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Today — 14 February 2026Main stream

Tony Stewart crashes out of NASCAR Truck race at Daytona, doesn't rule out another Truck attempt

Tony Stewart'sNASCAR Craftsman Truck Series re-introduction hit a speed bump on Lap 36 at Daytona.

Jake Garcia spun off of turn 4 right in front of Stewart's No. 25 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet, midway through the Fresh from Florida 250 on Feb. 13.

Wrong place, wrong time for Tony Stewart. pic.twitter.com/Uy8hTwsfaf

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 14, 2026

The No. 25 team attempted to make enough repairs under caution while on the damaged vehicle policy clock, but the steering damage and cosmetic issues were too much to overcome.

Stewart will be credited with a 36th-place finish.

"It was starting to get fun, where we could mix it up a little bit," Stewart said on the FOX post-crash interview.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame driver was driving in a national series race for the first time since the 2016 Cup Series finale at Homestead-Miami, the final race before his retirement from full-time stock-car racing.

Stewart last raced in the Truck Series on June 4, 2005, at Dover, where he finished in 2nd for Morgan-Dollar Motorsports.

Will Tony Stewart race in NASCAR again?

Crew chief Alex Yontz apologized to Stewart on the radio for the bad luck, then hoped aloud that Stewart would drive in another race for Kaulig's Truck program in the future.

"I'd say there's a good shot of that," Stewart said.

Stewart put it another way in his post-crash interview with FOX: "Never say never."

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tony Stewart crashes in NASCAR Truck Series Daytona race

How to Live Stream NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 2026: Watch for Free, TV Channel

NBA All-Star Weekend officially gets underway on Friday night with one of its most entertaining traditions, the 2026 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, as stars from sports, music, film, and social media take the court at the Kia Forum in Los Angeles.

MORE: 2026 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game rosters revealed, full list of players

How to Watch NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

Feb 14, 2025; Oakland, California, USA; Kai Cenat (3) of Team Bonds during the celebrity game ahead of the 2025 NBA All-Star Game at Oakland Arena. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

  • Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
  • Location: Kia Forum (Inglewood, California)
  • TV Channel: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
  • Live Stream: Fubo (try for free)

Celebrity Game rosters bring star power to All-Star Weekend

This year’s Celebrity Game again mixes athletes, entertainers, and former pros, making it one of the most unpredictable events of All-Star Weekend. The lineup features rapper GloRilla, ex-NBA guard Jeremy Lin, actor and comedian Keegan-Michael Key, Olympic sprinter Andre De Grasse, NFL star Amon-Ra St. Brown, music producer Mustard, soccer icon Cafu, and Chargers receiver Keenan Allen, among others.

The format typically features celebrity coaches and former NBA personalities, adding to the entertainment factor and giving fans plenty of viral moments throughout the night.

Why the Celebrity Game remains an All-Star Weekend favorite

While the event is more about entertainment than competition, the Celebrity Game has grown into a staple of All-Star Weekend thanks to its blend of personality-driven moments and unexpected on-court highlights. Fans tune in each year to watch non-traditional basketball players show off hidden skills or create memorable bloopers.

The 2026 edition also includes a halftime performance by K-pop group CORTIS, adding to the entertainment-heavy lineup that helps set the tone for the rest of the weekend.

Live stream the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game with Fubo: Start your free trial now!

For fans looking to catch every moment, the game can be seen on ESPN or streamed live through Fubo, which carries national channels, including ESPN, as part of its live TV package.

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The post How to Live Stream NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 2026: Watch for Free, TV Channel appeared first on The Big Lead.

NASCAR's current OEMs committed to internal combustion horsepower

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At least for the time being, NASCAR’s identity is internal combustion engines that making loud noises and relate to a majority of the American consumer.

While the Sanctioning Body continues development on a prototype race car that can adapt to any alternative fuel or power source, all four manufacturers that compete across the three national tours are content with the internal combustion status quo.

The question was posed to the four manufacturer competition leaders representing Chevrolet, Ford, Toyota and RAM.

Dr. Eric Warren, vice president of global motorsports competition for GM motorsports
Tyler Gibbs, president of TRD USA
Kevin Kidd, North American motorsports competition director for Stellantis
Pat DiMarco, Ford Racing NASCAR and analytics manager

There have been times over the past decade that Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota have each expressed a degree of inevitability towards electrification. Now, that’s been replaced with a sense that alternative fuels is more likely, but certainly not something that will eliminate the sound and power of the status quo.

For NASCAR’s part, the vehicle it produced alongside ABB, is a malleable machine that can adapt to any powerplant developed in the years to come. There continues to be no plans to race the car as a formal series but is instead a playground to adapt emerging technologies.

DiMarco noted that Ford racing across the glove in a wide variety of categories using numerous power plants and see development value in each of them.

“Yeah, we race in 34 countries around the world, 47 weekends a year; I think 36 different series,” DiMarco said. “We have the opportunity to race hybrids in other series. We have the opportunity to run completely (Internal Combustion) here.

“For us, our product in the showroom matches our product on the racetrack. It's just not here in NASCAR that we feel that we need to bring hybrids or electrification at this point. Down the road 20-30 years, who knows? Who knows what technology will bring in that. But currently in NASCAR, we're happy with the formula we have.”

His current Cup Series peers feel the same way with Gibbs and Warren both acknowledging what American fans seem to want more than anything else.

“Yeah, it depends really on our fan base, and we know where our fan base is here,” Gibbs said. “Again, when you look at the length of our races and some of these kinds of things, electrification is a little bit more challenging on racetrack like this where there is no regen or any of those kinds of things.

“So, for us it mimics what our customers want in the marketplace, and the same thing from a motorsports perspective. So, we're racing hydrogen in certain racing series; we're racing hybrids in others. It really just depends on kind of what the fan base in the particular series is most engaged with, and that then goes on to our customers.”

Warren says Chevrolet similarly races a wide variety of power plants globally and says they are prepared as an OEM no matter what direction NASCAR goes.

“The energy requirements in this form of racing are totally different,” Warren said. “The weight of the car, the accelerations and how you would implement is not really suitable here as much as it is at other series, so I think that drives a lot of it. There's not really an added benefit to the sport as a whole.

“Certainly us as a manufacturer, we're building great EV vehicles, great gas-powered vehicles, and our attempt is to bring the right vehicle to the customer of whatever they want.

“I think NASCAR, we love the close competition racing, and we want the power train to be suitable for the event and the competition.”

Kaulig Racing Ram Truck logo

Kaulig Racing Ram Truck logo

Stellantis has been extra aggressive in expanding internal combustion offerings globally even before it caught on amongst its peers. Softening regulatory standards for emissions in the United States has certainly encouraged that sentiment domestically too.

Kidd echoed the prevailing narrative that American fans say they want internal combustion vehicles and want to see them raced too -- thus the return of RAM to the Craftsman Truck Series.

“I think our core business is to bring the customers what they want to buy and really give a good offering of that in the marketplace,” Kidd said. “So no different than what Tyler and Eric talked about there.

“What's unique for us and unique about NASCAR is this is about raw American horsepower. Let's call it what it is. This is fire breathing muscle cars, and that's part of our brand. That's a very strong part of our brand. Coming to NASCAR, we're able to lean into that pretty heavy, and that is something that has resonated with all the Mopar loyalists across the planet.

“We're happy to be here and making horsepower normally aspirated, and we will support whatever the direction of the sport is in the future. We'll help shape that. But recognizing the fact that our fans really do resonate with normally aspirated horsepower.”

Read Also: Hendrick would have signed Kyle Larson to lifetime deal if he could Duel shows why anything is possible in the Daytona 500 Is NASCAR going to let Garrett Mitchell be Cleetus McFarland?

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

The many reasons why this NASCAR Truck race at Daytona is must-watch TV

Motorsport photo

Where else are you going to see an early 2000s sitcom star, an extreme sports athlete often compared to Evel Knievel, a NASCAR Hall of Famer who has been away for almost a decade, and a popular YouTuber who hates sleeves battle each other at speeds approaching 200mph? Only this Friday the 13th on FOX Sports 1, when the 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) season officially gets underway. 

The Fresh From Florida 250 is a 100-lap Friday night spectacle with a very colorful entry list. They all mean to take part in the Truck Series season-opener this weekend, with 44 entries and 36 trucks making the show -- eight drivers were sent home after qualifying.

The NCTS is the third level of NASCAR's national divisions, and often its wildest as teenagers face-off against veteran champions in machines that don’t mind getting muscled around.

And while the Daytona 500 is of course the crown jewel event of the week, there’s a very specific reason why you shouldn’t miss the Truck race either -- well, several reasons.

Just take a look at the drivers competing in this race, and you’ll understand why.

Ram is back...and so is Smoke

Timothy 'Mini' Tyrrell, No. 14 Kaulig Racing Ram

Timothy 'Mini' Tyrrell, No. 14 Kaulig Racing Ram

First and foremost, the event will feature the long-awaited return of Ram to the Truck Series as Kaulig Racing brings a five-truck fleet to Daytona. The iconic brand has been absent from the grid since 2013! Their drivers include reigning ARCA champion Brenden ‘Butterbean’ Queen, who will be competing in a Truck race at a superspeedway for the very first time. Ram also has Mini Tyrrell, a promising racer but one who has never done anything like this before. He's here after winning a reality show competition against 14 other racers, securing a full-time ride with Kaulig as the prize.

And these two will have several teammates, including a name known by even the most casual NASCAR viewers – Tony Stewart. And while 'Smoke' hasn't competed in NASCAR since 2018, his last Truck start came almost twenty years ago in 2005, he is here to win. Did we mention he is the winningest driver in Daytona history not named Earnhardt?

Tony Stewart, No. 25 Kaulig Racing Ram

Tony Stewart, No. 25 Kaulig Racing Ram

A TV star, a YouTuber and an extreme sports athlete

It gets wilder, so keep reading. Frankie Muniz is driving the No. 33, embarking on his second full-time season as a Truck racer. The ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ star earned his career-best finish in this race one year ago, placing tenth. If he wants to best that effort, he’ll have to face the drivers we mentioned, but also wild men like Travis Pastrana and Cleetus McFarland.

It is difficult to properly encapsulate Pastrana, who is a stuntman, an extreme sports star, and X-Games legend whose list of death-defying achievements are just as long as his professional racing resume. He is the only person who can say they won nearly a dozen X-Games gold medals, started the Daytona 500, holds the record for the longest jump ever recorded in a rally car, and stepped out of a airplane without wearing a parachute.

And yet, Pastrana's crazy might be eclipsed by teammate Cleetus McFarland, whose real name is Garrett Mitchell. He has 4.6 million subscribers on YouTube, and over two billion views on his channel -- and he will tear the sleeves off every shirt he comes across, as his teammate Pastrana found out in the Media Center earlier this week. Both Mitchell and Pastrana are high-energy personalities, and you never know what they're going to do or say next. He's also racing in honor of NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, a close friend and racing mentor who died in a tragic plane crash during the off-season.

Cleetus McFarland rips the sleeves off Travis Pastrana's shirt

Cleetus McFarland rips the sleeves off Travis Pastrana's shirt

This race will feature countless rookies, but also two former Daytona 500 champions as Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2023) and Michael McDowell (2021) join the fray. They aren’t the only active Cup drivers in the field either, as John-Hunter Nemechek and Carson Hocevar are here as well. Hocevar is one of the most aggressive drivers in NASCAR today, earning him the moniker ‘Hurricane' Hocevar, and this will begin a weekend where the rising star plans to complete triple-duty. No other driver is attempting that over the next few days.

The youngest driver in the field is 19 years old (Gio Ruggiero), and the oldest is 54 (Stewart).

Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

here's Stewart Friesen, who is back for the first time after suffering severe injuries in a dirt modified crash last summer, and he's a proven winner in Trucks. And Corey LaJoie, looking for redemption after missing out on the Daytona 500 field in a last-lap crash during his qualifying race. He's also driving for a team (Henderson Motorsports) searching for their own redemption, as they won this Truck race one year ago before being disqualified in post-race inspection.

This series has factory-backed super teams and intricate development programs, but it also has independent racers driving for family-owned teams with three full-time employees.

So, tune in and watch worlds clash around the high banks of Daytona International Speedway on Friday the 13th, under the lights, in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Read Also: Official starting lineup for the 2026 Daytona 500 Anthony Alfredo disqualified, removed from Daytona 500 field Is NASCAR going to let Garrett Mitchell be Cleetus McFarland? Tony Stewart returns to NASCAR in rare media form Ram: Race for The Seat winner revealed, earning Kaulig NASCAR Truck ride

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Travellers across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and more in Australia Face Dozens of Flight Cancellations and Hundreds of Delays by Jetstar, QantasLink and others, New Update

14 February 2026 at 01:02
Travellers across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and more in Australia Face Dozens of Flight Cancellations and Hundreds of Delays by Jetstar, QantasLink and others, New Update

Flight operations across Australia are currently facing a period of intense volatility. Major hubs like Sydney and Melbourne are reporting hundreds of schedule interruptions. Passengers in Brisbane and the Gold Coast now face mounting frustrations as terminal wait times climb. Similarly, travel plans in Adelaide and Perth have been upended by sudden logistical shifts. There’s a total of 29 flight cancellations and 728 delays reported. The data highlights a significant strain on specific carriers. Jetstar currently leads the figures for both cancellations and late departures. Meanwhile, QantasLink continues to struggle with regional reliability across the eastern states. These disruptions create a ripple effect throughout the entire tourism network. Travellers must stay informed to navigate this evolving situation effectively. This report examines the specific numbers behind the chaos at each major gateway. We provide a detailed breakdown of how these delays impact your journey. Understanding these trends helps you prepare for the current challenges of Australian air travel.

Major Airports Affected

The scale of the disruption is most visible at the nation’s busiest terminals. In Brisbane, a total of 9 cancellations and 175 delays have been recorded today, marking one of the highest volumes of scheduling slippage in the region. Simultaneously, Sydney has faced its own set of challenges, reporting 8 cancellations and a staggering 200 delayed services, the highest delay count among all listed locations.

Further south, Melbourne (Tullamarine) remains a focal point of the aviation strain, with 8 cancellations and 193 delays documented. The impact is not limited to these primary capitals; the Gold Coast has seen 2 cancellations and 59 delays, while Adelaide Int’l has reported 1 cancellation alongside 59 delays. Even in Western Australia, the gateway of Perth Int’l has been touched by the instability, with 1 cancellation and 42 delays registered.

