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Tag: racing

  • 2026 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg: What you need to know

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    ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — It’s that time again! Racing fans from all over will be heading to the Bay area for the start of the next INDYCAR season.

    The 2026 Firestone Grand Prix will be speeding through the streets of St. Pete Feb 27 – March 1.

    Here’s what you need to know.


    QUICK RECAP:

    The 2025 IndyCar season kicked off with an exciting showdown at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, where Alex Palou emerged victorious after an intense battle with two of the sport’s biggest names, Josef Newgarden and Scott Dixon.

    WHEN IS THE 2026 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG?

    The event starts on Thursday, February 27 and goes until Sunday, March 2.

    WHERE DO I GET 2026 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX TICKETS?

    General admission adult tickets for the Firestone Grand Prix start at just $30 and three-day tickets start at $80.

    GRANDSTAND PRICING

    Day / Location Cost Ticket Type
    GOLD – Turn 1 & Turn 10 Grandstands (3-Day Only) $185 Adult
    GOLD – Turn 1 & Turn 10 Grandstands (3-Day Only) $165 Junior
    SILVER – Upper Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $170 Adult
    SILVER – Upper Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $150 Junior
    BRONZE – Lower Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $140 Adult
    BRONZE – Lower Rows of Pit Lane Grandstands 3-7 (3-Day) $120 Junior

     

    Day / Location Cost Ticket Type
    SILVER – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $135 Adult
    SILVER – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $125 Junior
    BRONZE – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $110 Adult
    BRONZE – Single Day (Saturday or Sunday) $100 Junior

    GENERAL ADMISSION PRICING

    Day / Type Cost Ticket Type
    GENERAL – 3-DAY $80 Adult
    GENERAL – 3-DAY $70 Junior
         
    GENERAL – FRIDAY $30 Adult
    GENERAL – SATURAY $55 Adult
    GENERAL – SUNDAY $70 Adult
         
    GENERAL – FRIDAY $30 Junior
    GENERAL – SATURDAY $45 Junior
    GENERAL – SUNDAY $60 Junior

     

    ADDITIONAL PASSES

    Day(s) Cost Pass Type
    PIT & PADDOCK – 3-DAY $160 Adult (18+)
    PADDOCK – 2-DAY $85 Adult / Junior
    PADDOCK – 1-DAY $55 Adult / Junior

    FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX MAP:

    In downtown St. Petersburg, the streets along the waterfront near Straub Park will be converted into a 1.8 mile race track. Just follow the noise from the loud engines!

    2026 FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX SCHEDULE:

    THURSDAY, FEB 26

    Time Event Location
    4:00 PM – 7:00 PM INDYCAR Party in the Park

    North Straub Park – No ticket

    required
    5:00 PM – 6:30 PM

    5K Run on the Firestone

    Grand Prix Track

    400 Bayshore Dr. NE

    Sign-up at gpstpete5k.com

    FRIDAY, FEB 27

    Time Series Session
    7:30 AM Gates Open  
    8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

    USF2000

    Practice
    8:55 AM – 9:40 AM Mazda MX-5 Cup Practice
    10:00 AM – 10:30 AM USF2000 Qualifying
    10:50 AM – 11:10 AM Mazda MX-5 Cup Qualifying
    11:30 AM – 12:10 PM USF2000 Race 1
    11:30 AM – 12:30 PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Autograph Session – American Legion in Firestone Fan Experience
    12:30 PM – 1:15 PM INDY NXT by Firestone Practice
    1:00 PM – 1:45 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Autograph Session – Details TBA
    1:35 PM – 3:00 PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1
    4:00 PM – 4:50 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Practice
    5:05 PM – 6:00 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Qualifying

    SATURDAY, FEB 28

    Time Series Session
    7:00 AM Gates Open  
    7:30 AM – 8:15 AM

    Mazda MX-5 Cup

    Race 1

     

     
    8:35 AM – 9:15 AM INDY NXT by Firestone Practice 2
    9:35 AM – 11:00 AM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 2
    11:00 AM – 11:45 AM INDY NXT by Firestone Autograph Session – American Legion in Firestone Fan Experience
    11:30 AM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Driver Introductions
    12:00 PM NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race (80 Laps)
    3:45 PM – 4:15 PM INDY NXT by Firestone Qualifying
    4:35 PM – 6:00 PM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying

    SUNDAY, MARCH 1

    Time Series Session
    8:00 AM Gates Open  
    9:05 AM – 9:35 AM

    NTT INDYCAR SERIES

    Warm-up
    10:06 AM INDY NXT by Firestone Race (45 Laps)
    11:20 AM NTT INDYCAR SERIES Driver Introductions
    12:29 PM Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race (100 Laps)
    3:00 PM – 3:40 PM USF2000 Race 2
    4:00 PM – 4:40 PM Mazda MX-5 Cup Race 2

    PARKING

    City Parking Garage (SouthCore):

    City Parking Garages will be $25 per day.

    Motorcycle Parking:

    Available for $10, along the west side of 1st Street South between 1st Avenue South and Central Avenue.

