Zander Fagerson could still play a part in Scotland's Six Nations campaign after an appeals committee decreed club games would count in his four-week ban.

Initially, his ban ruled him out of the games with France, Ireland and Italy.

But with the former postponed and two Glasgow Warriors matches now taken into account, Fagerson could face Italy.

After sitting for three days, the appeals committee decided the disciplinary committee had not "given appropriate weight" to which matches the forward's four-week ban covered.

They also decided that Glasgow's Pro14 games with Ulster on 19 February and Zebre on 6 March should also count towards the suspension.

Scotland face Italy at Murrayfield on 20 March.

BROWNSBURG, Ind. – Attica Raceway Park’s annual Core & Main Spring Nationals have shifted forward to April 2-3, replacing the previously-set dates of April 9-10.

The news means that the All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 points season will begin one week sooner than originally scheduled.

The Core & Main Spring Nationals will feature back-to-back programs, awarding $5,000 and $6,000, respectively.

If weather becomes a factor and forces the cancellation of both events on April 2-3, the original dates of April 9-10 will be utilized as rain dates.

In addition, the recently revamped I-70 Motorsports Park in Odessa, Mo., has been added to the All Star schedule and will host the series on Tuesday, July 27, padding a seven-race, nine-day swing through Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa.

Led by track manager Tommy Estes Jr., I-70 will award a $7,000 payday during the track’s weekday showcase, joining an already established slate of Midwest stops including Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Mo., on July 23-24; Humboldt (Kan.) Speedway on July 25; Missouri State Fair Speedway on July 29; and an Iowa doubleheader at 34 Raceway in West Burlington and Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway on July 30-31, respectively.

Five non-point events sanctioned by the All Stars were held in Georgia and Florida between Jan. 29 and Feb. 4, comprising the Sugarlands Shine Southern Tour, with a sixth race scheduled that was ultimately rained out.

Ten-time World of Outlaws sprint car champion Donny Schatz collected a pair of victories during the Southern Tour, with Aaron Reutzel, Logan Schuchart and Carson Macedo each notching single wins during the swing through the south.

GAFFNEY, S.C. – JD Motorsports with Gary Keller announced Thursday that KSDT CPA will serve as Ryan Vargas’ primary sponsor for Saturday’s Contender Boats 250 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

On Monday, the Miami-based accounting firm announced that it would return as the official CPA of JDM, in addition to a multi-race deal with Jeffrey Earnhardt.

Heading into the race weekend at their home track, they have stepped up the partnership to also include Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Vargas, in addition to Earnhardt.

KSDT CPA is one of South Florida’s largest, and one the country’s fastest growing, accounting firms. The company has experienced double-digit growth for 12 out of the past 15 years, with an average of 22 percent over the past five years.

The firm has also been recognized as a Gulf Coast Regional Leader by Accounting Today and also recognized by Forbes as one of the ‘Top Tax and Accounting Firms’ for this year.

Vargas is the newest driver for KSDT CPA, as the firm has been a loyal partner with the team, spanning five seasons with multiple drivers. The La Mirada, Calif., driver looks forward to the opportunity to represent a well-known partner for the first time Saturday.

“I am very excited to have KSDT CPA on our No. 6 Chevy Camaro this weekend at Homestead,” said Vargas. “KSDT CPA has been a great partner of the entire JD Motorsports organization over the past several years, so I’m proud to carry them for the first time at a race taking center stage in their backyard.”

Vargas looks to rebound from a part failure in last weekend’s race at the Daytona (Fla.) Road Course, where he finished 37th.

The rookie will make his first career start at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday.

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- - Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is putting behind the frightening two-week bout he had with COVID-19 by focusing his energy on getting back into game shape.

"The way I think about it, it's just a bump in the road, and it's going to make me tougher and better," Ristolainen said during a video conference call Thursday in his first comments since sharing his experience with the Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat last week. "Right now, I feel really good. Energy level has been getting better every day."