The following table summarizes the operational status at these key locations:

LocationTotal CancellationsTotal Delays
Brisbane9175
Sydney8200
Melbourne8193
Gold Coast259
Adelaide159
Perth142

Impacted Airlines

A detailed analysis of the affected carriers reveals that low-cost and regional subsidiaries are bearing a significant portion of the operational burden.

Jetstar has been identified as a primary contributor to the current figures, notably accounting for 7 of the 8 cancellations in Sydney and 4 in Melbourne. Across the network, Jetstar has recorded a cumulative total of 16 cancellations and 156 delays.

QantasLink, the regional arm of the national carrier, has also faced substantial hurdles, particularly in Brisbane, where 5 cancellations and 26 delays were reported. In total, QantasLink services have seen 10 cancellations and 58 delays today.

Meanwhile, Qantas mainline operations have remained relatively stable in terms of cancellations (3 in total), though the airline has still navigated 103 delayed flights across Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. Virgin Australia has maintained the highest level of schedule integrity among the major players mentioned, with only a single cancellation and 4 delays reported in Perth.

Beyond these specific figures, delays were being experienced by several other Airlines, like Air New Zealand, Alliance Airlines, Regional Express Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Malindo Air, Network Aviation and more.

Probable Impact on Local Tourism

The concentration of these disruptions in high-traffic leisure and business destinations might have a tangible effect on the local tourism sectors. In Brisbane and the Gold Coast, which serve as the primary entry points for Queensland’s tourism corridors, the high volume of delays may lead to shortened stays and missed connections for organized tours.

In Sydney and Melbourne, the two largest economic hubs in Australia, the sheer volume of delayed passengers—totaling nearly 400 flights between the two cities—is likely to increase the demand for last-minute airport accommodation and hospitality services. Furthermore, the unreliability of schedules to Perth and Adelaide can deter short-term interstate travel, as the risk of losing a significant portion of a weekend or business trip to terminal waits becomes a deterrent for potential travellers. Industry observers note that consistent disruptions of this nature can erode consumer confidence in domestic air travel, potentially shifting preference toward alternative transport modes or closer-to-home destinations.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

For those currently caught in the midst of these scheduling shifts, several immediate steps are recommended by aviation experts and consumer advocacy groups. Passengers are urged to maintain a proactive stance regarding their travel rights and logistics.

  • Monitor Live Updates: Flight statuses should be checked frequently via official airline mobile applications or the websites of Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne airports. Real-time notifications often provide the most accurate window for rebooking.
  • Understand Consumer Rights: Under Australia’s consumer law, airlines are generally expected to provide services within a reasonable timeframe. If a flight is cancelled, carriers typically offer a seat on the next available service or a refund, though the specific terms can vary depending on the cause of the delay.
  • Retain Documentation: All receipts for essential expenses incurred due to significant delays—such as meals or overnight accommodation—should be kept. While Australian airlines provide assistance at their discretion, having a clear paper trail is vital for any subsequent claims or insurance applications.
  • Contact Customer Support: Passengers at Perth, Adelaide, or the Gold Coast who find themselves stranded should seek assistance at the airport service desks immediately. Rebooking options are often filled on a first-come, first-served basis, making early communication essential.

As the situation continues to evolve, the focus for the Australian aviation industry remains on clearing the backlog of delayed passengers and restoring the reliability of the domestic network.

-The information provided is sourced from FlightAware.

The post Travellers across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and more in Australia Face Dozens of Flight Cancellations and Hundreds of Delays by Jetstar, QantasLink and others, New Update appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
Yesterday — 13 February 2026Main stream

Celebrate Lunar New Year in Style at Huntington Library’s Stunning Chinese Garden

13 February 2026 at 23:28
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Style at Huntington Library’s Stunning Chinese Garden
Huntington

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino will once again be the venue for a spectacular Lunar New Year celebration. Running from February 21 to February 22, 2026, this two-day event is the perfect opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Chinese cultural traditions while celebrating the Year of the Horse. Located just outside of Los Angeles, this event provides a unique blend of performances, art displays, cultural demonstrations, and culinary experiences in the stunning surroundings of the Huntington’s world-renowned Chinese Garden.

A Festive Fusion of Tradition and Art

Attendees will be treated to an exciting mix of traditional and contemporary performances, highlighting the richness of Chinese culture. The event will feature traditional lion dances, which symbolize good luck and fortune, as well as mesmerizing mask-changing performances that captivate the audience with swift costume transformations. Martial arts demonstrations will also be a highlight, showcasing the precision and discipline of ancient Chinese combat techniques.

In addition to performances, the beautiful Chinese Garden will be adorned with intricate floral art displays that reflect the elegance and vibrancy of Chinese New Year celebrations. Guests can enjoy a peaceful stroll among the lush greenery while marveling at the artistry of the garden’s floral installations. The garden will serve as a perfect backdrop to the festive atmosphere, immersing attendees in the sights and sounds of the occasion.

To enhance the cultural experience, the air will be filled with music from both Chinese opera and traditional Vietnamese music. These musical performances will further enrich the event, offering a diverse range of sounds that embody the deep cultural heritage of East Asia. For children, arts and crafts stations will be available throughout the day, where they can create their own Lunar New Year-inspired artwork. Additionally, a special Lego display will be set up, featuring creations related to the Chinese New Year festivities, providing a fun and engaging activity for young visitors.

Culinary Delights for Every Taste

No celebration is complete without delicious food, and this Lunar New Year event will feature an array of culinary delights from on-site food trucks. A selection of savory and sweet options will be available, showcasing the diverse and flavorful offerings from across the Asian culinary spectrum. Food trucks will serve up tempting treats such as banh mi sandwiches, a Vietnamese classic filled with savory meats and crunchy vegetables, and creamy shaved ice, perfect for cooling off while enjoying the festivities.

These culinary offerings will be the perfect complement to the cultural experiences taking place throughout the day. Guests can enjoy a bite to eat while taking in a performance or strolling through the garden, making the event a complete sensory experience.

A Perfect Family-Friendly Experience

The Huntington Library’s Lunar New Year celebration is designed with families in mind, offering something for every age group. For children, there will be an interactive storytime experience where they can learn about the traditions and customs surrounding the Lunar New Year. This is a fantastic way for younger visitors to engage with the cultural significance of the event in a fun and educational manner.

The arts and crafts stations will also provide a hands-on experience for children, allowing them to create their own Lunar New Year-themed crafts to take home. This creative outlet offers a great way for families to bond together while participating in the festivities. In addition to these activities, there will be plenty of space for families to relax and enjoy the performances and exhibits throughout the event.

The event’s family-friendly atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages, ensuring that everyone, from young children to adults, will find something exciting and enjoyable to experience.

Event Details and Ticket Information

The Lunar New Year celebration will be held at the Huntington Library, located at 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA. The event will run daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, giving visitors ample time to explore the various performances, exhibitions, and activities. Due to the popularity of this event, advance reservations for tickets are required. This ensures that attendees can enjoy the event without overcrowding, making for a more pleasant and immersive experience.

The Huntington Library offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the Lunar New Year in an environment that combines cultural education, entertainment, and beauty. With the event taking place in one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Southern California, visitors are in for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re coming to enjoy the lively performances, admire the floral art displays, or simply enjoy the cultural atmosphere, the Lunar New Year celebration at the Huntington Library is a must-see event this February.

A Cultural Celebration Not to Be Missed

This two-day celebration at the Huntington Library is an exceptional way to ring in the Year of the Horse, offering an immersive and enriching experience for guests of all ages. From performances that showcase Chinese traditions to delicious food and hands-on activities, this event is designed to be both entertaining and educational. It’s the perfect outing for families, cultural enthusiasts, or anyone looking to experience the beauty and excitement of the Lunar New Year.

Whether you’re familiar with the traditions of Chinese New Year or it’s your first time celebrating, the Huntington Library’s Lunar New Year event promises to be a vibrant, joyous, and memorable occasion. Be sure to reserve your tickets in advance and join in the festivities to make this Lunar New Year a truly special one.

The post Celebrate Lunar New Year in Style at Huntington Library’s Stunning Chinese Garden appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

McLaren calls for "imperative" safety tweaks ahead of F1 2026 start

Motorsport photo

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has urged Formula 1 to agree to several refinements to the 2026 power unit rules to improve the show and general safety.

F1's shift to power units with a much bigger electric component, close to 50% of the total power output, has caused trepidation for many months. But as cars finally hit the track in anger at Barcelona's shakedown and Bahrain's official first pre-season test, it has emerged that there are three main outstanding issues that are causing the teams and drivers the biggest headaches.

The first is the race starts, which have become more complex because cars are now relying on the V6 engine to spool up the turbo at the start. In Bahrain cars were heard going on throttle for over 10 seconds to get the boost levels up to the required level. But timing the procedure slightly wrong could either cause a slow getaway or pitch the car into anti-stall, which happened to Alpine's Franco Colapinto at the end of Friday's running. Furthermore, cars at the back of the grid line up so late that under the current procedures they might not even get the required 10 seconds to spool up the turbo.

There are also concerns over the necessity to lift and coast at the end of a straight, which could cause dangerous closing speeds with a car going flat out behind. Another worry is the fact that cars are so energy starved that they run out of battery power so early that in the absence of a DRS-like system there is less scope to gain overspeed on the car in front.

What is making the matter extra critical is that Barcelona and Bahrain aren't even considered anywhere near the worst circuits for energy harvesting, so incidents could escalate further at more power-hungry circuits.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

McLaren team boss Andrea Stella is urging the F1 community to come together to implement key fixes in time for Melbourne's season opener to improve the situation, both on safety ground and to improve the on-track spectacle. Next Wednesday's F1 Commission meeting with the 11 teams, the FIA and commercial rightsholder FOM is an opportunity to agree to any 11th-hour changes ahead of the Australian curtain raiser on 8 March.

"We are not talking about how fast you are in qualifying. We are not talking about what is your race pace. We are talking about safety on the grid," Stella said about the complicated race start procedures. "There are some topics which are simply bigger than the competitive interest. And for me, having safety on the grid, which can be achieved with simple adjustment, is just a no-brainer."

One solution could be to make tweaks to the timing of the start procedure to give drivers a bigger window to spool up turbocharges to the right RPM level on the grid.

"We need to make sure that the race start procedure allows all cars to have the power unit ready to go, because the grid is not the place in which you want to have cars slow in taking off the grid," Stella explained. "This is a bigger interest than any competitive interest. So, I think all teams and the FIA should play the game of responsibility when it comes to what is needed."
 
Overtaking has now been complicated by the removal of DRS and the introduction of active aerodynamics, which allow all cars to flatten their front and rear wings on designated straights, limiting to ability to create a speed difference.

"In the past, DRS created such an advantage from an aerodynamic drag point of view for the following car," Stella set out. "This year, when you follow somebody, you have the same drag and the same power, so it becomes quite difficult to overtake. Our drivers have been racing with other drivers during these three days of testing in Bahrain and they found it extremely difficult to overtake."

Lando Norris, McLaren, Andrea Stella, McLaren

Lando Norris, McLaren, Andrea Stella, McLaren

The boost mode that has been implemented is felt not to make enough of a difference to offset the lack of DRS, because cars generally don't have enough energy left to expend anyway. One possible solution here would be to reduce the maximum allowed electric power output in the race, currently 350kW, which has the double benefit of cars running out of energy much later on the straight as well as ensuring that the new boost mode actually works as advertised to create a bigger offset.

"The fact that you have an additional amount of energy when you follow and you are within the one second is difficult to exploit, because this extra energy may mean that there is just a little bit more deployment at the end of the straight, if anything," Stella said.

"So I think, again, as an F1 community, we should look at what can be done to make sure that we have a sensible feasibility when it comes to overtaking. Otherwise, we lose one of the fundamental elements of the nature of racing, which is giving drivers the possibility to overtake.

Stella's final point on limiting the need for lifting and coasting is also a big safety concern given the extreme closing speeds with the current cars when the car in front runs out of battery, which could see a repeat of incidents like Mark Webber's huge airborne shunt in Valencia in 2010.

"This may not be an ideal situation when you follow closely and this can give a race situation like we have seen before a few times with Webber in Valencia, [Riccardo] Patrese in Portugal and there are a few more that definitely we don't want to see anymore in Formula 1," Stella cautioned.

Marshals remove the wrecked car of Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing

Marshals remove the wrecked car of Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing

One way to at least reduce the need for lift-and-coast techniques is to make tweaks to the regulations around 'superclipping' which is the phenomenon when cars start harvesting energy while still going full throttle. Currently cars are allowed to 'superclip' up to 250kW, but increasing the amount to the full 350kW capacity of the electric motor would give cars more energy to play with without resorting to more dangerous techniques.

"[It's about] three simple things - starts, overtaking and finding measures to avoid the lift and cost," Stella concluded. "I think these simple technical solutions exist and they will be discussed in the next F1 Commission.

"I think it's imperative because it's possible and it's simple. So, we should not complicate what is simple and we should not postpone what is possible immediately."

It remains to be seen if teams will find common ground in the F1 Commission meeting, although the FIA could push through changes if necessary on safety grounds.

Read Also: Max Verstappen demolishes "anti-racing" and "not fun" 2026 F1 cars

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Next God of War Is Reportedly Considered For a Multiplatform Release: Day One on PC Or Something More? [UPDATE]

13 February 2026 at 19:54

Kratos and Atreus are fighting enemies in a snowy mountain landscape in the game 'God of War,' with the logo visible in the

[Update - February 13 - 10:54 AM] The long-rumored 2.5.D entry in the God of War series, God of War Sons of Sparta, has been officially announced during a State of Play presentation. However, it is not a multiplatform release. If there are still multiplatform plans, they will be rolled out in the future. Original story follows. [Original Story] The God of War series is one of the tentpole PlayStation franchises, and one that represents the brand's identity best. Moving from the character-action experiences of the first three entries in the series, the franchise starring Kratos has evolved into a […]

Read full article at https://wccftech.com/next-god-of-war-is-reportedly-considered-for-a-multiplatform-release-day-one-on-pc-or-something-more/

Romain Grosjean returns to IndyCar, signs with Dale Coyne Racing for 2026

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Ex-F1 driver Romain Grosjean will return to the IndyCar grid in 2026, driving the No. 18 Honda entry for Dale Coyne Racing. It was the final full-time seat to be decided before the new season got underway. OnlyBulls and Bitcoin MAX will fund the effort. Grosjean recently drove for DCR in the pre-season test at Sebring.