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    Spectrum News Staff

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  • Champions Cup: Two-time winners Munster dumped out at pool stage; Leicester Tigers on verge of exit

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    Saturday’s Champions Cup action sees two-time winners Munster dumped out at pool stage after shock home defeat to Castres at Thomond Park; Leicester Tigers on verge of pool stage exit too; Gloucester knocked out after home loss to Toulon; Leinster, Toulouse, Sale Sharks through

    Last Updated: 17/01/26 10:06pm

    Craig Casey’s Munster suffered a shock Champions Cup pool-stage elimination at home on Saturday

    Two-time European winners Munster were dumped out of the Champions Cup at the pool stage for just the fourth time since 1999 as they were stunned by Castres at Thomond Park 31-29.

    Castres – who had also lost two of their opening three games in Pool 2 – got on the board early through a penalty from Jeremy Fernandez before Vuate Karawalevu went over from close range. Munster responded in the 17th minute through a converted try from Craig Casey after a flowing team move.

    Munster completed the turnaround in the 35th minute when Casey went over again, coming off the back of a rolling maul following a lineout, but Castres regrouped with a try from full-back Theo Chabouni to go into half-time with a 17-12 lead.

    The home side got themselves back on level terms soon after the restart when Thaakir Abrhams dived over in the corner, but Jack Crowley could not land the extras from out on the right. Edwin Edogbo then added a bonus-point try just before the hour to move Munster ahead 22-17 – but again Crowley was off target with the conversion.

    After Tom Farrell was shown a pivotal yellow card for an illegal clearout, Castres produced a strong finish with tries from Geoffrey Palis and then Christian Ambadiang.

    With five minutes left, Castres lock Leone Nakarawa was sent to the sin-bin, and Munster got another try as Edogbo barged over to close within two points, but came up just short.

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    Leicester Tigers on verge of exit after defeat to South Africa’s Stormers

    Leicester’s last-16 hopes were left in tatters after a 39-26 defeat by Stormers in Cape Town.

    Early tries from Evan Roos and Andre-Hugo Venter put the hosts in control before George Pearson pulled one back.

    Some Will Wand magic hauled the Tigers back into the match at half-time and they led by six when Jamie Blamire went over early in the second half.

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    However, tries from Leolin Zas and JD Schickerling edged the Stormers back in front before Tom Manz scored for Leicester.

    But Imad Khan denied the Tigers a losing bonus point when his late try sent Stormers through.

    Instead, a losing bonus point against Harlequins on Sunday will be enough for La Rochelle to qualify and knock out Leicester.

    Gloucester knocked out after home defeat to Toulon

    Gloucester’s Champions Cup hopes suffered a knockout blow as Toulon dumped them from the tournament by winning 31-14 at Kingsholm.

    The French side did not look back following early tries by wings Gael Drean and Mathis Ferte, with Gloucester never seriously threatening a meaningful fightback.

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    Flanker Lewis Ludlam also crossed for the visitors during a one-sided opening half as they guaranteed themselves a home tie in the round of 16, before Drean added an 80th-minute bonus-point clincher.

    Gloucester, despite touchdowns from Jack Clement and Tomos Williams, with George Barton converting both, were largely shut out, and Toulon full-back Marius Domon’s goalkicking – four conversions and a penalty – kept his side in the driving seat.

    Gloucester’s defeat meant that Edinburgh progressed from Pool Two alongside Toulon, Bath and Castres, with George Skivington’s team having now lost 11 of their 13 Gallagher Prem and Champions Cup games this season as even a Challenge Cup consolation place eluded them.

    Leinster eventually see off Bayonne to secure home advantage

    Leinster battled to a 22-13 win at Bayonne which secured home advantage in the last 16 of the Champions Cup.

    Bayonne – who had lost their opening three games, including to both Leicester and Harlequins – took an early lead at Stade Jean Dauger through a breakaway try from Sireli Maqala in the 14th minute before Harry Byrne’s penalty got Leinster, already qualified from Pool 3, on the board.

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    After Joshua Kenny just failed to take the ball and go over in the corner, a long-range penalty from Joris Segonds put the French side further ahead. Thomas Clarkson then saw his 33rd-minute try disallowed for a double movement as Bayonne went into half-time 10-3 in front.

    Bayonne’s Herschel Jantjies was shown a yellow card in the 49th minute for a deliberate knock on. Leinster made the most of their advantage when Dan Sheehan slid over in the 56th minute and Byrne nailed the conversion to bring the visitors level at 10-10.

    Segonds kicked another penalty on the hour to swiftly restore Bayonne’s lead, which looked to have been wiped out when Jimmy O’Brien charged onto a kick from Sam Prendergast and went down in the corner – only for his try to be ruled out by the TMO for failing to ground the ball as he was tackled over the line.

    Leinster produced a strong finish as Prendergast latched onto Byrne’s chipped pass under the posts and then Max Deegan crossed in the corner to make sure of another hard-earned win to maintain their 100 per cent record at the top of the group.

    Sale suffer record defeat to Toulouse but progress anyway

    Sale suffered a record defeat as six-time winners Toulouse avoided a shock Champions Cup exit by scoring 11 tries en route to a crushing 77-7 victory.