The 26-year-old Ristolainen joined forward Taylor Hall as the first of eventually nine Sabres players placed on the NHL's COVID-19 list starting on Feb. 2, immediately following a two-game series against the New Jersey Devils. He spent 14 days on the list, becoming one of Buffalo's last players cleared during the team's outbreak, which included coach Ralph Krueger also testing positive.

There is no timetable for Ristolainen's return. After hosting the Devils on Thursday night, the Sabres have a two-game weekend series against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Ristolainen experienced several waves of varying symptoms.

"It was kind of hard because how I kind of felt like you didn't know what to expect the next day," he said. "It went better for a few days, so I was kind of feeling, `Hey, maybe it's over now.′ But then after a few good days, it came again with some new weird symptoms."

Ristolainen went into further detail with the Finnish newspaper, saying he experienced such severe chest pains that "it felt like my heart was cracking as I walked up the stairs." He also said there were times he would go to bed not sure if he would wake up the next morning.

On Thursday, Ristolainen said he's been symptom free for the past week.

"I'm not there, but right now I feel I'm really close, and I feel really good," he said.

Ristolainen has been the Sabres' defensive workhorse in averaging a team-high 22-plus minutes of ice time over each of his last six seasons. Buffalo's blue line has been depleted by injuries with Jake McCabe (right knee) and Will Borgen (broken right forearm) both sidelined for extensive stretches.

Was the Ahmedabad pitch poor?

Virat Kohli rates it 'very good'; Alastair Cook calls it 'so hard'; Sunil Gavaskar says "challenging"; Andrew Strauss says balance "too much in favour" of spinners

The first Test at the new Narendra Modi stadium will be remembered as the shortest one ever played in India. This day-night Test, the first first-class match played at the ground since 2013, will also be remembered as the shortest completed Test globally since 1935. It had no place for the fast bowlers, who took only two of the 30 wickets to fall. The match finished 98 minutes before end of play on day two, forcing Indian captain Kohli to term it as the most "bizzare" Test he had played in his career.

But what about the performance of the biggest protagonist of this two-day drama: the pitch? While purists labelled it as definitely poor, Kohli called it "very good", and, instead blamed the batsmen on both teams for coming up with an "under par" performance against good spin bowling.

"[It was] a very good pitch to bat on - especially in the first innings - and it felt like the ball was coming on nicely with the odd-ball turning," Kohli said. Axar Patel and R Ashwin hounded England for a second successive day, to help India take a pivotal 2-1 series lead in the four-Test series. The defeat eliminated England from the race for the second finalist spot in the World Test Championship, to be played in June.

What confounded Kohli was the fact that nearly 21 out of the 30 wickets fell to the straighter delivery from the spinners. "It was just, I would say, below-par batting from both teams. Our bowlers were much more effective and that's why we got the result," he said.

Not everyone agreed with Kohli though. Among those who differed included two former England captains - Strauss and Cook, who felt Kohli was being protective of the groundsmen. Both Strauss and Cook are experts for Channel 4, the series broadcaster in the UK.

According to Cook, who led England to a 2-1 series victory on the 2012-13 tour in India, the degree of turn on offer for the spinners was too much and came into play way too early. "We saw a stat that says this pitch has spun more than any other pitch in India," Cook said. "There's been so many other balls that have gone straight on as well. So that means when it is turning, it is turning miles. When you see the highlights and the ball skidding on you, we don't see the build-up: when the exact same ball is spinning miles."

Cook said the pitch was the main cause behind the batsmen's struggles. "Virat Kohli's come out and defended the wicket almost as if it's a BCCI thing - it cannot possibly be the wicket. Yet it was so hard to bat on that today. So hard.

"Take the wicket out and blame the batsmen? We've got Virat Kohli, Joe Root, we have some great players of spin. Yes, we've got some people who have got to learn to play spin better, but we have got great players of spin also struggling. To me It'd be great to have that game with the red ball to see the difference when the ball is skidding on. Today trying to play properly, it was nigh-on impossible."