Romain Grosjean

Romain Grosjean

Grosjean has 179 starts in Formula 1 with ten podiums, but exited the sport after the 2020 season, switching to IndyCar in the states. He ran the majority of the 2021 season in a car that was a collaboration of Coyne and Rick Ware Racing, scoring three podiums.

He joined Andretti's ranks for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, adding another three podiums to his stat sheet, but finishing 13th in points in both seasons. After parting ways with Andretti, he joined Juncos Hollinger Racing for the 2024 season, placing as high as fourth and ending the year 17th in the championship.

But the 39-year-old was absent from the grid throughout 2025 and some thought his IndyCar adventure had come to an end -- winless, but with five second-place finishes. He spent part of the year competing in the IMSA SportsCar Championship, driving a Lamborghini GTP entry for Automobili Lamborghini Squadra Corse.

“I cannot tell you how excited we are to welcome Romain Grosjean both to the race team and to Bitcoin MAX as the first global brand ambassador,” said Milton ‘Todd’ Ault in a release from the team. “Romain is the perfect global representative for the brand. His story and professionalism embody what we stand for.”

Read Also: Honda "in discussions" with Meyer Shank Racing on '28 factory entry IndyCar announces historic multi-year deal with Chevrolet and Honda Jay Frye reflects on IndyCar run one year after departure Donald Trump signs executive order confirming IndyCar race in Washington D.C.

 

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Thierry Neuville labels WRC struggles the “hardest time of my career”

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Thierry Neuville described his current World Rally Championship struggles as the ‘hardest time of his career so far’ following a difficult morning at Rally Sweden.

The 2024 champion has been struggling for confidence behind the wheel of his Hyundai i20 N Rally 1 this season, with his struggles from last month’s opening round in Monte Carlo continuing in Sweden.

Even after topping Thursday’s shakedown, the Belgian again repeated that he felt "something is missing to be confident”, and on Friday he went as far as saying that this current period is the hardest of his career to date.

Neuville ended the morning loop of stages sitting seventh overall, 1m37.4s behind rally leader Toyota’s Elfyn Evans. Neuville’s struggles with the balance of his car were compounded by a run into a snowbank in stage three that cost him more than a minute.

“Generally, it was ok but I’m really fighting the balance,” said Neuville at the end of stage four.

“It is not a surprise to be honest it is disturbing a lot, and it makes it very challenging. We are losing a bit of time now, but the rally is still long so we will keep working and we will see.”

Thierry Neuville, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

Thierry Neuville, Hyundai World Rally Team Hyundai i20 N Rally1

When asked about the direction the team can take with the car in the midday service, he added: “It is tough. Honestly, it is the hardest time of my career so far. We have changed so many things so you could say we are a bit lost as well, which doesn’t help.”

Speaking in the media zone about his current situation, Neuville elaborated further, adding: “I wouldn’t say that I’m very happy to be honest. We will do some changes for this afternoon, but it is pretty hard to know where to go and what to do, but if we don’t try, we will not learn anything. I guess we have to do some changes to see what it brings.”

Neuville’s Hyundai team-mates Adrien Fourmaux and Esapekka Lappi also struggled to find the pace to compete with Toyota. Fourmaux was forced to make an extreme set up change after stage two to try and find a solution.

“I was struggling a little bit with understeer on the first corners [in stage two] but I did not expect that big a gap I would say,” he said. “I decided to go quite extreme on the set up to make the car work better.

“It is a bit more difficult to drive but at the end it seems to be faster. It is not the pace I would like to be but it is an improvement, so maybe we can fight for something from there.”

Read Also: WRC Sweden: Elfyn Evans leads as Oliver Solberg drops to P5 after lucky escape WRC Sweden: Oliver Solberg sets the pace to grab early lead Low snowfall throws up extra curveball for WRC crews at Rally Sweden

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Daytona 500 Odds 2026: Updated Lines, Favorites & Best Value Bets

Daytona 500 odds are on the move as we close in on the start of the 2026 NASCAR season, with the full starting grid to be determined in Thursday night's Duels at Daytona.

The February 15 event, sometimes described as the Super Bowl of stock car racing, sees a wide-open betting board, with Denny Hamlin among the more popular choices.

Let's take a look at the latest NASCAR Cup Series odds to win the Daytona 500.

Daytona 500 odds

DriverDraftKings
Denny Hamlin<<+900>>
Ryan Blaney<<+1000>>
William Byron<<+1100>>
Kyle Larson<<+1100>>
Kyle Busch<<+1100>>
Joey Logano<<+1200>>
Austin Cindric<<+1800>>
Chase Elliott<<+1800>>
Christopher Bell<<+1800>>
Brad Keselowski<<+2000>>
Chase Briscoe<<+2000>>
Alex Bowman<<+2000>>
Bubba Wallace<<+2200>>
Chris Buescher<<+2200>>
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.<<+2500>>
Ryan Preece<<+2500>>
Carson Hocevar<<+2800>>
Ross Chastain<<+3000>>
Tyler Reddick<<+3500>>
Connor Zilisch<<+4000>>

Odds as of 2-12.

Daytona 500 odds movement

Ryan Blaney was favored in the early-week wagering for the Daytona 500, but with Denny Hamlin holding as the sentimental favorite following the loss of his father in a house fire just after Christmas, coupled with his three previous Harley J. Earl Trophies, the No. 11 driver is now at the top of the board.

Kyle Busch dropped from +1800 to +1100 after winning his first career Daytona 500 pole on Wednesday night. 

Drivers who have seen their odds drift up during the week include Austin Cindric (+1100 to +1800), Chase Elliott (+1400 to +1800), and Tyler Reddick (+2800 to +3500).

Daytona 500 weather

Daytona Beach is forecast to be warm and mostly cloudy for Sunday’s Daytona 500, with temperatures climbing from the low 60s in the morning to around 79°F (26°C) by mid-afternoon.

The key weather watch item is thunderstorms slated for around 9:00 a.m. ET and again near 3:00 p.m. ET, with otherwise mostly cloudy conditions through the race window. If those cells develop near the speedway, NASCAR could face delays, and race strategy can change quickly around caution timing, pit windows, and even possible red-flag periods.

From a track-conditions standpoint, warm air and a hotter racing surface generally reduce grip and increase tire slip, especially in traffic, which can make cars feel looser on corner entry/exit and increase handling sensitivity through longer green-flag runs.

If rain passes through before or during race activity, Daytona’s asphalt can transition rapidly from “green” (low rubber) to progressively faster as it dries and rubber lays back in, creating shifting balance conditions and a premium on in-race adjustments. Cloud cover may moderate peak surface temperatures somewhat, but any nearby thunderstorm threat remains the biggest performance variable because even brief rain can reset the track and compress strategic differences.

Daytona International Speedway fast facts

  • Banking: 31° (turns), 18° (tri-oval), 2° (straightaways)
  • Lap length: 2.5 miles
  • Pit stall size: 28 ft long x 16 ft wide
  • Drafting speed: Generally tops out around 195–200 mph in the pack

Did you know the track contains a man-made lake in the center that was originally stocked with over 65,000 fish?

How to bet on NASCAR

The most popular way to bet on NASCAR is by simply picking the winner of a race, which is also referred to as an outright. There are plenty of other ways to wager, including betting on whether or not a driver will finish in the Top 3 or Top 10 of a race.

Another popular betting option is head-to-head matchup betting, where sportsbooks pair up two drivers and you choose who you think will finish better in the race, which is far easier than trying to select someone to win out of a field of 36-40 drivers. For tips on NASCAR betting check out our How to Bet NASCAR page.

Past Daytona 500 winners

YearDriverManufacturer
2025William ByronChevrolet
2024William ByronChevrolet
2023Ricky Stenhouse Jr.Chevrolet
2022Austin CindricFord
2021Michael McDowellFord
2020Denny HamlinToyota
2019Denny HamlinToyota
2018Austin DillonChevrolet
2017Kurt BuschFord
2016Denny HamlinToyota

Back-to-back Daytona 500 champ William Byron is one of five drivers with multiple victories in the race. Richard Petty leads the way with seven wins from 1964 to 1981. 

How to watch the Daytona 500

LocationDaytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL
DateSunday, February 15, 2026
Time2:30 p.m. ET
TVFOX

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here

Thailand Joins Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam in Embracing Chinese Outbound Tourism Surge as New Year Kicks Off Unmatched Travel Boom Across Southeast Asia

13 February 2026 at 18:29
Thailand Joins Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam in Embracing Chinese Outbound Tourism Surge as New Year Kicks Off Unmatched Travel Boom Across Southeast Asia
Chinese New Year
Thailand

As the 2026 Chinese New Year ushers in the Year of the Horse, Thailand joins Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam in seizing the opportunity presented by the unprecedented surge in Chinese outbound tourism. With an exceptionally long Spring Festival holiday, Chinese travelers are flocking to Southeast Asia in record numbers, drawn by the region’s proximity, rich cultural offerings, and visa-free conveniences. This surge is not only boosting visitor numbers but also fueling significant growth in local economies, as these countries enhance their tourism campaigns, offering tailored experiences and festivities that resonate with Chinese holiday traditions. The booming travel demand is set to transform the tourism landscape, as these nations strategically position themselves as top destinations during this peak holiday period.

As 2026 Chinese New Year Approaches, Southeast Asia and Australia Prepare for Surge in Chinese Outbound Tourism Amid Longest Spring Festival Holiday

As the 2026 Chinese New Year draws near, marking the Year of the Horse, the outbound tourism market in China is set for a significant boost. This year’s Spring Festival promises to be one of the longest in recent history, fueling an unprecedented surge in cross-border travel. With a nine-day holiday period stretching from Sunday, the National Immigration Administration of China predicts that the number of inbound and outbound travelers will exceed 2.05 million daily, reflecting a 14.1% increase compared to last year.

Key Drivers of the Surge in Chinese Outbound Tourism

The increased demand for outbound travel can be attributed to several factors, chief among them being the extended holiday period. This year’s festival is unique in that Chinese workers are taking an additional five days off, creating a 15-day break that many are using to travel abroad. According to a travel trend report from Tongcheng Travel, this strategic leave-taking is one of the primary reasons behind the surge in outbound travel.

This year’s “longest Spring Festival holiday ever” has provided ample time for Chinese citizens to take extended vacations, leading to higher demand for international travel, particularly to nearby destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. The growth is also reflected in visa data. VFS Global, a leading visa services provider, reported a substantial double-digit increase in Chinese outbound visa applications from December 2025 to January 2026, reinforcing the robustness of the country’s travel market.

Southeast Asia: A Top Choice for Chinese Travelers

Southeast Asia is emerging as the go-to region for Chinese tourists, owing to its geographical proximity, rich cultural ties, and enhanced travel convenience. Southeast Asian destinations offer moderate flight distances, vibrant holiday atmospheres, and visa-free travel, making them ideal options for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of China’s cities. According to Tongcheng Travel’s report, half of the top 10 destinations for Chinese outbound tourism this Spring Festival are in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam.

These countries are witnessing substantial increases in Chinese visitors, driven by both their proximity and the festive spirit that blends well with Chinese New Year traditions. The influx of Chinese tourists is proving to be a major economic driver in these countries, offering significant boosts to their aviation and hospitality industries.

Top Southeast Asian destinations include:

  • Bangkok: Ranked second overall for Chinese tourists, known for its vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations and rich cultural experiences.
  • Singapore: Famous for its diverse cultural offerings, including Chinese festivals, food, and traditional performances.
  • Kuala Lumpur: A top pick for Chinese tourists seeking a mix of modernity and tradition, with grand shopping experiences and cultural celebrations.
  • Ho Chi Minh City: As Vietnamese cities increasingly adopt Chinese New Year customs, Ho Chi Minh City stands out with its festive ambiance and cultural exchanges.
  • Bali: A tropical favorite, offering a laid-back atmosphere, beaches, and holiday-friendly resorts that cater to the influx of international visitors.

The Role of South Korea and Other Countries in the Asia-Pacific

South Korea is also among the top destinations for Chinese travelers during this period, with Seoul ranked first in popularity. The country’s appeal lies in its harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, and it remains one of the most cost-effective destinations for Chinese tourists. Other countries in the region are similarly benefiting from the surge in outbound Chinese tourism.

  • South Korea: Known for its high-tech culture, unique shopping, and festive events, South Korea tops the list for Chinese tourists seeking a mix of adventure and culture during the Spring Festival.
  • Malaysia: This country continues to be a popular destination, with increased flight volumes confirming its status as a preferred vacation spot during the holiday period.

Cultural Celebrations Across the Region

In the wake of the increasing number of Chinese tourists, countries across the Asia-Pacific are embracing the Spring Festival with elaborate cultural events, blending local traditions with Chinese customs to create a festive atmosphere. These celebrations help foster cultural exchange and provide Chinese tourists with a more immersive experience during their holiday.

  • Vietnam: The Year of the Horse is making its mark across Vietnam, where horse imagery adorns streets, art galleries, and public spaces. The country has embraced Chinese traditions, intertwining them with Vietnamese customs, making it a fascinating destination for Chinese tourists during the New Year period.
  • Laos: The China-Laos Railway has become a unique platform for cultural exchange, with trains transformed into “mobile stages” for storytelling, traditional performances, and cultural activities that bring Chinese New Year celebrations directly to passengers. This cross-border event serves as a testament to the growing tourism connections between China and Laos.
  • Cambodia: Cambodia is not far behind in embracing the Spring Festival. The country hosted a three-day China-Cambodia cultural exhibition in Phnom Penh, bringing together Chinese and Cambodian artists and performers to showcase their shared cultural heritage, offering Chinese tourists an immersive and enriching experience.

Australia and Beyond: The Appeal of Sun-Kissed Shores

Further afield, Australia remains a favored destination for Chinese travelers looking to escape the cold winter months. Australia’s stunning beaches, bustling cities, and cultural landmarks continue to attract a steady stream of tourists. From the beaches of Queensland to the lively streets of Sydney, Chinese tourists are flocking to Australia, drawn by the promise of sun-soaked shores and cosmopolitan experiences.

The Booming Tourism Sector

This confluence of factors—extended holidays, cultural affinities, and increasing travel convenience—has contributed to the remarkable growth of the Asia-Pacific region’s tourism sector. The impact of Chinese tourists during the Spring Festival is a boon for local economies, particularly in aviation, hospitality, and retail industries, which are set to experience a strong boost in arrivals and activity.