    Sharks’ 70-point hammering in the Pool One fixture at Stade Toulousain easily surpassed the club’s previous biggest loss – a 58-8 reverse at the hands of Wasps in 2000.

    Alex Sanderson’s side, who had already qualified for the knockout stages but have now dropped out of a home last-16 spot, would have eliminated the Top 14 leaders with victory.

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    Kalvin Gourgues added Toulouse’s bonus-point try in the closing stages of the first half after Emmanuel Meafou, Julien Marchand and Antoine Dupont all crossed.

    Sale’s Tom Curtis converted his own consolation score early in the second period before tries from Dimitri Delibes, Matthis Lebel, Thomas Ramos and Paul Graou stretched the hosts’ advantage.

    After France star Dupont crossed for his second try of the game, Joshua Brennan and Lebel completed the scoring, with Ramos landing all 11 conversions.

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  • NASCAR community mourns Greg Biffle and family at memorial in Charlotte

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Hundreds in the NASCAR community gathered for a memorial service at Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum on Friday for former driver Greg Biffle, his family and others who were killed in a plane crash last month. 

    What You Need To Know

    • Hundreds from the NASCAR community gathered at Charlotte’s Bojangles Coliseum for a memorial service honoring former driver Greg Biffle, his family, and others killed in a plane crash last month

    • Biffle, his wife Cristina, and their children were among the seven victims

    • Garrett Mitchell, a close friend, spoke at the service, urging people to “Be Like Biff” by taking opportunities and helping others

    • The crash left the NASCAR community shaken, adding to a difficult offseason


    Biffle was among seven killed along with his wife, Cristina, and children Ryder, 5, and Emma, 14, when the plane crashed as it returned to the airport in Statesville, North Carolina, according to authorities. Others on the plane were identified as Dennis Dutton, his son Jack, and Craig Wadsworth.

    A memorial song opened the ceremony before speakers began to reflect on the victims.

    “We remember and celebrate Dennis, Jack, Craig, Emma, Ryder, Christina and Greg. What makes it meaningful is that we will all share together. Laughter and tears,” said Billy Mauldin, chaplain for Motor Racing Outreach.

    Driver/influencer Garrett Mitchell, known as “Cleetus McFarland” in his YouTube videos and a close friend of Biffle’s, was among those who spoke at the service.

    You can watch the service here:


    “We have all been saying, ‘Be Like Biff,’ since we lost our hero,” said Mitchell, who befriended Biffle later in his life. “What does that mean? That means to take opportunities when you see them. Whether you are taking opportunity to pass somebody on the track or getting off your couch to chase a dream you have only been talking about for the past five years.

    “It means showing up for your friends and family. It means using your heart to make the world a better place. It means being generous whenever you can and helping other humans when they’re down. That is what it means to be like Biff,” Mitchell added.

    Biffle, who was 55, was selected by NASCAR as one of its top 75 drivers in history, was a Hall of Fame nominee for the stock car series and drove for 18 years at the top of the sport.

    He drew headlines last year for his tireless humanitarian efforts as a helicopter pilot supplying aid in the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene.

    Biffle’s niece, Jordyn Biffle, told stories about Ryder’s hero being his father, Emma’s laughter and Cristina’s loving nature.

    She said the Biffle family “lived fully, loved deeply and gave freely.”

    “Their lives remind us that what matters isn’t how long we are here, but how we use the time we are given and how fiercely we love while we are here,” Biffle added. “And while this loss is devastating beyond words, their impact remains etched into all of us that were lucky enough to have known them, loved them and be changed by them.”

    Speakers also painted a fuller picture of Biffle beyond the racetrack… recalling his rebellious younger years, including a burnout in front of his high school that led to his expulsion and even having his car impounded by his own father.

    In the parking lot outside of the coliseum, fans paused to peer inside three racecars Biffle drove during his career.

    Inside, the pictures of the seven who lost their lives where shown on a videoboard above the makeshift platform in the center of the covered hockey rink. There were seven wreaths on the stage where Mitchell, Biffle and former drivers Jeff Burton and Phil Parsons addressed the crowd.

    Dylan Zirkle, 28, of Archdale, North Carolina, worked one year for Biffle at Roush Racing as a pit support employee while he was in high school.

    He said Biffle made a lasting impact on him, and felt he needed to attend.

    “Greg was always a really good guy and I enjoyed being around him,” Zirkle said. “You could always talk to him at anytime and he was just a real person. You could talk to him about anything.”

    Chaplain Billy Mauldin speaks during the NASCAR Plane Crash Memorial memorial in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Jan. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

    Back home, Zirkle still has model racing trucks in his gameroom autographed by Biffle that he cherishes.

    Zirkle said he didn’t believe the news of the crash when he heard it.

    “It still doesn’t feel real,” Zircle said. “I was watching some of his YouTube videos the other night and it just doesn’t seem real at all.”

    Tanner Roberts and Jassamin Green made the four-hour trek from Wilmington, North Carolina, with their 7-year-old son Bentley after hearing about the memorial.

    “He was a good racecar driver and I enjoyed him,” Roberts said. “And he was a good person. I grew up watching him and Dale Earnhardt. Them two were my favorites. They were good people and they loved to race.”