Strauss echoed his former opening partner's remarks and used England captain Root as an example. "Look at Joe Root for a moment. We know he is a great player of spin," Strauss said. "He is in great form as well. What did he get - 19 today? Might have been out two or three times en route to getting that score. And by the way, that's day two of a Test match. To say the pitch has no fault to play, I totally agree with Cooky. Kohli's looking after the groundsmen there to a certain degree."

Strauss felt the "balance between bat and ball on this pitch" was skewed "just too much in the favour" of the spinners. And he posed the same question for former India fast bowler Ajit Agarkar, who spoke to Channel 4 during the dinner break on Thursday.

Agarkar did not disagree with Strauss and said he understood the debate surrounding the pitches including the surface for the second Test, which was played in Chennai last week. "The thing is how quickly it happened, so I've got to agree with you that perhaps not a second-day pitch," Agarkar said. "Chennai (second Test) was a little bit different. It [Ahmedabad] was dry, there is no two ways about it. Whether it is a fair contest or not? I mean, look, it is a different sort of a challenge, isn't it? Again, it is not easy. It is difficult to bat on this patch. But is it a 112 and 145 pitch? Not in my opinion."

For former India captain Gavaskar, who is a commentator for the host broadcaster in India, the Ahmedabad pitch was "challenging" but not insurmountable as Rohit Sharma, the highest scorer in the match, had shown. "It was a challenging pitch, no question about it because the odd ball was turning, the other ones were coming straight," Gavaskar told Star Sports after India's victory. "So how to keep your mind strong about hoping the variation was the key. India showed, particularly in the second innings, and even when Rohit Sharma batted in the first innings, that they could do it. On a pitch like this not every batsman is going to be successful, but even if two are successful, and, in India's case both times it was Rohit Sharma, who really was the difference between the two teams."

Poor pitch will not cost India WTC points

In case the Ahmedabad pitch is rated poor by the ICC, it will lead to the ground being given three demerit points but India won't be docked any points on the World Test Championship table.

India are in a race for the second finalist spot in the WTC final along with Australia. In 2019 the ICC had cautioned member boards from doctoring pitches to the home team's advantage in the WTC, saying points could be at stake.

However ESPNcricinfo has confirmed that India would not be docked any points even if the Ahmedabad pitch were to be rated poor. Only if the pitch or the outfield is rated unfit does the host team get penalised as per the WTC playing conditions, which state: "If a match is abandoned and the pitch and/or outfield is ultimately rated as 'Unfit' under the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, points for that match shall be distributed on the basis that the visiting team won the match and the home team lost the match. Any abandoned match will be classified as a drawn match for statistical purposes."

CONCORD, N.C. – Speedway Motorsports Inc. has announced EchoPark Automotive, Pit Boss Grills and FEVO as the entitlement partners for NASCAR’s inaugural May 21-23 race events at Circuit of The Americas.

“The first-ever NASCAR at COTA race week is one of the most anticipated events on the revolutionary 2021 NASCAR schedule,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “We are proud to announce new partnerships with EchoPark Automotive, Pit Boss® Grills and FEVO. These innovative, dynamic companies join us as entitlement partners to introduce NASCAR fans around the world to Circuit of The Americas.

“From fans to drivers to business partners, we’ve seen a surge of excitement around COTA since the race week was first announced last fall,” added Smith. “EchoPark, Pit Boss and FEVO are best-in-class brands that will help us create an experience like no other when stock car racing stampedes to Austin in May.”

Headlining the can’t-miss weekend, EchoPark Automotive will be the title sponsor for the first NASCAR Cup Series race contested on the world-renowned road course. The EchoPark Texas Grand Prix will be the grand finale of a weekend full of racing.