As China’s outbound tourism continues to surge, countries across the Asia-Pacific are gearing up for an influx of travelers seeking cultural connections, festive celebrations, and unforgettable holiday experiences. From Southeast Asia to Australia, the tourism industry stands ready to welcome the millions of Chinese tourists eager to make the most of the longest Spring Festival holiday in history.

As the 2026 Chinese New Year sparks an unprecedented surge in outbound travel, Thailand joins Cambodia, Singapore, and Vietnam in capitalizing on the influx of Chinese tourists. With extended holidays and tailored experiences, Southeast Asia is poised to see remarkable growth in tourism as Chinese travelers flock to the region.

The 2026 Chinese New Year is set to be a pivotal moment for the Asia-Pacific tourism industry. With a record number of Chinese travelers expected to head abroad, the region’s hospitality and aviation sectors are poised for a strong recovery and growth, buoyed by the demand for cultural experiences, festive celebrations, and sun-soaked holidays. As the Year of the Horse kicks off, countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, and South Korea are sure to enjoy the fruits of this travel boom.

The post Thailand Joins Cambodia, Singapore and Vietnam in Embracing Chinese Outbound Tourism Surge as New Year Kicks Off Unmatched Travel Boom Across Southeast Asia appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Jetstar Is Reimagining Long-Haul Travel : Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Fly

13 February 2026 at 18:26
Jetstar Is Reimagining Long-Haul Travel : Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Fly

Jetstar is shaking up long-haul travel with a major overhaul of its in-flight experience. The airline has announced it will remove seatback entertainment screens on its long-haul flights, replacing them with faster charging ports and device holders for a more modern, app-based entertainment system. This shift is part of a broader upgrade as the airline rolls out its revamped Boeing 787 Dreamliners starting in March 2026.

For many travelers, long-haul flights have traditionally been a chance to settle in and enjoy a good movie or TV show on the seatback TV, a familiar comfort that made the hours in the air more enjoyable. However, with the introduction of Jetstar’s new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, this in-flight ritual could soon become a thing of the past, making way for more personalized, device-centric entertainment.

This move follows the trend set by other low-cost airlines, such as Scoot and Ryanair, which have opted for app-based entertainment systems instead of built-in seatback screens. By joining this growing movement, Jetstar aims to offer a more flexible and modern approach to in-flight entertainment, while also improving passenger comfort and reducing the weight and maintenance costs associated with traditional screens.

New Features for Jetstar’s Long-Haul Flights

As part of the upgrades, Jetstar is giving its Boeing 787 Dreamliners a complete cabin makeover. The first refurbished aircraft is expected to be back from Hong Kong in March and will operate key routes from Australia to Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea. A brand-new Melbourne-Colombo route to Sri Lanka will also join the network in August 2026, offering even more travel options for passengers in Australia.

Among the notable upgrades:

  • Device Holders and USB Ports: The airline is replacing the traditional seatback TVs with device holders and two USB-C ports at each seat, giving passengers the ability to use their own devices for streaming movies, TV shows, and other content.
  • Faster Charging: The new USB-C ports will offer 60W charging, a significant upgrade from the previous 15W charging capacity, meaning passengers can charge their devices more quickly, whether they’re using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity: Jetstar will also introduce Wi-Fi connectivity on its Dreamliners, allowing passengers to stay connected to the internet while in the air. This move aligns with the increasing demand for in-flight Wi-Fi, providing travelers the ability to browse the web or work while traveling.
  • More Business Class Seats: The revamped Boeing 787s will feature double the capacity in business class, catering to business travelers who demand more comfort and flexibility during their long-haul flights.

Impact on Long-Haul Travel and Tourism

This significant upgrade in Jetstar’s long-haul fleet has implications for travelers and tourism. With its new offerings, Jetstar is positioning itself to better serve both budget-conscious tourists and business travelers. By introducing faster charging ports and Wi-Fi connectivity, the airline is responding to the increasing reliance on personal devices for entertainment and work, giving passengers more flexibility during their flights.

The Asia-Pacific region is one of the world’s most dynamic travel markets, and Jetstar’s expanded service will provide more options for those traveling between Australia and key destinations like Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Sri Lanka. Whether you’re flying for leisure, business, or to visit friends and family, these upgrades ensure that Jetstar remains competitive in the highly competitive long-haul market.

Additionally, the inclusion of Sri Lanka in Jetstar’s long-haul network marks a new opportunity for tourism in Sri Lanka, as the airline will provide direct access to this beautiful island nation for travelers from Australia and other regions. Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, is set to become a more accessible destination for Australians, contributing to the island’s growing appeal as a travel hotspot.

Jetstar’s Strategic Approach: Balancing Cost and Comfort

Jetstar’s decision to remove seatback TVs and transition to app-based entertainment is not just about offering a more modern experience; it’s also a practical move that aligns with the airline’s cost-saving strategy. Traditional in-flight entertainment systems can be costly to install and maintain, and by switching to a more flexible and device-based system, Jetstar can keep operating costs lower. This helps the airline maintain its position as an ultra-low-cost carrier, making long-haul travel more affordable for passengers.

Furthermore, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a fuel-efficient aircraft, and these upgrades will help Jetstar deliver a more streamlined and cost-effective service, especially as the airline aims to enhance its long-haul offerings while maintaining affordable ticket prices for passengers.

What Travelers Can Expect

For travelers planning to fly on Jetstar’s new long-haul routes, there will be some adjustments to how they experience in-flight entertainment. With no seatback TVs, passengers will need to use their own devices for entertainment, so ensuring your device is fully charged before the flight or taking advantage of the upgraded charging capabilities will be essential. The new device holders will make it easier for travelers to watch content, play games, or work during the flight.

Additionally, those looking for uninterrupted internet access will appreciate the Wi-Fi connectivity, which will allow passengers to stay connected and productive while traveling. Whether you’re working on the go or streaming movies and TV shows, Jetstar’s new offerings will enhance the overall travel experience, especially on long-haul flights.

Conclusion: A New Era of Travel with Jetstar

Jetstar’s overhaul of its long-haul flights, including the removal of seatback TVs, introduces a new era for travelers seeking affordable, flexible, and modern flight experiences. By embracing app-based entertainment, improving charging capabilities, and enhancing Wi-Fi connectivity, Jetstar is aligning with the changing needs of travelers who rely on personal devices for both work and leisure.

As the airline expands its long-haul routes and introduces these new features, travelers will have more options to explore destinations across Asia, the Pacific, and Sri Lanka. With Jetstar’s low-cost model and premium upgrades, the airline is set to remain a competitive choice for travelers looking to explore new regions while enjoying greater flexibility and convenience during their flights.

The post Jetstar Is Reimagining Long-Haul Travel : Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Fly appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Official starting lineup for the 2026 Daytona 500

Motorsport photo

Kyle Busch will lead the field to the green flag in this Sunday's Daytona 500, driving the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. Chase Briscoe will join him on the front row for 'The Great American Race' after these two topped qualifying on Wednesday.

But after the Duel qualifying races on Thursday, which were won by Joey Logano and Chase Elliott, we now know the starting positions for the rest of the field. Corey LaJoie, Chandler Smith, JJ Yeley, and Anthony Alfredo (who was disqualified) all missed the field, but 41 others will take part in the 2026 season-opener on Sunday. Let's take you through the entire grid, with accompanying pictures for each of the challengers.

1. Kyle Busch -- #8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

2. Chase Briscoe -- #19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

3. Joey Logano -- #22 Team Penske Ford

Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford

Joey Logano, Team Penske Ford

4. Chase Elliott -- #9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

5. Ryan Blaney -- #12 Team Penske Ford

Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford

6. Carson Hocevar -- #77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

7. Austin Dillon -- #3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

8. Kyle Larson -- #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

9. Brad Keselowski -- #6 RFK Racing Ford

Brad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing Ford

Brad Keselowski, No. 6 RFK Racing Ford

10. Michael McDowell -- #71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

11. John-Hunter Nemechek -- #42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

John-Hunter Nemechek, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

John-Hunter Nemechek, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

12. Christopher Bell -- #20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

13. Shane van Gisbergen -- #97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

14. Josh Berry -- #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford

Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford

Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford

15. Daniel Suarez -- #7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet (Backup car)

Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

16. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. -- #47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet

17. Casey Mears -- #66 Garage 66 Ford

Casey Mears, No. 66 Garage 66 Ford

Casey Mears, No. 66 Garage 66 Ford

18. Todd Gilliland -- #34 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford

19. Ryan Preece -- #60 RFK Racing Ford

Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford

Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford

20. Ty Gibbs -- #54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

21. Alex Bowman -- #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

22. Denny Hamlin -- #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota

23. Cole Custer -- #41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet

Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet

Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet

24. Erik Jones -- #43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

25. Noah Gragson -- #4 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford

26. Tyler Reddick -- #45 23XI Racing Toyota

Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota

Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota

27. Bubba Wallace -- #23 23XI Racing Toyota

Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota

Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota

28. Riley Herbst -- #35 23XI Racing Toyota

Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota

Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota

29. Corey Heim -- #67 23XI Racing Toyota

Corey Heim, No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota

Corey Heim, No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota

30. Zane Smith -- #38 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford

Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford

31. Jimmie Johnson -- #84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota

Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club Toyota

Jimmie Johnson, Legacy Motor Club Toyota

32. Connor Zilisch -- #88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

33. Cody Ware -- #51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet

Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet

Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet

34. Ty Dillon -- #10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

35. AJ Allmendinger -- #16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

36. Austin Cindric -- #2 Team Penske Ford

Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford

Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford

37. Ross Chastain -- #1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet (Backup car)

Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

38. BJ McLeod -- #78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet 

BJ McLeod, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet

BJ McLeod, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet

39. William Byron -- #24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet (Backup car)

William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

40. Justin Allgaier -- #40 JR Motorsports Chevrolet

Justin Allgaier, No. 40 JR Motorsports Chevrolet

Justin Allgaier, No. 40 JR Motorsports Chevrolet

41. Chris Buescher -- #17 RFK Racing Ford (Backup car)

Chris Buescher, RFK Racing Ford

Chris Buescher, RFK Racing Ford

Read Also: Joey Logano wins Duel #1 as Mears full-throttles into wreck to make the Daytona 500 Chase Elliott wins Duel #2 in caution-free race Anthony Alfredo disqualified, removed from Daytona 500 field Duel shows why anything is possible in the Daytona 500 Kyle Busch and RCR win pole position for the 2026 Daytona 500 There were four winners after Daytona 500 qualifying Noah Gragson's Daytona 500 qualifying lap disallowed for using banned tactic

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The Original God of War Trilogy is getting a Remake

13 February 2026 at 15:47

TC Carson will be returning as Kratos in the new God of War Trilogy Remake Sony Santa Monica has confirmed that it is remaking the original God of War Trilogy. The studio is currently in the early stages of rebuilding God of War, God of War II, and God of War III for modern platforms. […]

The post The Original God of War Trilogy is getting a Remake appeared first on OC3D.

New Kevin De Bruyne closer to Arsenal despite transfer interest from Man United & others

13 February 2026 at 15:16

Arsenal may reportedly be in the strongest position for the potential transfer of AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit at the moment.

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According to Christian Falk in his latest CF Bayern Insider column, Arsenal are interested in Smit and look to be closer than other major clubs at the moment.

Falk played down Smit’s links with Bayern Munich, mentioning Arsenal as one name to watch, as well as others like Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, our information has previously been on Manchester United eyeing Smit and making some initial contacts over a potential move.

The 20-year-old Dutch midfielder is fast becoming regarded as one of the biggest prospects in Europe, so it’s not surprising to see so many big clubs being linked with him.

Kees Smit transfer latest from Christian Falk

Kees Smit warming up for AZ Alkmaar
Kees Smit warming up for AZ Alkmaar (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Responding to rumours about Smit and Bayern, Falk said: “No, it’s not hot for Bayern Munich. Smit is a player Arsenal is also interested in, so for (Leon) Goretzka, this could be a potential rival for his position next summer.

“From what I understand, Arsenal and the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid are closer to signing this player than Bayern Munich.”

It will be interesting to see how this develops in the weeks and months ahead, but it would certainly be a big coup for Premier League clubs if they could win the race for his signature.

Kees Smit could be ideal for Arsenal

Smit’s playing style has drawn comparisons with Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne, and how this Arsenal side could do with someone like that.

The Gunners have often lacked spark and creativity this season, with Martin Odegaard suffering a dip in form after numerous injuries, while Eberechi Eze hasn’t settled at the Emirates Stadium.

Man United, meanwhile, will also surely be rebuilding again this summer and could do with a top young attacking midfield talent to build around for the long-term.

Bruno Fernandes has been a star performer for the Red Devils in that area of the pitch, but he’s not getting any younger and his future might be something to keep an eye on in the summer.

The post New Kevin De Bruyne closer to Arsenal despite transfer interest from Man United & others appeared first on CaughtOffside.

F1 2026 Bahrain pre-season test: George Russell even faster as Cadillac causes red flag

Motorsport photo

George Russell topped the final morning session of Formula 1’s first Bahrain pre-season test, leading Lewis Hamilton.

Russell set the fastest time of the week so far less than half an hour into Friday’s running, with a 1m34.075s on soft tyres. Thirty minutes later, the Mercedes driver improved his own benchmark to a 1m33.918s, precisely as Ferrari’s Hamilton set a 1m34.209s.

Nobody else lapped any quicker than 1m35s, with Max Verstappen third for Red Bull in 1m35.341s, followed by Haas’ Oliver Bearman in 1m35.972s and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri in 1m36.390s.

Read Also: Mercedes is sandbagging amid F1 engine row, Max Verstappen claims

Franco Colapinto and Carlos Sainz took sixth and seventh for Alpine and Williams, with Racing BullsLiam Lawson half a tenth slower than the Spaniard after using exclusively medium tyres over his 84 laps this morning – more mileage than anyone.

Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto, who ran almost exclusively on the hard compound before a late run on softs, led Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll. The Canadian was 4.5 seconds off the pace, which ironically is precisely what he said the AMR26 was lacking in performance.

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing

After Cadillac caused an early red flag on Thursday when Sergio Perez stopped on track – though its yet-to-be-named car went on to complete a 105-lap day – Valtteri Bottas managed just eight laps this morning before suffering the same fate.

It took nearly two hours for Cadillac to sort the issue. The Finnish veteran was able to cover 37 laps, but still propped up the time sheet.