    The Cessna C550 carrying the Biffle family and the others erupted in flames when it hit the ground shortly after it had departed Statesville Regional Airport, about an hour’s drive north of Charlotte.

    The plane crashed while trying to return and land, authorities said.

    The crash a week before Christmas left the NASCAR community shaken and was another blow in a long offseason. Ten days later, on the 52nd wedding anniversary of Denny Hamlin’s parents, the house the future Hall of Famer built to repay them for their years of sacrifice burned down. His father, Dennis, was killed, and Mary Lou Hamlin was rushed to a hospital burn unit.

    Sheriff’s deputies are also investigating an alleged break-in and theft last week at Biffle’s home in Mooresville that netted $30,000 in cash, some guns and memorabilia.

    As part of the public tribute, Mitchell planned to do a burnout later Friday near Biffle’s marker along the North Carolina Auto Racing Walk of Fame in Mooresville.

    The victims’ families requested that, in lieu of flowers, people consider donating to charities that held special meaning to those lost in the crash, including the Davidson Day Fund, the American Red Cross, Lake Norman Humane and Ebenezer Christian Children’s Home.

    Follow us on Instagram at spectrumnews1nc for news and other happenings across North Carolina.

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    Jordan Kudisch, Associated Press

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  • Another NASCAR race returns to North Wilkesboro Speedway

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    NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. — The hills are alive with the sound of racing. Several NASCAR Cup Series teams tested a new engine package at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Tuesday afternoon.

    What You Need To Know

    • Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway on July 19

    • Testing on a new 750-horsepower package at the racetrack happened on Tuesday

    • Hundreds of racing fans attended the test

    • Single-day tickets for the race are now available online


    “I’d like to maybe try to get a ticket for this,” said Collin Welborn, a racing fan from High Point.

    Fans came out in numbers to secure their tickets for the Window World 450 on July 19. It’ll be the first NASCAR Cup Series points race at North Wilkesboro since 1996.

    Some fans say they have gotten tickets to every race held at the historic speedway and see the upcoming event as a chance to carry on the exciting tradition.

    Not only was it the first day fans could buy tickets for the race at the box office, but it was also the first time fans got to see NASCAR’s new 750-horsepower package in person. The new package will be used during select races this season, and fans say they are excited to see the difference in speed. 

    “It’s not just having it. It’s knowing how to use it,” said Bobby Mills, a racing fan from Winston-Salem. “You can’t just mash the gas and go. You’ve got all the power you need for this place now.”

    Fans say the corners of the track are tight coming in, so the extra horsepower on the straightaways could help pick up a little of the difference from having to lift off so far back.

    The Speedway hosted the NASCAR All-Star Race from 2023-2025 after sitting empty for decades following the infamous 1996 race.

    Fans say they are glad to see action back on the track. 

    “The atmosphere here is unbelievable,” Welborn said. “Fans come from all across the world just to see the best of the best come here and tackle this track that’s been here since 1949.”

    “I think it takes talent to get around this track with 30 or 40 other cars on the track, versus some other tracks that have more wider grooves,” Mills said. “I think this track makes you show your talent.”

    Single-day tickets for the Window World 450 will be available online starting Wednesday morning, Jan. 14.

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    Zach Tucker

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  • Settlement announced in Michael Jordan’s antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR has reached a settlement of the bruising antitrust lawsuit filed against it by two of its race teams, including one co-owned by NBA great Michael Jordan.

    The Thursday settlement was announced following a lengthy delay on the ninth day of the trial in federal court. Details were not immediately released.

    U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell opened the day preparing the hear motions but called an hour-long sidebar. Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, emerged from a conference room at the end of the hour to inform a court clerk “we’re ready.” Kessler then led Jordan and 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin, as well as Front Row owner Bob Jenkins, out of the courtroom to another room for more talks.

    23XI and Front Row filed suit last year after refusing to sign agreements on the new charter offers NASCAR presented to teams in September 2024. Teams had until end of day to sign the 112-page document and 13 of 15 organizations reluctantly agreed. Jordan and Jenkins sued instead and raced the bulk of 2025 uncharted.

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    Spectrum News Staff, Associated Press

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  • All the Stars Watching Race Cars at F1 Vegas

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    Beyoncé?!
    Photo: Simon Galloway/LAT Images

    Las Vegas, a city of lights, gambling, and buffets, added some fast cars and turned the Nevada desert into a celeb hot spot for the weekend. It’s officially race day, and all the stars are locked in to see who will win the Formula 1 Vegas Grand Prix. But now that Beyoncé has put on a helmet and a racing suit, maybe the drivers are going to be competing for second place. Maybe Bey’s new racing career is the surprise Act III pivot no one would be expecting. Every race this weekend is essential, and celebs are making sure to witness every moment of the action. Below, everyone who made it out to Vegas.

    Photo: Simon Galloway/LAT Images

    Whether it’s a song or a raceway, Beyoncé controls any track, especially when she’s suited up.

    Photo: James Sutton/Formula 1 via Getty Images

    Scott made his way to the paddock and took a pic with Jay, Bey, and Lewis Hamilton.

