love this game, to live and play with joy was his message to us. Rest in peace in Blue Heaven, sir and thank you. ?? pic.twitter.com/45iXnAurYU

— Kenley Jansen (@kenleyjansen74) January 8, 2021

RIP Tommy Lasorda! https://t.co/VoABBy4FFQ

— Chipper Jones (@RealCJ10) January 8, 2021

Nobody lived, breathed, and slept baseball more than Tommy Lasorda.

He was more than just a World Series-winning manager for those great L.A. teams in the '80s. He BLED Dodger blue. He was a true gentleman, along with being a champion and Hall of Famer. https://t.co/XdPRf27ntS

— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) January 8, 2021

Rest In Peace to the legendary Tommy Lasorda.

Thinking of our @Dodgers family today ? pic.twitter.com/Lj5oSddr9Y

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 8, 2021

TOMMY LASORDA IT BREAK MY HEART TO SAY GOODBYE. ALWAYS GOOD TIMES WHEN WE SEE YOU IN THE LOS ANGELES. THE WORLD HAS LOST ONE ITS BEST CHARACTERS. LOVE YOU FOREVER BUBBA pic.twitter.com/NUNwW3uovZ

— The Iron Sheik (@the_ironsheik) January 8, 2021

Hall of Famer, two World Series titles and one epic scuffle with the Phanatic. pic.twitter.com/ATO8iS3hTZ

— MLB Vault (@MLBVault) January 8, 2021

Dodger great, Tommy Lasorda has passed. He was Dodger blue through and through. #Dodgers

— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) January 8, 2021

We honor a Los Angeles icon, a 71-season veteran, and a Dodger forever. Rest In Peace, Tommy ? pic.twitter.com/2TkSNCQGxX

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 8, 2021

We join all of baseball in mourning the loss of @Dodgers icon Tommy Lasorda.

Always a friendly face at the Confines. ? pic.twitter.com/0cclv3Lkbf

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) January 8, 2021

We join the entire baseball community in mourning the loss of Tommy Lasorda.

Our thoughts are with the Lasorda family in this time. https://t.co/BHM2JMVvi6

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) January 8, 2021

There were many days in Glendale, AZ at the @dodgers spring training complex when I watched Tommy sitting in his golf cart and sign autographs and take pictures with anyone who wanted one, some days in blistering heat. He did so enjoying every moment. pic.twitter.com/6zNjVLfB04

— Pedro Gomez (@pedrogomezESPN) January 8, 2021

no one loved anything more than Tommy Lasorda loved the @Dodgers - it was a thrill to know him. Sending love to his family, friends, players and fans.

— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) January 8, 2021

STATESVILLE, N.C. – GMS Racing has announced its crew chief lineup for the upcoming NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series seasons.

Familiar pairings and new partnerships highlight the lineup. Most notably, GMS Racing now has all four 2020 Truck Series Championship 4 crew chiefs on its roster with the addition of Jeff Hensley while Chad Norris moves to competition director for the 2021 season.

Jeff Stankiewicz returns for his second full-time season with Sheldon Creed. The 2020 championship-winning crew chief reunited with Creed mid-season in 2019 after they won the 2018 ARCA Menards Series championship together. Stankiewicz has seven Truck Series wins as a crew chief including five in 2020 en route to the series championship.

Kevin Manion returns for Zane Smith’s sophomore season in the Truck Series as the leader of the No. 21 team. The pair racked up two wins and 13 top-10 finishes in 2020 en route to a second-place finish in the championship standings. Manion has six Truck Series wins, 17 NASCAR Xfinity Series wins and five NASCAR Cup Series wins in 19 years as a crew chief in the sport.

Hensley rejoins the organization as the crew chief for Chase Purdy and the No. 23 team. Hensley has 18 Truck Series wins in 395 races atop the pit box through 17 seasons in the series. Hensley was previously with GMS in 2016 and served as crew chief for Spencer Gallagher.

Chad Walter shifts to the No. 24 Silverado to crew chief for Raphael Lessard. Walter has five wins in 208 NXS starts as crew chief and led Tyler Ankrum’s team to a playoff berth in 2020 in his first season as a Truck Series crew chief.

Charles Denike moves to captain the No. 26 crew for Tyler Ankrum. 2020 marked Denike’s first full-time season as crew chief and produced two memorable wins, with Chase Elliott at Charlotte in May 2020 as well as Sam Mayer’s commanding win of Bristol in September.

Chad Bryant joins GMS as crew chief for the No. 21 ARCA entry piloted by Jack Wood. Bryant has been a fixture in the ARCA Menards Series for the last eight years and has two wins in 41 starts as crew chief in that time. He previously was the owner of Chad Bryant Racing.

Norris will move to the role of Competition Director. Norris has one Truck Series win at Kansas in October of 2020 and four Xfinity Series wins and more than 15 years of experience in the sport.

“We are excited to have our crew chiefs return for the 2021 season with the addition of crew chief, Jeff Hensley,” said Mike Beam, president of GMS Racing. “Hensley returning to GMS will bring more veteran knowledge to our powerhouse crew chief line up. Chad Norris fulfilling the Competition Director role will be a great addition to our management team. Norris will work along-side Technical Director, Tom Ackerman, to elevate our truck program and to make it more competitive. We are also happy to welcome Chad Bryant to our ARCA program. Bryant brings a wealth of knowledge and also has a passion to develop young talent that will make our Drivers Edge Program thrive. I have great faith in each one of these individuals and I can’t wait to see what the 2021 season has in store.”