F1 Bahrain pre-season test Day 3 morning results

POSDRIVERTEAMBEST LAPGAPLAPS
1RussellMercedes1:33.918 78
HamiltonFerrari1:34.209+00.29169
3VerstappenRed Bull1:35.341+01.42361
4BearmanHaas1:35.972+02.05470
5PiastriMcLaren1:36.390+02.47273
6ColapintoAlpine1:36.874+02.95664
SainzWilliams1:37.186+03.26868
8LawsonRacing Bulls1:37.238+03.32084
9BortoletoAudi1:38.251+04.33360
10  StrollAston Martin1:38.423+04.50554
11BottasCadillac1:38.772+04.85437

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Alex Albon&#39;s partner Lily Muni He shares details on winter break engagement

Motorsport photo

Alex Albon's partner Lily Muni He has shared details of their romantic engagement during the winter break.

The couple announced their engagement on 16 January 2026, with a Polaroid-style photo and the caption, "I guess we’re stuck with each other now."

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While the couple have understandably remained fairly private about the personal milestone, Muni He has now shared some details.

"No [I didn't expect it]. He did a really good job," the professional golfer explained during the PIF Saudi Ladies International at Riyadh Golf Club. "I was a bit surprised, my nails were not done, but not awful either, so it worked out," she said as she giggled.

"But yeah, it's been a really good off-season."

She added: "We were in Big Sur at the end of our training camp. So we did a week and a half of training camp, two weeks in LA and Palm Springs, and then we flew to Big Sur just for a few days of a holiday. We were at night stargazing. So it was very romantic."

HD video of Lily talking about the engagement AWWWWW pic.twitter.com/r5GwV5IYK5

— “Doctor” Ava (@63grussell63) February 12, 2026

Albon and Muni He have been together since 2019, having met on social media after taking an interest in each other's sports.

The Williams Formula 1 driver is currently taking part in pre-season testing in Bahrain. After the team missed the private shakedown in Barcelona at the end of January due to delays on the FW48, the first three days of testing have offered the team some crucial track time.

"It is frustrating," he told the media when asked if it was painful to arrive in Bahrain on the back foot. "And I think as a team, it's not where we want to be. But at the same time, the good thing is we weren't sitting around doing nothing.

"We were still on the VTT. I think you see it. It's not that we've hit the ground running, but we've been able to be quite reliable very quickly."

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Mercedes is sandbagging amid F1 engine row, Max Verstappen claims

Motorsport photo

Max Verstappen did not take to the track on Thursday at Formula 1’s Bahrain pre-season test, yet the headlines were still dominated by the four-time world champion.

The Red Bull driver fulfilled his media duties and shared his views on the new regulations, describing F1’s new era as “Formula E on steroids” and “anti-racing”.

Read Also: Max Verstappen demolishes "anti-racing" and "not fun" 2026 F1 cars

“Toto forgot a zero” over compression ratio claim

Besides energy management, another term that continues to dominate conversations in the paddock is the compression ratio. Toto Wolff has stated that the alleged engine trick – whereby Mercedes complies with the 16:1 limit during static tests but achieves a higher ratio while running – only makes a small difference.

The Mercedes team boss estimated the gain at 2-3hp, but Verstappen clearly sees things differently.

When Motorsport.com put Wolff’s comments to him during the Dutch media session, the four-time world champion responded: “You definitely have to add a zero to that! And maybe even more. But, you know, I fully understand what they are trying to do these days.”

George Russell, Mercedes

George Russell, Mercedes

With those final words, Verstappen suggested that Mercedes is attempting to divert attention. By placing Red Bull in the role of favourite – something several Mercedes customer teams have also done – Wolff is hoping to stay under the radar, in Verstappen’s view, particularly with the FIA facing an important decision regarding the compression ratio.

Is Mercedes sandbagging to an extreme extent?

Verstappen is convinced that Mercedes is far from showing its full hand in Bahrain.

“Well, I can tell you one thing: just wait until Melbourne and see how much power they suddenly find. I already know that right now,” he claimed.

According to Verstappen, Mercedes is sandbagging to an extreme extent, much more than most other teams on the F1 grid.

“They are obviously trying to shift the focus to us because we did so many laps on Wednesday. But you have to look at it from both sides. Just wait until Melbourne and see how fast they suddenly go on all the straights.”

Verstappen considers it nonsensical that Red Bull is being pushed forward by rivals as the favourite.

“Let's look back at the last 10 years of winter testing,” he added. “I don't think you can say who was the world champion on day one, especially with a new ruleset like this.

“For me personally, it's more like diversion tactics. But that's okay. I mean, I focus on what we're doing here with the team. Because honestly, for us, there's still so much to learn. This new ruleset is so complex that we just want to do our laps. And yeah, just go from there.”

The fact that Formula 1 is currently so political does not, according to Verstappen, irritate him: “No, everyone can say what they want. I’m at a point where it already doesn’t really bother me at all. It doesn’t affect me, especially not if the car isn’t nice to drive. Then I’m busy with other things, working hard to get the GT3 car in a good place, for example.”

Read Also: Max Verstappen didn't want to drive 2026 car in simulator: ‘Doesn't help me stay in F1’

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Duel shows why anything is possible in the Daytona 500

Motorsport photo

Just like everyone predicted, BJ McCleod Motorsports and Garage66 made it into the Daytona 500 over cars fielded by RFK Racing, Front Row Motorsports and a Richard Childress Racing affiliate.

In the words of Casey Mears, driving the Garage66 for Carl Long, anything can happen at Daytona.

It’s the reason McLeod and Mears signed up to drive figurative knives to a figurative gunfight. When everyone is in the draft, with the potential of missing a 20-car melee, there’s a non-zero chance for even underdogs to The Great American Race.

“I think when it comes to the superspeedways and places like Daytona, absolutely,” Mears said. “I can't tell you throughout my career, I've been with some of the best teams and I've been with some of the smallest programs, and nothing surprises me here.

“You come here sometimes with a big team and think you've done everything right in the off-season, you qualify 25th. I came here with a really small team in 2019 and we locked our way in the show on speed.

“This is just one of those places where there's enough random things that happen and stuff that happens that's out of your control. Sometimes you're on the right side of it and sometimes you're not. Fortunately today we were on the right side.”

It certainly didn’t look that way when he spun in the grass during his pit stop and lost a lap. He caught one lucky break during the next caution and then another one when Corey Lajoie and Chandler Smith both crashed ahead of him.

He sank his right foot as deep as it would go into the pedal and was scored as the transfer when the race-ending caution came out.

Read Also: Anthony Alfredo disqualified, removed from Daytona 500 field Official starting lineup for the 2026 Daytona 500

BJ McLeod’s situation was even more dire. The checkered flag waived and he was eliminated from the Great American Race. Anthony Alfredo had raced his way in and that was that until NASCAR took a look at the car during post-race inspection.

There, it was found that he had two cooling hoses (transaxle and driver) not fully secured and was disqualified. Thus, McLeod is in the race, because anything can happen at Daytona.

“I hate that for them,” McLeod told FOX Sports. “Anthony and Linda, they’re awesome people. I congratulated them the moment we stopped on pit road. I was so happy for them getting in the race.

“That’s a hard deal but in 2024, we had the car we needed to beat a lap down and easily could have rode around but ended up racing and got in a wreck. You never know, because these duels are crazy, and I absolutely love them and that’s why I keep coming back and trying.”

It’s the reason why Alfredo was on the verge of tears making a race for the third time, but for the first time through the duels one year after he failed to advance through them, only to lose it in inspection.

Theoretically, the same thing could happen on Sunday. Maybe Mears and McLeod make it through the big multi-car crashes and end up racing for second. Maybe that hypothetical leader fails inspection.

Maybe they get the right push and end up in the lead after the white flag and a caution ends the race. It’s the Daytona 500 where anything can happen.

“I think we've seen that in the past,” Mears said. “I think if you're in the show, you have a shot.”

Read Also: Tony Stewart returns to NASCAR in rare media form Is NASCAR going to let Garrett Mitchell be Cleetus McFarland?

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Anthony Alfredo won&#39;t race in Daytona 500 after post-Duels inspection failure, DQ

Anthony Alfredo's No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet failed post-race inspection after the Daytona 500 Duels, and Alfredo will not race in the Daytona 500.

NASCAR made the announcement following the duel qualifying races on Feb. 12.

Alfredo drove to an 18th-place finish in the second Daytona Duel race, initially making the Daytona 500 as the highest-finishing open entry.

But a cooler hose was found not connected on Alfredo's car during post-race inspection, Cup Series director Brad Moran said.

BJ McLeod's No. 78 Live Motorsports Chevrolet is being inspected by NASCAR officials; if it passes, McLeod will make the Daytona 500.

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Anthony Alfredo out of Daytona 500 field after post-Duels inspection failure, DQ

“You Are Too Old You Can’t Do It”: Kyle Busch Wants to Prove Detractors Wrong

Kyle Busch stands for the national anthem before the NASCAR Cup Series Duel during Speedweek, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. | Credits- © Nadia Zomorodian / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Kyle Busch stands for the national anthem before the NASCAR Cup Series Duel during Speedweek, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. | Credits- © Nadia Zomorodian / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kyle Busch is kicking off the 2026 season with the serious intentions of winning races, after spending the last two years struggling to get great results. It’s been a while since he won, and his pole in Daytona seems to have lit a fire in him.

Over the past two seasons, Busch has knocked on the winning door more than once. Some days ended in wrecks when the pack stacked up. On other days, an engine let go, the car’s balance was off, or a pit stop went sideways. When he jumped from Joe Gibbs Racing to Richard Childress Racing in 2023, he hit the ground running with three wins in his first year. But since then, the tide has not flowed the same way.

Still, Busch insists that the drive never left him. Speaking toFOX8 WGHP, he pushed back on the noise that kept saying ‘he can’t do it’.

“Absolutely, I think there’s a lot of people out there that want to be detractors and want to say that you’re too old, you can’t do it, this and that. And I’m like, all I did was move from Joe Gibbs Racing to Richard Childress Racing, and when I first got here, we won three races in one year,” the 40-year-old said.

“So it’s just a matter of putting all the right people in all the right places and having the things kind of go your way,” he continued. “So again, a lot of different things that can happen in this business that can set you forward or bring you back, and so we want to get back up towards the front.”

Buschalready stands as the winningest active driver in the field, with 63 Cup wins across 750 starts over 22 years, plus titles in 2015 and 2019. The trophy case is full, but his appetite has not faded, despite the heartbreaks.

Busch is yearning to win the Daytona 500 race

The one prize that keeps Busch pacing is the Daytona 500, a trophy that continues to elude him. He has led more than 340 laps in the race without sealing the deal, the most by any driver still chasing that victory.

Days before Busch’s 21st attempt, he put it in terms anyone can grasp. “If you were eating and you haven’t eaten in 22 years, you’d be pretty hungry, right?”

“So that’s a race I certainly want to shout out on and win and check the box for, we’ve been able to accomplish it. It’s been a long time. I mean, we’ve been ‘Oh so close’ there a few times, more so since being at RCR. I’ve had some really, really good chances of winning that race,” the Richard Childressdriver declared.

In his Busch’s first Daytona 500 with RCR, he led at the 500-mile mark, running nose to tail with Austin Dillon. A caution set up over time, the field shuffled, and a last-lap crash dropped him to 19th. In 2019, he finished second behind Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin in a 1-2 result. In 2021, he lined up with a shot at the win on the final lap before a wreck triggered by Joey Logano swept him up, leaving him 14th.

And that pattern has played out more than that in his 20 tries. But now he heads back with the new Chevrolet body and the No. 8 team, aiming to put himself in the mix again. At some point, he hopes the cards fall his way and the Daytona 500 checkered flag lands in his hands.

The post “You Are Too Old You Can’t Do It”: Kyle Busch Wants to Prove Detractors Wrong appeared first on The SportsRush.

Anthony Alfredo disqualified, removed from Daytona 500 field

Motorsport photo

Anthony Alfredo's Daytona 500 dream has come to a bitter end. After racing his way into the 2026 season-opener, his No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet failed post-race inspection.

Alfredo finished 18th in Duel #2, besting both BJ McLeod and JJ Yeley to race his way into the 500. He failed to qualify for the race in 2025, and was extremely emotional over the prospect of competing in NASCAR's biggest race for just the third time in his career.

Instead, he will be going home alongside Corey LaJoie (RFK Racing), Chandler Smith (Front Row Motorsports), and Yeley (NY Racing Team).

NASCAR found a transaxle cooling hose that wasn't fastened properly, and another hose meant for driver cooling was completely disconnected, leading to the inspection failure.

Since the Duels are part of qualifying, this is treated differently than a normal race disqualification, and so Alfredo will have no opportunity to appeal. 

As long as his own car passes, McLeod in the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet will take his place on the grid. As long as all goes well in his own post-race inspection, this will be McLeod's sixth start in the Daytona 500 and his first since 2023. He failed to qualify for the race in both 2024 and 2025. 

More to follow...

Read Also: Chase Elliott wins Duel #2 as an emotional Alfredo locks into Daytona 500 Joey Logano wins Duel #1 as Mears full-throttles into wreck to make the Daytona 500

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Richard Childress Has Still Not Gotten Over the Personal Attacks Made on Him by NASCAR Executives

Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series team owner Richard Childress during the Xfinity Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. | Credits- Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series team owner Richard Childress during the Xfinity Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. | Credits- Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 2025 NASCAR offseason was arguably one of the most exciting periods of off-track drama in recent history, and the saga surrounding the revelation of top NASCAR officials lambasting Richard Childress behind his back was among the biggest stories. The controversy centered on insulting text messages directed at one of the most iconic individuals in the sport’s history.

The messages, which put then-Commissioner Steve Phelps in hot water for calling Childress a “stupid redneck,” became public during the antitrust lawsuit between NASCAR and 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. Phelps was forced to resign from his position, and NASCAR may have hoped the issue was behind them.

Childress, however, has refused to move on.

The RCR team owner is a highly respected individual in motorsports. Powerful people like him don’t just forget such disrespect. That said, for now, , he understands that he must remain calm and composed for the sake of the sport.

Childress said in a recent interview with Fox8 WGHP, “I have spoken to the France family, and my goal right now is to help everyone come together and build a stronger NASCAR sport. As far as the personal damages that came at me, if I tell you what I think now, you will probably be bleeping me out.

“So, that is still to be carried on in the future. I am like an old elephant. I don’t forget,” he added.