    Photo: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images

    Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are heading out to the track. Douglas, who briefly tried out racing in the 1960s with Le Mans star Steve McQueen, might be feeling a little nostalgic seeing the cars zoom by. Let him drive around for at least one lap!

    Photo: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images

    Campbell is turning track into a runway as she arrived for the qualifying race last night.

    Photo: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images

    The Vampire Diaries actress stopped by the F1 Academy hub, an all-women’s racing championship celebrating its final races of the season, and good thing she did because there was a lot of suspense on the track last night.

    Photo: Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images

    Gordon Ramsey has six restaurants in Vegas, so it’s not a surprise to see that he made it out for the big weekend. Maybe he can give a nice pep talk to the drivers before the race tonight.

    Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images

    Haddish stopped by People and InStyle’s F1 party, hopefully she made it a Girls Trip.

    Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images

    Graziadei is a man wearing many metaphorical hats: he was the Bachelor, a DWTS Mirrorball trophy winner, a podcaster, and now a racing fan. In a way, winning a grand prix is like getting a rose on The Bachelor…

    Photo: Bryan Steffy/Getty Images

    Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Mayci Neeley is taking a break from the wives of Utah and watching the Real Housewives of F1 take shape instead. How will RaceTok survive this?

    Photo: Meg Oliphant/Getty Images

    Last night’s race was very stressful to say the least. Alisha Palmowski was disqualified after an incorrect Belleville stack configuration was found on her car, in violation of the car regulations. She placed third during Friday’s race, and Aurelia Nobels inherited her spot after the disqualification. Hopefully, there’s another season of F1 Academy to see how it all unfolded behind the scenes. At least for now, the racers can hang with their favorite driver, Hello Kitty.

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    Alejandra Gularte

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  • New Feaster Five challenge: Beat Chara, Pizzi and help scholarship fund

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    Thousands of runners and walkers celebrate as they finish the 36th Annual Feaster Five Thanksgiving Day Road Race in Andover.




    ANDOVER – The Feaster Five Road Race, a Thanksgiving Day tradition featuring family, fun, fitness and apple pie, takes over downtown Andover next week expecting more than 7,000 runners and walkers of all ages to join this special event.

    When runners line up at the starting line this year, they will be chasing two well known targets: Bruins legend and Hall of Famer Zdeno Chara and World Marathon Champion Becca Pizzi for the brand new Can You Catch Them Challenge.







    Chara & Co. at Feaster Five

    There is a new challenge in the 2025 Feaster Five Road Race. Beat former Bruins great Zdeno Chara, on right, or long-distance running star Becca Pizzi, on left, and you will help the MVS Scholarship Fund presented by Schneider Electric. Long-time Feaster Five race director Dave McGillivray, who is close to both Chara and Pizzi, is in center.



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    Sidney's run

    Sidney Olson is shown here in 2021 before her Kids K race. She had run two years, including 2022, and now the event is named in her honor, the “Sidney Mae Olson Rainbow Run.”



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    Mary Beth Ellis, who lost her daughter Sidney Olson to a traffic accident in 2023, leads a 1K cross country race during Sidney’s Rainbow kids fun run before last year’s Feaster Five road race.


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    bburt@eagletribune.com (Bill Burt)

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  • Is Horse Racing Rigged to Benefit a Select Few?

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    Posted on: October 31, 2025, 02:23h. 

    Last updated on: October 31, 2025, 02:48h.

    • A proposed class-action lawsuit in federal court alleges horse racing is rigged to benefit a select few
    • The litigation claims computer-assisted wagering platform wrongs ordinary bettors

    A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in New York’s Eastern District Court against several of the horse racing industry’s biggest players levies allegations that the companies have colluded to rig betting outcomes through computer-assisted wagering (CAW) schemes.

    horse racing rigged Stronach Churchill
    Elegant hats and fancy attire are pictured at a horse race. A lawsuit filed in federal court claims that betting on horse racing is rigged to benefit a select few, including the tracks and their cohorts. (Image: Shutterstock)

    Hagens Berman, a Seattle-based nationally recognized law firm known for its class-action lawsuits, filed the complaint in New York on behalf of lead plaintiff Ryan Dickey and other similarly situated individuals.

    Dickey is a Colorado resident with an extensive history of wagering on thoroughbred racing for the past two decades. Dickey claims to have previously resided in Kentucky, where he wagered about $100 per week on racing, primarily through TwinSpires, an advanced deposit wagering (ADW) business owned by Churchill Downs, Inc..

    Dickey’s lawyers claim that the defendants have conspired to exploit so-called “ordinary bettors” like their client through so-called “Insider Betting Groups.” The groups allegedly consist of wealthy bettors who benefit from using algorithms, artificial intelligence (AI), and other inside information to transfer “billions to a small group of inside bettors and the operators of racetracks and betting platforms.” 

    Case Allegations

    The complaint describes CAW as “high-volume parimutuel betting done by professional teams using models, direct tote connections, and automation to fire thousands of highly targeted bets — often in the final seconds before pools close.”

    The litigation says the CAW schemes monitor real-time pricing and data, with the AI computing fair odds in real time and pouncing when an attractive opening arises. The high-volume wagering facilitators often are provided lower fees from tracks and ADW operators, and have privileged connections for faster bet placement.