EchoPark Automotive specializes in pre-owned vehicle sales providing below-market pricing, high quality vehicles and an unmatched guest experience. EchoPark now operates 19 locations across 10 states, including six retail centers in Texas.

Through the partnership, EchoPark receives naming rights to the inaugural event, as well as entitlement for the NASCAR on FOX FS1 broadcast. The pre-owned vehicle retailer will also receive signature signage at the circuit, VIP dignitary roles and premium hospitality to entertain select customers and business partners. EchoPark will also execute a national in-store campaign to promote NASCAR’s first trip to Austin, Texas.

“Bringing NASCAR to Circuit of The Americas is a ground-breaking move by Speedway Motorsports,” said Sonic Automotive and EchoPark Automotive President Jeff Dyke. “Like our high-speed growth and revolutionary approach to pre-owned vehicle sales through EchoPark, this race will be history-in-the-making and we are proud to put our name on it.”

“Just like the committed fanbase of NASCAR racing, EchoPark is building a strong foundation of loyal guests across the United States, many of whom return for a second or third vehicle,” added Dyke.

“The EchoPark Texas Grand Prix will put a national spotlight on EchoPark and the race. It will be a sports experience like no other, similar to the unparalleled guest experience at our retail stores and at EchoPark.com.”

Pit Boss Grills has secured entitlement rights to the Pit Boss 250 scheduled for Saturday, May 22. The NASCAR Xfinity Series showdown will feature NASCAR’s rising stars battling for the first time on the 3.41-mile long, 20-turn circuit.

The Dansons Inc. subsidiary will also receive premium suite-level hospitality for entertaining guests and signature display and promotional opportunities on property throughout the race weekend.

Through the agreement, Pit Boss Grills also becomes the official grill of Speedway Motorsports with exclusive promotional rights plus display opportunities at all SM sports entertainment venues.

“Pit Boss is blessed to partner with Speedway Motorsports and Circuit of The Americas for the Pit Boss 250 this May,” said Dansons President Jeff Thiessen. “Race fans love barbecue and wood pellet grilling. As the official grill of NASCAR and now Speedway Motorsports, we are proud to bring these audiences together. Not only is Austin one of the barbecue capitals of the world, but it is also a community where Pit Boss® already has a distinct and established relationship. Also, like Dansons, both NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports are proud family-owned businesses, making this partnership a natural fit.”

“Speedway Motorsports owns and operates tracks in key markets for our company, including Georgia, North Carolina, Texas and Tennessee, as well as, in emerging regions for our brand in California and Nevada,” Thiessen added. “Our company is truly blessed to be aligned with a family-owned business of this caliber and we believe this partnership is a win-win for both parties. We cannot wait to see what 2021 has in store for our companies.”

Speedway Motorsports also announced that the weekend will kick off with FEVO Friday. Fans will be treated to a full day of on-track action as drivers in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series turn their first laps on the winding COTA course.

In addition, FEVO Friday will also feature two practice sessions for the IMSA-sanctioned Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Series. FEVO Friday is part of a larger partnership that establishes FEVO as the exclusive group ticketing platform for Speedway Motorsports across its nationwide group of speedways.

“FEVO is thrilled to welcome Speedway Motorsports to our community and we’re looking forward to bringing in countless groups of fans to attend events for years to come,” said Ari Daie, President and CEO for FEVO. “Not only has Speedway Motorsports proven to consistently set the standard when it comes to owning and operating sports entertainment venues, but their vision for the future of motorsports is admirable and we’re happy to be an integral part of it.”

WILMETTE, Ill. — The new year and how the motorsports industry continues to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic — and financial burdens related to it — will most certainly impact the industry for many years to come.

This month, we will examine some segments of the industry and see how they will proceed during this extended period of uncertainty.

The 2020 racing season started in a manner similar to previous years, but the action was soon interrupted.  Plans were stalled and went into lengthy holding patterns. Many racing organizations saw abbreviated activity with less than meaningful results.