That won’t let the officials involved in disparaging him rest easily. Further in the interview, Childress was asked if he would use the insults as a motivation to drive him through the season. Richard Childress Racing isn’t exactly one of the big dogs in the sport right now and has a lot of work to do. But the benefactor will find his inspiration to do better elsewhere and not from such slanders.

Childress continued, “I think the race fans get me fired up. They keep me excited. One of them guys called me a ‘redneck’. That’s a badge I will honorably wear. I have got a lot of race fans that are solid rednecks and I think you can’t forget what built the sport was the people back in the day standing up having a beer at the top of their cars. Cheering and screaming and hollering.”

The most difficult thing for him was restraining himself from saying words that would have been bleeped out. He showed immense restraint and generosity by not putting himself above the sport. If anything, this will only elevate his legacy as a true icon of stock car racing.

The post Richard Childress Has Still Not Gotten Over the Personal Attacks Made on Him by NASCAR Executives appeared first on The SportsRush.

Daytona 500 lineup: Starting order, pole for 2026 race based on qualifying results

NASCAR Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway

Daytona 500 lineup: Starting order, pole for 2026 race based on qualifying results originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Kyle Busch has won a lot of things across his glittering 22-year career. He hasn't captured a Daytona 500, though.

The two-time Cup Series champion, 63-time race winner and future NASCAR Hall of Famer is one of the most decorated drivers to ever grace a cockpit. But American stock car racing's grandest prize has eluded him thus far.

He's gotten close, to be sure. Busch placed third in the race in 2016 and second — behind teammate Denny Hamlin — in the 2019 iteration of the race.

At 40 years old, Busch likely doesn't have too many opportunities left to hoist the famous Daytona 500 trophy. He set himself up nicely ahead of the 2026 race, however, setting the Daytona International Speedway track alight with a blazing run during qualifying.

With that, here's what you need to know about the starting lineup for Sunday's Daytona 500.

Who won the Daytona 500 pole for 2026?

Qualifying for the Daytona 500 pole took place on Wednesday, with Richard Childress star Kyle Busch holding off reigning Championship 4 contender Chase Briscoe.

He avoided wrecking out during Thursday's Daytona Duels, ensuring he'd sit on the pole come Sunday afternoon.

Busch has yet to find victory lane since 2023. He also is yet to capture a Daytona 500. Daytona poles aren't quite meaningless. But they don't necessarily predict in-race success, either. After all, The Big One tends to shake things up in a major way during race day.

Nevertheless, Busch expressed delight over his car's performance on Wednesday.

“Just a valiant effort by everybody here,” Busch said, per NASCAR.com. “It would be really nice to be doing an interview like this about being No. 1 come Sunday night.”

Daytona 500 starting lineup 2026

Starting pos.DriverCar No.Team
1.Kyle Busch8Richard Childress Racing
2.Chase Briscoe19Joe Gibbs Racing
3.Joey Logano22Team Penske
4.Chase Elliott9Hendrick Motorsports
5.Ryan Blaney12Team Penske
6.Carson Hocevar77Spire Motorsports
7.Austin Dillon3Richard Childress Racing
8.Kyle Larson5Hendrick Motorsports
9.Brad Keselowski6RFK Racing
10.Michael McDowell71Spire Motorsports
11.John Hunter Nemechek42Legacy Motor Club
12.Christopher Bell20Joe Gibbs Racing
13.Shane van Gisbergen97Trackhouse Racing
14.Josh Berry21Wood Brothers Racing
15.Daniel Suarez7Spire Motorsports
16.Ricky Stenhouse Jr.47Hyak Motorsports
17.Casey Mears66Garage 66
18.Tod Gilliland34Front Row Motorsports
19.Ryan Preece60RFK Racing
20.Ty Gibbs54Joe Gibbs Racing
21.Alex Bowman48Hendrick Motorsports
22.Denny Hamlin11Joe Gibbs Racing
23.Cole Custer41Haas Factory Team
24.Erik Jones43Legacy Motor Club
25.Noah Gragson4Front Row Motorsports
26.Tyler Reddick4523XI Racing
27.Bubba Wallace2323XI Racing
28.Riley Herbst3523XI Racing
29.Corey Heim6723XI Racing
30.Zane Smith38Front Row Motorsports
31.Jimmie Johnson84Legacy Motor Club
32.Connor Zilisch88Trackhouse Racing
33.Cody Ware51Rick Ware Racing
34.Ty Dillon10Kaulig Racing
35.AJ Allmendinger16Kaulig Racing
36.Austin Cindric2Team Penske
37.Ross Chastain1Trackhouse Racing
38.Anthony Alfredo62Beard Motorsports
39.William Byron24Hendrick Motorsports
40.Justin Allgaier40JR Motorsports
41.Chris Buescher17RFK Racing

Who won NASCAR Daytona Duels? Duel 1 winner is Joey Logano, plus full results

Joey Logano won the Daytona 500 Duel No. 1 in overtime on Feb. 12, the first of two qualifying races for the NASCAR Cup Series opener on Feb. 16 at Daytona International Speedway.

It was Logano's fourth Duel win. He will go for his second Daytona 500 victory on Sunday.

Ryan Blaney was second, Austin Dillon was third.

Ryan Preece, who led 38 laps, finished ninth.

Here are the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Duel 1 results from Feb. 12:

Daytona 500 duels results: Duel 1 finishing order

1. Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford2. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford3. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet4. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford5. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Legacy Motor Club Toyota6. Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet7. Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet8. Casey Mears, No 66 Garage 66 Ford9.  Ryan Preece, No. 60 RFK Racing Ford10. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet11. Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Ford12. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford 13. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 23XI Racing Toyota14. Corey Heim, No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota 15. Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Legacy Motor Club Toyota 16. Chandler Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford17. Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet18. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet19. Corey Lajoie, No. 99 RFK Racing Ford 20. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet21. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet22. William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet23. Chris Buescher, No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 11: Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 zone Jalapeno Lime Chevrolet, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2026 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Daytona Duels results: Who won Thursday's qualifying races

Who won NASCAR Daytona Duels? Duel 2 winner is Chase Elliott, plus full results

Chase Elliott won the Daytona 500 Duel No. 2 on Feb. 12, the second of two qualifying races for the NASCAR Cup Series opener on Feb. 16 at Daytona International Speedway.

It was Elliott's third career win in the Duels.

Carson Hocevar was second, and 2025 NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson was third in the caution-free race.

Anthony Alfredo finished 18th in the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet to earn an open spot in the Daytona 500.

Joey Logano won the first Duel. He will go for his second Daytona 500 victory.

Here are the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Duel 2 results from Feb. 12:

Daytona 500 duels results: Duel 2 finishing order

  1. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  2. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  3. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  4. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  5. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  6. Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
  7. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet
  8. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
  9. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  10. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  11. Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
  12. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
  13. Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota
  14. Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford
  15. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
  16. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
  17. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford
  18. Anthony Alfredo, No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet
  19. BJ McLeod, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet
  20. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  21. Justin Allgaier, No. 40 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
  22. JJ Yeley, No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Daytona Duels results: Who won Thursday's qualifying races

Who won NASCAR Daytona Duels? Duel 2 winner is Chase Elliott, plus full results

Chase Elliott won the Daytona 500 Duel No. 2 on Feb. 12, the second of two qualifying races for the NASCAR Cup Series opener on Feb. 16 at Daytona International Speedway.

It was Elliott's third career win in the Duels.

Carson Hocevar was second, and 2025 NASCAR Cup champion Kyle Larson was third in the caution-free race.

Anthony Alfredo finished 18th in the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet to earn an open spot in the Daytona 500.

Joey Logano won the first Duel. He will go for his second Daytona 500 victory.

Here are the NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 Duel 2 results from Feb. 12:

Daytona 500 duels results: Duel 2 finishing order

  1. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  2. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  3. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet
  4. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet
  5. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  6. Josh Berry, No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford
  7. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 HYAK Motorsports Chevrolet
  8. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford
  9. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  10. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  11. Erik Jones, No. 43 Legacy Motor Club Toyota
  12. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota
  13. Riley Herbst, No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota
  14. Zane Smith, No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford
  15. Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
  16. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet
  17. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Team Penske Ford
  18. Anthony Alfredo, No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet
  19. BJ McLeod, No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet
  20. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota
  21. Justin Allgaier, No. 40 JR Motorsports Chevrolet
  22. JJ Yeley, No. 44 NY Racing Team Chevrolet

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: NASCAR Daytona Duels results: Who won Thursday's qualifying races

Should You Cancel Your Malaysia Trip? Shocking TB Outbreak Threatens Thousands of Travellers!

13 February 2026 at 06:20
Should You Cancel Your Malaysia Trip? Shocking TB Outbreak Threatens Thousands of Travellers!
Malaysia

As Chinese New Year and Ramadan approach, many Singaporeans are gearing up to travel to Malaysia for family reunions, holidays, and religious festivities. However, recent reports from Malaysia have raised concerns about a tuberculosis (TB) outbreak that has affected parts of the country, particularly in Kota Tinggi, Johor, where the authorities reported several new clusters.

As the number of TB cases rises, travelers may be wondering whether they should go ahead with their travel plans to Malaysia or postpone their trips. Here’s everything you need to know about the outbreak, the risks of TB, and how you can protect yourself during your travels.

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While TB most commonly affects the lungs, it can also impact other parts of the body. The disease spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even speaks, making it an airborne infection.

Common symptoms of TB include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and in some cases, coughing up blood. However, latent TB is a form where the bacteria remain in the body without causing symptoms or spreading, meaning individuals do not feel sick or contagious.

According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Health in Singapore, the country reported 1,156 new cases of active TB in 2024, with an incidence rate of 27.6 cases per 100,000 residents. This highlights the ongoing presence of TB in the community, making it an endemic issue similar to diseases like dengue and influenza.

The TB Outbreak in Malaysia

In Malaysia, 10 new TB clusters have been reported in 2026, with one of the largest clusters being in Kota Tinggi, Johor. The Malaysian Health Minister confirmed on February 10, 2026, that 37 TB cases had been identified in the area, including six students from a local school. This cluster has raised concerns about the potential for further spread, particularly as it coincides with the busy travel period during the upcoming Chinese New Year and Ramadan.

Local authorities in Malaysia are actively monitoring the situation and advising people to take precautions. Face masks are recommended, especially in crowded areas, to reduce the risk of transmission. The Ministry of Health in Singapore has also urged travelers to follow local health guidelines, as well as the advice from Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Should You Defer Your Travel Plans?

Given the rising number of TB cases in Malaysia, some travelers may be considering whether to defer their travel plans to the country. Professor Hsu Li Yang, an infectious diseases expert at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, believes that, at this point, it is not necessary to cancel travel plans to Malaysia solely due to the outbreak.

Professor Hsu emphasized that TB generally requires close and prolonged contact with an infected person to be transmitted. While the disease is airborne, the risk of infection in short-term encounters is minimal. However, he advised that travelers—especially those planning to visit crowded public places like markets, temples, or public transportation hubs—should wear masks as a precautionary measure.

The key to mitigating the risk is following public health guidelines and maintaining personal hygiene while in affected areas. It is also essential for travelers to stay updated on local health advisories and comply with any health checks or screening measures implemented by the Malaysian authorities.

Who Is Most at Risk?

While TB can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable to contracting the disease, including:

  • Children under the age of five
  • Elderly individuals
  • People with compromised immune systems, such as those suffering from HIV, diabetes, or other chronic conditions
  • Those who engage in substance abuse or have weakened immune defenses

For those who fall into these high-risk categories, it is especially important to reconsider travel plans. Professor Hsu suggested that individuals with suppressed immune systems may want to think carefully about whether their trip is essential and whether they should delay or alter their plans.

How to Protect Yourself from TB While Traveling

If you decide to go ahead with your travel plans, here are some precautions you can take to protect yourself from TB:

  • Wear a face mask in crowded or poorly ventilated areas. This is especially important in places like markets, malls, or temples, where people tend to gather in close proximity.
  • Practice good hygiene by frequently washing your hands and carrying hand sanitiser to minimise exposure to airborne particles.
  • Avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of TB, such as persistent coughing or coughing up blood.
  • Stay informed: Keep up with updates from health authorities such as the World Health Organization and local health departments about the TB situation in Malaysia.
  • Consult a doctor before traveling if you have concerns, especially if you have an underlying health condition or are in a high-risk group.

Is Tuberculosis Treatable?

Yes, TB is treatable. If you are diagnosed with active TB, anti-TB medications will be prescribed, typically a combination of drugs that must be taken for six to nine months. It is crucial to complete the full course of treatment, as incomplete treatment can result in the disease becoming resistant to drugs.

For those diagnosed with latent TB, preventive treatment may be offered to reduce the likelihood of developing active TB in the future. This treatment generally takes about four to six months and involves taking medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

If left untreated, active TB can cause severe lung damage and can be fatal. However, with timely treatment, the majority of people with active TB make a full recovery and can lead healthy, normal lives.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Take Precautions

While the recent TB outbreak in Malaysia may cause some concern among travelers, it’s important to note that the risk of contracting TB during short visits is relatively low, especially if basic precautions are taken. As always, it’s essential to follow health advisories, wear masks in crowded areas, and practice good hygiene. If you fall into a higher-risk category or feel unsure about traveling, consulting a healthcare provider before your trip is a wise choice.

For now, deferring your travel plans is not necessary for the general population, but staying informed and taking preventative measures will help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Malaysia.

The post Should You Cancel Your Malaysia Trip? Shocking TB Outbreak Threatens Thousands of Travellers! appeared first on Travel And Tour World.

Daytona Duels 2026 results: Joey Logano, Chase Elliott claim wins in Daytona 500 qualifying races

Daytona 500

Daytona Duels 2026 results: Joey Logano, Chase Elliott claim wins in Daytona 500 qualifying races originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Cup Series calendar kicks off in earnest with Daytona Duels. It's a welcome sight for NASCAR fans. After all, it indicates that the greatest spectacle in stock car racing -- the Daytona 500 -- is on the horizon.

Kyle Busch and Chase Briscoe embraced the spotlight during Wednesday's qualifying session, bursting around the bend to secure front-row placement in Sunday's race. They, too, will join the ranks of Daytona Duels contestants, surrounded by a cadre of drivers hoping to get their Cup Series campaigns off on the right foot.

The shortened nature of the run, coupled with the perilousness of Daytona International Speedway's winding thoroughfare, could precipitate fireworks across two heats. The Big One looms like a shadow for all those who prance inside the coliseum's hallowed halls. Thursday's outing could provide a preview.