    The case named Elite Turf Club, a CAW that is 80% owned by Stronach Group and 20% by the New York Racing Association (NYRA). Velocity Wagering is another defendant. Velocity is a CAW owned by Churchill Downs.

    AmTote, the largest betting processor in North America, is additionally named as a defendant. AmTote is essentially a clearinghouse for parimutuel wagering. It handles more than $15 billion in bets annually. AmTote is a Stronach subsidiary.  

    The lawsuit seeks compensatory and treble damages as allowed under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. 

    Stronach Seeks Dismissal

    In a joint statement, Elite Turf Club and AmTote called the horse racing lawsuit naming them as defendants “meritless.”

    The lawsuit fundamentally misrepresents the nature of computer-assisted wagering and the role Elite Turf Club and AmTote have in operating, managing, and regulating wagering activity. CAW is a long-standing industry, federal- and state-regulated component of the North American and global parimutuel wagering system. All participation in CAW is subject to the same pool rules, tote system audits, and state regulatory approvals that govern all other forms of wagering,” the companies said.

    “Claims that CAWs receive an unfair advantage are unfounded and ignore the safeguards built into the regulatory and technological framework for racing,” the release continued.

    Churchill Downs hasn’t yet commented on the litigation.

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    Devin O’Connor

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  • NWSL roundup: Pride edge Thorns on own goal

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    (Photo credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images)

    A Portland own goal during second-half stoppage time gave the Orlando Pride the needed tally to notch a 1-0 victory over the visiting Thorns on Friday night.

    Marta took a corner kick in the second minute of extra time and her boot went toward the mass of people flocking in front of the net. Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was eyeing the ball but teammate Mallie McKenzie tried to clear it and the ball hit off the side of her head and went into the net.

    The victory was the second in three matches for Orlando (10-8-6, 36 points), which won for just the second time in their past 12 NWSL matches (2-5-5). The Pride jumped into third place in the standings with the sixth-place Seattle Reign set to play later Friday night.

    Arnold made five saves for Portland (9-8-7, 34 points) and kept the match scoreless with a stellar save on a right-footed shot by Orlando’s Ally Watt in the 61st minute. The Thorns are tied for fifth with Seattle, pending the outcome of the latter squad’s match against Bay FC.

    Watt put two balls into the net in a three-minute span late in the first half but was flagged for being offsides on both. She was clearly offside on the first attempt but the second one was extremely close as shown by multiple replay angles.

    Anna Moorhouse had four saves for Orlando.

    Racing Louisville 1, Chicago Stars 1

    Bethany Balcer scored in the third minute of second-half stoppage as Louisville earned the tie against visiting Chicago.

    Balcer was in position near the net when the pass from Janine Sonis came in her direction. She put her left foot on the ball and knocked it into the upper portion for Racing Louisville (9-9-6, 33 points), who are undefeated over their past three matches (2-0-1).

    Jameese Joseph scored for last-place Chicago (2-11-11, 17 points). The Stars are winless in their past five matches (0-2-3).

    The match was scoreless in the 85th minute when Ivonne Chacon slid the ball from the left side to the right. Joseph arrived just as the ball neared and she delivered a right-footed shot into the left corner to put Chicago ahead.

    Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made eight saves, including a big stop on Ella Hase’s shot in the fourth minute.

    Jordyn Bloomer’s only save for Louisville was a crucial one as she stopped Ally Schlegel’s header in the 54th minute.

    –Field Level Media

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  • NASCAR and teams to meet in court to try to resolve yearlong feud

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    CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR and the two teams suing it over antitrust allegations will participate in a judicial settlement conference later this month in an attempt to resolve the yearlong feud over the charter system.

    The conference involving NASCAR, 23XI Racing — which co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin — and Bob Jenkins-owned Front Row Racing will be Oct. 21 before District Judge Kenneth Bell in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina.

    NASCAR filed a motion Monday seeking the conference and Bell granted it Wednesday. Jeffrey Mishkin, the former executive vice president and chief legal officer of the NBA, also will participate. Mishkin has been unsuccessful in previous attempts to mediate between the two sides.

    Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI and Front Row, said the teams welcomed the decision “to bring all parties together to engage in a meaningful resolution.

    “We remain open to a settlement that genuinely benefits the sport and its fans,” Kessler continued. “The goals my clients have raised are clear, and the teams have affirmed them in their own declarations. From the outset, our objective has been unwavering: to secure lasting stability and growth for every team, their employees, and the sport. It’s time for all parties to step up and deliver.”

    The judicial settlement conference will take place two days before an Oct. 23 hearing on motions for summary judgment.

    The charter system is at the heart of NASCAR’s business model and the focal point of the court fight. It is NASCAR’s version of a franchise model and a charter guarantees cars spots in the field, a base amount of revenue each year, and according to NASCAR, has created more than $1.5 billion in equity value for its teams since 2016.

    A year ago, 13 of the 15 teams re-signed when they believed two-plus years of negotiations would not lead to a better deal. 23XI and Front Row Motorsports went to court instead.