The sports and entertainment sectors were one of the most severely affected during the shutdown. Large-scale gatherings were considered higher risk due to human interaction and the possibility of community transmission.

State and local health officials worked with businesses to develop guide­lines for maintaining healthy environments. These included rules on cleaning and disinfection, restrooms, ventilation, water systems, facility layouts, physical barriers, communal spaces and food service.

Government and municipal authorities ultimately have the final say regarding restrictions.  Depending on the location, a centralized or decentralized structure has often led to greater confusion.

Federal aid programs were created to assist entities on several fronts.  These included the Paycheck Protection Program, employee assistance grants, economic injury disaster loans and pandemic unemployment compensation. There were also direct federal stimulus checks to taxpayers.

The business assistance initiatives were designed to help with meeting payroll and keeping money flowing to employees. These loans were forgivable based on certain criteria.

Many racing businesses including teams and manufacturers participated in these programs.

The initial round of funding, which totaled $2 trillion, was part of the CARES Act that was passed in March.

The second relief bill will be $900 billion and includes enhanced unemployment benefits and direct cash payments. Signed in December 2020 and smaller than the previous program, it is the second largest relief program in history.

The initial stimulus was passed and put into action shortly after the nationwide shutdown.

During the next nine months, it came into focus which industries were more directly impacted by the pandemic and entertainment was near the top of that list.

These groups organized and came together under the “independent venue” label and mounted a comprehensive lobbying effort.

The result was a $15 billion program for live venues, theaters and museum operators known as Grants for Shuttered Venue Operators.

The Small Business Administration is overseeing the application process for the federal government. Individual states such as Michigan have a “Stages Survival” program.

This initial consideration will be for operators that have lost at least 90 percent of their revenue. The first grants will be for up to $10 million, followed by a second round equaling about half the initial amount.

The money can be spent on payroll, rent, utilities and personal protection equipment. There are details on who is not eligible or covered by the program (publicly traded, corporate acquisitions, etc.).

The wording features the term “live event promoter.” Race tracks are not specifically named in the text of the bill.

However, they meet many of the criteria. Most are located in rural communities and leased from nonprofit fairgrounds. Tracks are small business owned and operated by families. They sell tickets and food to generate the majority of their revenue. Participants are paid prize money to race each week.

The goal is for race tracks to qualify and participate in these programs. This infusion of cash into independent venues would provide them a short-term boost needed to reopen after the pandemic ends.

The European Tour has multiple times give pros 500 balls to make an ace.

Edoardo Molinari could not.

Brandon Stone could not.

Andy Sullivan could ... yes, he could. And the reaction was magnificent.

Justin Thomas and Rory McIlroy weren't offered 500 balls, but given 50 chances to make a hole-in-one from 148 yards earlier this year in Abu Dhabi. You can watch below to see how it played out.

LOS ANGELES – Tiger Woods didn’t remember the single-vehicle crash he was involved in early Tuesday, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva.

“At the hospital he was asked about it by the investigators and he had no recollection of the crash itself,” Villanueva told CNN.

LCSD deputy Carlos Gonzalez, who arrived at the scene of the accident first, told NBC’s “Today,” “I don’t think he was aware of how gravely he was injured at the time.”

Woods remains in Harbor-UCLA Medical Center following extensive surgery on Tuesday on his right leg and ankle.

In a virtual press conference on Wednesday, Villanueva also said there was no evidence that Woods was impaired during the accident and that deputies did not administer a toxicology test. There are also no plans to charge Woods with reckless driving at this time.

“This is purely an accident,” Villanueva said.

The investigation into the crash, which occurred just after 7 a.m. PST on Tuesday, is ongoing and Villanueva said deputies will use data from the car Woods was driving, a courtesy car from the Genesis Invitational, and possibly Woods’ phone records to determine how fast he was traveling at the time of the accident and if he might have been distracted.