The Sporting News is tracking live updates from Thursday's Daytona Duels. Follow below for highlights, results and more from the night races at Daytona International Speedway.

WATCH: Watch NASCAR's Daytona Duels races live with Fubo

Daytona Duels 2026 live updates, highlights

(All times Eastern)

9:54 p.m.: Elliott holds off the pack to pick up his second Daytona Duels win. Anthony Alfredo makes it into the Daytona 500 as an open car.

9:50 p.m.: The deck has shuffled a fair bit in recent laps. Briscoe got held up at pit road, seeing him fall from first to 20th. Elliott now sits at the top of the totem pole. He is surrounded by a trio of Chevrolets in Carson Hocevar, Kyle Larson and Michael McDowell. Just four laps to go.

9:36 p.m.: Briscoe is holding strong at the top of the field. He's joined by Ty Dillon and Chase Elliott. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is pushing hard on Dillon's bumper. But it looks like the Kaulig Racing talent will overtake Briscoe for P1.

9:00 p.m.: Chase Briscoe leads the green flag racing

8:30 p.m.: Joey Logano wins the first duel! Casey Mears gets in, too!

8:25 p.m.: CAUTION! Corey LaJoie twists, turns and falls out of the pack -- and contention for an open charter into the Daytona 500 -- after colliding with the wall. We'll return for one more overtime.

8:15 p.m.: CAUTION! After climbing out to the top of the pack, Bubba Wallace goes spinning after facing a bump from Austin Dillon! We're headed to overtime! Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano will set things off with just two laps left.

7:58 p.m.: CAUTION! The yellow flag billows as Casey Mears gets into Noah Gragson after spinning on the infield grass. That's the first caution of the race! And that should bring a procession of cars into pit road.

7:50 p.m.: Preece continues to hold firm as the race leader. Busch has fallen off a fair bit, dropping to sixth in the field. Things have been clean so far, with a green flag pit stop appearing to be on the horizon -- at least at the moment.

7:40 p.m.: Through 25 or so laps, Preece leads the way, pacing the pack at a speed around 190 mph. Chris Buescher isn't too far behind.

7:20 p.m.: And we're off! Kyle Busch and Ryan Preece lead the way in the first of 100 laps!

7:15 p.m.: Duel 1 drivers have started their engines! The first race will start in the next five or so minutes.

Duel 1 starting lineup

Pos.DriverCar No.Team
1Kyle Busch8Richard Childress Racing
2Ryan Preece60RFK Racing
3Corey Heim6723XI Racing
4Alex Bowman48Hendrick Motorsports
5Chris Buescher17RFK Racing
6Joey Logano22Team Penske
7Austin Dillon3Richard Childress Racing
8Corey LaJoie99RFK Racing
9John Hunter Nemechek42Legacy Motor Club
10Brad Keselowski6RFK Racing
11Ryan Blaney12Team Penske
12William Byron24Hendrick Motorsports
13Cole Custer41Haas Factory Team
14Cody Ware51Rick Ware Racing
15Jimmie Johnson84Legacy Motor Club
16Bubba Wallace2323XI Racing
17AJ Allmendinger16Kaulig Racing
18Ross Chastain1Trackhouse Racing
19Shane van Gisbergen97Trackhouse Racing
20Daniel Suarez7Spire Motorsports
21Chandler Smith36JTG Daugherty Racing
22Casey Mears66Garage 66
23Noah Gragson4Front Row Motorsports

Duel 2 starting lineup

Pos.DriverCar No.Team
1Chase Briscoe19Joe Gibbs Racing
2Denny Hamlin11Joe Gibbs Racing
3Kyle Larson5Hendrick Motorsports
4Chase Elliott9Hendrick Motorsports
5Ty Gibbs54Joe Gibbs Racing
6Christopher Bell20Joe Gibbs Racing
7Justin Allgaier40JR Motorsports
8Austin Cindric2Team Penske
9Zane Smith38Front Row Motorsports
10Michael McDowell71Front Row Motorsports
11Connor Zilisch88Trackhouse Racing
12Erik Jones43Legacy Motor Club
13Josh Berry21Wood Brothers Racing
14Carson Hocevar77Spire Motorsports
15Riley Herbst3523XI Racing
16Todd Gilliland34Front Row Motorsports
17Anthony Alfredo62Beard Motorsports
18Ty Dillon10Kaulig Racing
19Ricky Stenhouse Jr.47Hyak Motorsports
20Tyler Reddick4523XI Racing
21BJ McLeod78Live Fast Motorsports
22J.J. Yeley44NY Racing Team

Daytona Duels 2026 start times

  • Duel 1: 7 p.m. ET
  • Duel 2: 8:45 p.m. ET (approx.)

Duel 1 will consist of odd-number finishers (one, three, five, etc.) from time trials. Duel 2 will feature the trial's even-numbered participants (two, four, six, etc.)

Daytona Duels 2026 TV channel

  • TV networks: FS1 (U.S.), TSN5 (Canada)
  • Live stream:Fubo

Thursday's races will be broadcast on FS1 nationally. Mike Joy (play-by-play) will lead the call; he'll be joined by analysts Clint Bowyer and Larry McReynolds, who will offer occasional musings from the booth.

The races can be streamed on Fubo, which offers a free trial to new users.

Lewis Hamilton: FIA must “take care” of Mercedes engine trick

Motorsport photo

Lewis Hamilton has urged the FIA to "take care" of the compression ratio debate, which is taking place in the paddock. This comes as the seven-time Formula 1 world champion tests in Bahrain ahead of the 2026 season. 

Wearing Ferrari colours for the second season after a long and successful stint driving Mercedes machinery, the driver has confronted the idea that the Brackley outfit is benefiting from a trick involving its power units' compression ratio when asked by Sky Sports F1.

Despite what looks like dominant engineering from Mercedes, he's keen to not read too much into lap times.

“Basically, it’s like Monza downforce everywhere. So you’re sliding around on the top of the tyres, so it doesn’t feel particularly great," he said in regards to the wind at the track after the first day of testing.

“In some corners it feels good. And because of the wind, some corners feel good because you’ve got a headwind — but most of the others you’ve got either tailwind or crosswind, and it’s a moving goalpost.

"I think everyone's in the same boat."

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets after a long second day of testing, and McLaren driver and reigning champion Lando Norris finished beneath him by half a second. 

“Impossible to know at the moment," Hamilton said when asked about the pecking order of the grid. "I hope we’re in the mix. I think we all look quite close — apart from Mercedes.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

“But we don’t know what fuel loads people are on. There are whispers of certain fuel loads that Mercedes are on. There are whispers of extra power they have that the rest of us don’t — the compression ratio sort of thing."

The Briton seemed keen for that to be ironed out by the championship's governing body: "So hopefully that gets sorted. And the FIA take care of that and make sure we’re all starting on an even playing field.”

Hamilton joins several teams in a push for the FIA to take action over what many believe goes against the regulations. And while Mercedes and its team principal Toto Wolff have strongly pushed back at these allegations, both the team and the FIA are facing intense pressure. 

“We’ve spent a lot of time discussing how we solve those issues, and our intention is of course to solve them for the start of the season," FIA single seater director Nikolas Tombazis said in an interview

“We don’t want to have controversies, we want people to be competing on the track – not in the courtroom or in the stewards room. And that’s what we try to do.”

Whether intervention comes before the Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton - and others - are keen to see action. 

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Jenson Button reveals Ross Brawn’s warning about becoming Lewis Hamilton’s team-mate

Motorsport photo

Former Formula 1 driver Jenson Button has described his time as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate as the new challenge he needed after winning the drivers' championship.

Button joined the seven-time champion at McLaren in 2010, and while his former boss Ross Brawn advised against the move to the Woking outfit, the 46-year-old relished the challenge of beating Hamilton in the same machinery.

"Yes, I was team-mates with Lewis for three years. When I left Brawn in 2009 as a world champion, I was like, 'I need a new challenge,' and that challenge was to go up against Lewis Hamilton," Button told Sky Sports F1.

"And Ross Brawn even said, 'You're making a mistake.' So then I was in with both feet, and really enjoyed the partnership we had. And I think winning a race and beating Lewis Hamilton in the same car was almost like winning a world championship.

Jenson Button

Jenson Button

"Didn't happen enough, but it was very special. So, no, I have a lot of respect for him as I do Fernando Alonso, who I raced with for two years, and seeing the way they work behind the scenes, not just in the car, is really impressive."

Button retired from racing at the end of 2025 after completing the World Endurance Championship season. "I left F1 in 2016. I was 36, and I was like, you know what, I think of myself as a racing driver, not just an F1 driver," he said. "So, I went off and raced in Japan. I raced in the World Endurance Championship, 24-hour races.

"I raced on dirt in Baja, NASCAR, and I've had such an amazing career. Very, very lucky. And it was time to hang up my race boots, spend more time with the family, and I've also got more time for F1 now."

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Is NASCAR going to let Garrett Mitchell be Cleetus McFarland?

Motorsport photo

There is no way that NASCAR is going to let Garrett Mitchell just use a made-up name for his Truck Series debut on Friday night, right?

As it turns out, it was very much a tug-of-war between the Sanctioning Body and the popular YouTuber and amateur racer who goes by the name ‘Cleetus McFarland.’ NASCAR says there is no clearly defined policy for licensing purposes but they were not just going to let him completely use his fictional name either.

But ‘McFarland’ was asked about it by Motorsport.com during his Thursday press conference alongside Travis Pastrana at Daytona International Speedway. And like everything ‘Cleetus McFarland’ affiliated, it turned into quite the theatrical ordeal.

I asked Garrett 'Cleetus McFarland' Mitchell about what name is on his hard card and if there's been any hassle with the sanctioning body over what name to use and hijinks immediately ensued

🤣 pic.twitter.com/yhTlpzSuTW

— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) February 12, 2026

“I’m glad you brought it up,” he said, reaching into his pocket. “Let me see. I was actually fighting with NASCAR yesterday. They were trying to put ‘Cleetus Mitchell’ on my Truck hard card. Let’s see what we ended up with.

‘Cleetus McFarland Mitchell.’

“That’s what we settled on. In ARCA, it says Garrett Mitchell, so you know, we’re making progress.”

As the story goes, Mitchell was portraying a Ricky Bobby style character for his video and his friends landed on Cleetus instead of Dale, for a name that would portray the brand appropriately.

The goal of reaching the Daytona 500

Garett Mitchell (Cleetus McFarland), Rette Jones Racing Ford

Garett Mitchell (Cleetus McFarland), Rette Jones Racing Ford

Regardless of which name he uses, ‘Cleetus McFarland Mitchell’ is very serious about wanting to pursue a start in the Daytona 500 someday. It started over the last year or so, when he found himself in a friendship with the late Greg Biffle, who told him that he couldn’t just race the Daytona 500.

But eventually, they started working on the process that began with the past two ARCA races, a start at Talladega, and now his Truck debut on Friday. He wants to then make starts in Xfinity and hopefully, someday, the Daytona 500.

“My goal has been to race the Daytona 500 but then I realized how good all the other drivers are and how fast the cars are and I was like, ‘wow, I definitely cannot race the Daytona 500, Biff was right.’

“I've been really enjoying ARCA and that level of competition. It's been good for me. I've learned a lot. This truck thing happened purely because Travis Pastrana is an amazing human being and pretty much handed me the opportunity to do it by putting me in touch with Niece Motorsports, Black Rifle Coffee and Brunt Workwear. It all came together for Travis.”

It was at this moment that he realized Pastrana, sitting next to him, hadn’t ripped off his sleeves. That’s one of his gimmicks. McFarland conveniently pulled out scissors and ripped the sleeves off the action sports star turned occasional NASCAR driver.

This was also one year to the day that he did the same thing to Biffle for the first time.

“Anyway, where were we,” McFarland said.

He also talked about how good the competition is at the next level, and how it’s going to take time to learn to race them properly, even if just on the superspeedways.

“I realized the drivers were very good, and then I thought, I don’t really want to move up,” he said. “I love ARCA. I want to take my time, and now I need to be ready to race this truck, pit stops, and if I don’t do everything perfect, I’m going to lose five spots on pit road.

“Travis convinced me I need to move up the ranks and progress, but I am just trying to take it slow and eventually work my way to the top, in the Daytona 500.”

For his part, Pastrana says McFarland is too modest and that the Daytona 500 is a realistic goal. This comes from a similar guy that didn’t have a NASCAR background, ran one full-time Xfinity Series season, and eventually competed in the Daytona 500.

But McFarland wants to earn it.

“I don’t want to lobby for a provisional,” he said. “And then come to Daytona and get spanked every time I show up. The big restrictor plate tracks are fun and its easier to be competitive.

“Intermediate tracks, like Rockingham where we tested this week, it’s fast and its hard. When we raced at Bristol, wow is it hard, and extremely challenging. So I guess, what I’m trying to say, is that I have a lot to learn and I need more seat time, more time in ARCA, and maybe in Late Models at Freedom Factory with my pal Ricky Brooks, to get better.”

Read Also: Tony Stewart returns to NASCAR in rare media form

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Saudi Arabia and Qatar Strengthen Gulf Connectivity with Game Changing High Speed Rail Linking Capitals and Major Airports: New Update

13 February 2026 at 01:53
Saudi Arabia and Qatar Strengthen Gulf Connectivity with Game Changing High Speed Rail Linking Capitals and Major Airports: New Update

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are strengthening Gulf connectivity by moving forward with a high speed electric rail project that will link Riyadh and Doha in just two hours while directly connecting to major international airports. The 785 kilometre corridor is designed to boost trade, tourism, and regional integration, marking a significant step toward a more unified and efficient transport network across the Gulf.

A new chapter in Gulf transport is unfolding as Saudi Arabia moves ahead with plans for a high-speed electric railway connecting Riyadh and Doha. The cross-border project will create a direct rail corridor between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, reshaping travel, trade, and tourism between the two nations.

The proposed line will extend roughly 785 kilometres, linking the two capitals through a modern, fully electrified system designed for speed and efficiency. Along the route, major stops are planned in Al-Hofuf and Dammam, strengthening connectivity across Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province. The railway will also tie into Hamad International Airport in Doha and King Salman International Airport in Riyadh, creating a seamless transition between air and rail travel.

Trains on the route are expected to exceed 300 kilometres per hour, cutting the journey between Riyadh and Doha to about two hours. That shift alone represents a dramatic change. What is currently a lengthy road trip or a short regional flight will become a swift city-to-city rail ride, offering greater convenience and predictability for travelers.