    For months, the other 13 teams have complained privately that the lawsuit is creating uncertainty over the future of NASCAR. Most of the top teams in NASCAR last week issued declarations urging a settlement of the case while defending the charter system.

    Many of the declarations also stressed the team owners want the charters to become permanent — they are currently renewable — and that issue is one of the biggest sticking points to 23XI and Front Row.

    The case is currently set for a Dec. 1 start of trial.

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    Associated Press

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  • Charles Leclerc reveals bleak Ferrari future after Singapore GP ‘reality’

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    Scuderia Ferrari Formula One driver Charles Leclerc has opened up about the “reality of the situation” facing him and his team, after a disappointing Singapore Grand Prix, where he finished in P6. Leclerc isn’t too optimistic about the rest of the 2025 season either, since the SF-25 F1 car will not be receiving any upgrades.

    The Monegasque driver started the race weekend at the Marina Bay Street Circuit on the back foot after securing a P7 race start, one spot behind his teammate Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc fought a lonely race, finishing sixth while close rivals Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull were clearly faster during the race. George Russell won the race after starting from pole position, followed by Max Verstappen in second and Lando Norris in third.

    Ferrari is unable to address the issue plaguing its cars, while other teams brought in timely upgrades in recent weeks that seemed to have helped enhance performance, such as Mercedes and Red Bull. Considering the car’s current performance, Leclerc stated that it would be challenging to improve positions. He said:

    “It’s tough, it’s very tough. We are not strong at the moment and we are struggling massively with the car. It’s not easy. I wish I could say that I’m positive for the rest of the season, I don’t think there’s anything in the car that proves to me that we are going to do a step forward.

    “I think this is the reality of our situation at the moment. I don’t quite know how to turn that situation around because we don’t have new parts or anything coming to the car.

    “We did steps forward [at the start of the season] but the others did as well so the gap stayed kind of the same and then Red Bull kind of found two steps in a season.

    “First half and then in Monza more recently where they did a really big step forward, and now Mercedes seems to have done this step forward and we are the only one that didn’t find that solution.”

    The Singapore GP weekend was worse for Hamilton, who faced a scary brake failure situation in the last few laps. He dropped from fighting for P5 to finishing in P8 due to the incident, which also forced him to exceed track limits and attract a five-second penalty. Ferrari is currently placed third in the Championship Standings after losing the second spot to Mercedes. It now faces a threat from Red Bull in fourth, given the gap of eight points between the two teams.

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  • Joey Logano clinches final playoff spot in dramatic Charlotte finish

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    CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Joey Logano, winner of two of the last three Cup Series championships, was never part of the conversation of potential elimination from NASCAR playoffs.

    At least not until Sunday’s race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where the Team Penske driver found himself struggling most of the race and in a tense battle with Ross Chastain for the final spot in the round of eight.

    The two swapped the final transfer spot multiple times as NASCAR prepared to cut the field from 12 drivers to eight ahead of the third round of the playoffs. Chastain was in, then it was Logano, then the two were tied with Logano holding the tie-breaker.

    Logano, on fresher tires, worked his way through the field for every point possible. Chastain was nursing old Goodyears and holding off every challenging driver closing quickly in his rearview mirror.

    But then came Denny Hamlin, who for the second week in a row played a pivotal role in the finish and the playoff field. A week ago, his hard racing of Bubba Wallace kept Wallace from winning at Kansas Speedway and ultimately led to Wallace being eliminated from the playoffs.

    This time it was chasing down Chastain. The two cars had contact, Chastain spun, and crossed the finish line backward in 21st, one spot behind Logano. It was enough to give Logano the final spot in the third round of the playoffs and eliminate Chastain.

    An animated Hamlin on pit road complained to his No. 11 crew that he was not made aware of the situation and would not have passed Chastain had he known it would benefit three-time Cup Series champion Logano.

    “I didn’t know anything about anything on that last run, I wasn’t very good,” Hamlin said. “I saw (Chastain) and I didn’t know anything about anything going on. I didn’t know. I thought I was racing for about 18th. I just wish I knew so I could have been either prepared or made a different decision.”

    Shane van Gisbergen, meanwhile, won his fifth consecutive race on a road or street course. Charlotte, called The Roval in this configuration, is a hybrid road course/oval.

    The theory headed into Charlotte was that van Gisbergen had the race locked up and the only way a driver below the cutline could save his championship chances was if the New Zealander was beat.

    Kyle Larson and Christopher Bell both put tough challenges on van Gisbergen, but van Gisbergen emerged from a car-slamming battle with Larson through the turns with 14 laps remaining and took the lead for good with 11 laps remaining.

    That eliminated any shot for Tyler Reddick and Wallace of 23XI Racing, or Austin Cindric of Team Penske, claiming the final playoff position. Chastain of Trackhouse Racing remained in the hunt, though, as Logano couldn’t get his Penske Ford running well enough to secure his spot in the playoffs.

    “Everybody was telling me how close it was going to be there. We’re still in. We’re still alive, baby,” Logano said as he reveled in a loud chorus of fan booing. “I knew it was within a point there, and I knew we were going to be tied there at the end and Ross was going to do whatever he had to do to make it happen.

    “If you want drama, the playoffs bring it every time. What an entertaining finish there. We’ve still got a shot.”

    It was similar to a year ago when Logano left Charlotte eliminated from the playoffs, only to learn hours later while having dinner with his family that Alex Bowman had been disqualified and Logano was back in the field. He went on to win the Cup Series championship.

    “Unforced errors, it’s just terrible,” Chastain said of two early race speeding penalties that made him want to “start the whole day over.”

    “It’s heartbreaking for almost 200 employees at Trackhouse,” Chastain said. “It’s not acceptable, just completely unacceptable. To get here and fail is a terrible feeling. I will wake up tomorrow and get right back to work.”

    The eight drivers moving on to the third round of the playoffs are Ryan Blaney and Logano of Penske, Chase Elliott, Larson and William Byron of Hendrick Motorsports, Hamlin, Bell and Chase Briscoe of Joe Gibbs Racing.

    Chastain, Cindric, Reddick and Wallace were eliminated — which takes both of the Michael Jordan-owned cars out of title contention.

    Bad day for Cindric

    Cindric opened Sunday ranked last in the 12-driver playoff field and never had a shot to race for the win that would have prevented his elimination.

    He spun early, was hit by another driver in the second stage, and had to go to the garage for lengthy repairs. That made him the first of four drivers eliminated. Team Penske teammates Logano and Blaney, who combined have won the last three Cup titles, advanced into the round of eight.

    Smokey Yunick award

    Chad Knaus, the vice president of competition at Hendrick Motorsports, was named the recipient of the 2025 Smokey Yunick Award ahead of Sunday’s race.

    The award that began in 1997 is named after the late mechanic and innovator Henry “Smokey” Yunick to recognize an individual who demonstrated exceptional innovation and made a major impact in the world of motorsports.

    “This means a lot to me,” Knaus said. “I have been a Smokey Yunick fan for my career, quite honestly, and the biggest reason is because of the stemming of invention and pushing the boundaries — that if there’s not a rule, try to exploit that opportunity. When I was a young man, the stories, and the lore of Smokey Yunick, was there. That was a bit of a fuel for me — it was something that I wanted to try to create.”

    Knaus was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2024 and won 82 Cup Series races — 81 and seven Cup Series titles with fellow NASCAR Hall of Famer Jimmie Johnson — and one with William Byron.

    Up Next

    NASCAR opens the third round of the playoffs Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where Logano won last year to earn a berth into the championship-deciding finale. He went on to win his third Cup Series title, most among active drivers.

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    Associated Press

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  • Watch: Chase Elliott delivers unforgettable gender reveal surprise for fans

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    NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott posted a video on X of him helping fans with their gender reveal moment at Hendrick Motorsports’ Fan Day event, ahead of the playoff race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval.

    Elliott was clearly surprised when a couple asked him to go through the report and then sign a cap with a blue or pink marker, depending on whether it was a boy or a girl. The lady confirmed that they received the reports the same morning, but waited for Elliott to reveal their baby’s gender to them.

    Obliging the couple’s request, Elliott went through the scans and revealed that the couple would be blessed with a boy. He said:

    “I hope you’re wanting a boy, because he’s on the way.”

    The couple said they already had a girl and were happy to welcome a boy into the family. Elliott added:

    “That’s awesome! Congrats!”

    Clearly, this was a first for the NASCAR champion. He said:

    “Oh my gosh! That’s a first. I’ve never done that.”

    Loading twitter content…

    Elliott made headlines last weekend after winning the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway by overtaking Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace on the last lap. Hamlin was expected to win the race, considering he led the race for 159 laps. However, a late race restart led him to chase Bubba Wallace.

    The pair of drivers clashed on the last lap when Hamlin attempted to pass him on the inside. This pushed Wallace towards the wall, but he maintained control of his No. 23 Toyota. However, the incident compromised their speed, offering Elliott the perfect moment to overtake them and win the race. Speaking to the media after the race, he said:

    “I wasn’t going to lift, so I didn’t know what was going to happen. I figured at the end of the day, it was what it was at that point. Wherever I ended up, I ended up. At that point, we were all committed. Really cool just to be eighth on the restart and somehow win on a green-and-white checkered. Pretty neat.”

    Hamlin was eager to win his 60th Cup Series race at Kansas, but the last-minute twist ensured he finished second. Newsweek Sports reported his comments after the race:

    “Just super disappointed, obviously. Wanted it bad, it would’ve been 60 for me. Team just did an amazing job with the car; it was really fast. Gave me everything I needed. Got the restart I needed, couldn’t finish it there in the last corner. Obviously, got really, really tight with the #23. Just got really tight and we let the #9 win.”

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  • NASCAR Cup: Pre-Race Penalties for Two Teams as Kansas Grid Changes

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    By

    Lydia Mee is a contributing sports writer located in the West Midlands, England. Her focus is on F1 and NASCAR. She has in-depth knowledge of Motorsport as a whole. Lydia joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written Motorsport content for Sports Illustrated. You can get in touch with Lydia by emailing, l.mee@newsweek.com. You can find her at X @LMeeMotorsport.



    Sports Contributing Writer