Passenger demand is projected to be strong. Early estimates indicate the line could carry more than 10 million passengers each year once fully operational. This reflects growing movement between the two countries, fueled by expanding tourism sectors, rising business exchanges, and deeper economic ties across the Gulf region.

The economic impact could be substantial. Projections suggest the railway may inject around 115 billion Saudi riyals into the combined economies of Saudi Arabia and Qatar over time. That boost would come not only from construction and operations, but also from the ripple effects of increased tourism, smoother logistics, and enhanced commercial activity along the corridor.

Employment generation forms a major part of the project’s value. More than 30,000 jobs are expected to be created during development and long-term operations. These opportunities will likely cover a wide range of sectors, from engineering and infrastructure development to rail management, maintenance, hospitality, and supply chain services.

Beyond speed and economics, sustainability plays a key role in the railway’s design. As an electric-powered system, high-speed rail offers a cleaner alternative to road and air travel, reducing per-passenger emissions. In a region investing heavily in modern, forward-looking infrastructure, the project reflects a broader commitment to balancing rapid development with environmental considerations.

Tourism stands to gain significantly. Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar are expanding their visitor economies with new attractions, cultural festivals, sporting events, and entertainment hubs. A two-hour rail link will make it easier for travelers to experience both destinations within a single trip. Weekend travel, event-based tourism, and cross-border leisure visits could see a notable rise once the line opens.

For the business community, the benefits are equally clear. Faster, reliable transport between Riyadh and Doha will simplify corporate travel, strengthen investment ties, and encourage joint ventures. Improved mobility between financial centers often translates into greater economic integration, and this railway is positioned to support exactly that outcome.

The initiative also advances the long-discussed vision of a broader Gulf railway network. For years, Gulf Cooperation Council members have explored the idea of linking their countries through an integrated rail system. The Saudi Arabia–Qatar corridor represents tangible progress toward that regional goal, demonstrating how infrastructure can drive cooperation and shared growth.

While construction timelines and detailed phases have yet to be fully outlined, the approval signals firm intent to move forward. Large-scale rail projects typically unfold in stages, including technical planning, environmental reviews, procurement, and phased building works.

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are strengthening Gulf connectivity by launching a 785 kilometre high speed rail linking Riyadh and Doha in just two hours while integrating major international airports. The project is set to boost trade, tourism, and regional economic integration across the Gulf.

Once completed, the high-speed railway is expected to redefine mobility between the two nations. By combining speed, sustainability, and economic impact, the Riyadh–Doha rail corridor is poised to become one of the most significant transport developments in the Gulf, strengthening regional ties and setting a new standard for cross-border connectivity.

The post Saudi Arabia and Qatar Strengthen Gulf Connectivity with Game Changing High Speed Rail Linking Capitals and Major Airports: New Update appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
Before yesterdayMain stream

Lando Norris teases Max Verstappen over F1 2026 complaints: &quot;He can retire if he wants&quot;

Motorsport photo

Reigning world champion Lando Norris feels Formula 1 drivers have little to complain about following Max Verstappen's explosive criticism on the new generation of cars.

Speaking his mind on the new regulations, which feature a much bigger reliance on electric energy that forces drivers and teams to focus heavily on energy management, Verstappen said the new cars are "not a lot of fun" and feel "a bit more like Formula E on steroids".

Read Also: Max Verstappen didn't want to drive 2026 car in simulator: ‘Doesn't help me stay in F1’

"The rules are the same for everyone, so you have to deal with that [but] as a pure driver, I enjoy driving flat out and, at the moment, you cannot drive like that," the four-time world champion said, suggesting the new rules aren't exactly helping him commit his long-term future to F1.

When Verstappen's comments were put to him, Norris said he actually enjoys the new challenges the 2026 F1 cars have thrown up, and feels that handsomely remunerated F1 drivers have "nothing to complain" about.

"A lot of fun. I really enjoyed it," Norris said. "So, yeah, if he wants to retire, he can retire. Formula 1 changes all the time. Sometimes it's a bit better to drive, sometimes it's not as good to drive.

"We get paid a stupid amount of money to drive, so you can't really complain at the end of the day. Any driver can go and find something else to do. It's not like he has to be here, or any driver has to be here.

"It's a challenge, but it's a good, fun challenge for the engineers, for the drivers. You have to drive it in a different way, understand and manage things differently, but I still get to drive cars and travel the world and have a lot of fun. So, nothing to complain about."

Lando Norris, McLaren

Lando Norris, McLaren

Norris pointed out teams will improve their new machinery in leaps and bounds over the coming months, so he doesn't think day two of the official pre-season test in Bahrain is a perfect indication of how this generation of cars will pan out on the long term.

"It certainly doesn't feel as quick as the past few years, and it certainly doesn't handle as perfectly and those things," Norris added. "I'm sure if [Max] came in and this was the F1 car he started driving, then he probably would say it's amazing. Comparing to the older cars, it doesn't feel as pretty and beautiful to drive, but it's still pretty good.

"It's still early days of a regulation that's meant to be a good amount slower, but if we fast forward to the end of this year and ahead to next year, we're going to be going a lot quicker by then.

"Everyone can have their own opinions, and say and decide what they want to do. No one should complain about that or be upset about it. Every driver has their own opinions. He didn't like it, and I like it."

Read Also: Max Verstappen demolishes "anti-racing" and "not fun" 2026 F1 cars F1 2026 Bahrain pre-season test: Charles Leclerc tops day two, Lando Norris completes most laps

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All important statistics from day two of 2026 F1 Bahrain test

Motorsport photo

On day two of Formula 1's first official pre-season test, held in Bahrain from February 11-13, here are the key figures to remember.

Read Also: F1 2026 Bahrain pre-season test: Charles Leclerc tops day two, Lando Norris completes most laps All important statistics from day one of 2026 F1 Bahrain test

Bahrain Test 1, Day 2 - Mileage per team

Team Drivers laps Km
McLarenNorris149806
FerrariLeclerc139752
Racing BullsLawson
Lindblad
133720
WilliamsAlbon
Sainz
131709
HaasBearman130704
AudiHulkenberg
Bortoleto
114617
CadillacPerez
Bottas
109590
Aston MartinAlonso98530
AlpineGasly97525
Red BullHadjar87471
Mercedes

Antonelli

Russell

57309

Bahrain Test 1, Day 2 - Mileage per engine manufacturer

George Russell, Mercedes

George Russell, Mercedes
Engine Team(s) laps km KM per team
Mercedes

Williams

McLaren

Mercedes

Alpine

4342349587
FerrariFerrari
Haas
Cadillac
3782046682
Red Bull FordRed Bull
Racing Bulls
2201191595
AudiAudi114617617
HondaAston Martin98530530

Bahrain Test 1, Day 2 lap times

P DRIVER TEAM Laps Time gap Tyre
1LeclercFerrari1391m34.273s C3
2NorrisMcLaren1491m34.784s+0.511sC2
3

Bearman

Haas1301m35.394s+1.121sC3
4

Russell

Mercedes541m35.466s+1.193sC3
5

Hajdar

Red Bull871m35.561s+2.288sC3
6

Bortoleto

Audi671m36.670s+2.397sC3
7

Gasly

Alpine971m36.723s+2.450sC3
8BottasCadillac671m36.824s+2.551sC3
9AlbonWilliams621m37.229s+2.956sC3
10HulkenbergAudi471m37.266s+2.993sC3
11LindbladRacing Bulls831m37.470s+3.197sC3
12SainzWilliams691m37.592s+3.319sC3
13LawsonRacing Bulls501m38.017s+3.744sC3
14AlonsoAston Martin981m38.248s+3.975sC3
15PerezCadillac421m38.653s+4.380sC3
16AntonelliMercedes3  C3

Bahrain Test 1, Day 2 - Red flags

Sergio Perez and Cadillac caused the first red flag of the day

Sergio Perez and Cadillac caused the first red flag of the day
Car Driver Time Reason
CadillacPerez10:10amStopped on track
--1:52pmFIA test
CadillacBottas4:35pmDebris on track
AlpineGasly4:53pmStopped on track
--6:53pmFIA test
--7:00pmFIA test

 

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Martins Sesks sets out target ahead of WRC return

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Rising World Rally Championship star Martins Sesks has set out two key objectives ahead of his return to rallying’s tip tier at Rally Sweden this weekend.

Sweden’s snow stages mark the start of Sesks’ seven-round partial programme with M-Sport-Ford that includes the same line-up of rallies (Sweden, Portugal, Greece, Estonia, Finland, Sardinia) and the possibility of a run at the season-ending trip to Saudi Arabia.

It was Sesks’ stunning display in Saudi Arabia last November, where he challenged for a maiden win right up until a double puncture and engine issue ended his rally, that reminded the WRC service park of his ability.

Aside from his stunning speed in Saudi Arabia, his 2025 campaign proved challenging for the Latvian, who claimed three top-10 finishes, albeit on events where he had limited experience, especially in top-level Rally machinery.   

Now the 26-year-old has another opportunity to showcase his talent in the final year of the current Rally1 regulations, which could prove crucial in forging a WRC career in the future.

But first up on Sesks objectives is Rally Sweden, which just so happens to be the event where he scored his best finish of sixth from his 2025 campaign. The objective this time around is simple.

“First off it is about trying to enjoy and have fun with these beasts of cars and have some pleasure driving on the snow,” said Sesks. 

Martins Sesks, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team

Martins Sesks, M-Sport Ford World Rally Team

“This is a bit of a different scenery [compared to Saudi Arabia] and this rally is known by everyone and we are doing this for the second time as well as other rallies so let's see how we can catch up.

“I just need to see if experience counts as we are doing the same rallies we have done before, and if I’m any better the second time doing the same rallies.

“I’m really looking forward to being back with the team and the car, and hopefully we can target another good result and show a similar pace to what we had in Saudi.”

Read Also: Esapekka Lappi thought his WRC career was over, but he’s back

Sesks will be part of a three-car M-Sport-Ford line-up that includes Irish duo Josh McErlean and Jon Armstrong. Like Sesks, the event marks the second Rally Sweden attempt for McErlean in Rally1 machinery. 

For Armstrong, this will be his first Rally1 outing on a full snow event, although the Northern Irishman has previously won the Junior WRC class at Rally Sweden in 2022.

Rally Sweden will be contested over 18 competitive stages, comprising 300 kilometres.

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&quot;Drive to Survive: Season 8&quot; trailer released: Watch here now

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Netflix has released the trailer for Drive to Survive Season 8 ahead of its release on the streaming platform on 27 February 2026.

The eighth season will cover the on and off-track stories of the 2025 season, and the trailer has shared a hint of what's to come from the docuseries. It starts with footage from the F1-75 show in London. "This is the moment we have all been waiting for," McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri told the camera under the blue stadium lights as the teams prepared to show off their liveries.

It also touches on the rookie drivers of the 2025 season - Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto, Jack Doohan and Liam Lawson - including Doohan's exit from Alpine.

Fans can also expect a behind-the-scenes look at Lewis Hamilton's first season at Ferrari, McLaren's intra-team battle between Norris and Piastri, and Max Verstappen's strong comeback. "Max, he's like that bad guy in that horror movie. He keeps coming back," McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said.

Christian Horner's Red Bull exit also had its moment in the trailer. "I mean, everybody's got an opinion. But don't underestimate the opposition," the Briton said to the camera.

Geri Halliwell, Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing, Drive to Survive Season 7

Geri Halliwell, Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing, Drive to Survive Season 7

Later, footage of Horner with his wife, Geri Halliwell, is shown. "I've had something taken away from me that wasn't my choice," he said, before it cuts to another shot of him speaking to the camera. "I think we're done," he added as he walked off the set.

Returning as 'talking heads' in the series are former F1 TV presenter Will Buxton and former Williams team principal Claire Williams.

Drive to Survive Season 8 will be available to stream on Netflix on 27 February 2026, along with all of the previous seasons.

Drive to Survive Season 8: Trailer

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MotoTable Explained: The Ultimate Workstation for Motorcycle Campers

12 February 2026 at 21:13
MotoTable Explained: The Ultimate Workstation for Motorcycle Campers
MotoTable Explained: The Ultimate Workstation for Motorcycle Campers

Camping with motorcycles is one of the many ways to experience the many roads, and the many places you can see and enjoy; but, with this method of camping, there are challenges as well, and many of the challenges stem from the fact that there is a lack of a good place to cook, a good place to organize your gear, and a good place to do routine maintenance on your bike. But, with the MotoTable, a revolutionary workstation that organizes and makes camping more comfortable, Tony Castro, a Motorcycle enthusiast and an inventor, has come up with a good solution to this problem.

The Problem: Struggling with Camping on Two Wheels

For years, motorcycle campers were left to improvise their campsites, often cooking, eating, and working on the ground. This created a physically taxing experience, particularly after long days on the road. Traditional solutions like portable tables or makeshift platforms never quite cut it, leaving riders frustrated with cluttered gear and uncomfortable positions. This is where the MotoTable steps in.

What is the MotoTable?

The MotoTable is a versatile, tail box, and pannier-mounted workstation that takes your camping setup to a new level of functionality. It is designed to be mounted quickly and easily to a motorcycle’s side panniers or tail box, offering a stable, elevated surface that allows riders to work and cook at a comfortable height. The lightweight and durable construction ensure that it can endure the harsh conditions of the road and rugged terrain, making it an essential tool for any motorcycle adventure.

Key Features of the MotoTable

1. Advanced Leveling Technology

The MotoTable features advanced leveling technology that allows the surface to remain level even when the bike is parked on uneven ground. This ensures a stable workspace, whether you’re cooking your dinner or working on a bike repair at a steep campsite.

2. Universal Mounting System

One of the standout features of the MotoTable is its universal mounting system. The table can be easily attached to both hard and soft panniers and tail boxes, making it compatible with most motorcycles. Riders can mount and dismount the MotoTable within minutes, transforming their bike into a fully functional campsite with minimal effort.

3. Rapid Deployment

The MotoTable is designed for quick deployment, meaning riders can have their workstation ready in seconds. Its quick-release system ensures that riders don’t have to waste precious time setting up, which is ideal when arriving at camp after a long ride.

4. Durability and Materials

Built with aerospace-grade materials, the MotoTable is designed to withstand the elements. Whether you’re dealing with rain, wind, or dust, the MotoTable holds up against the toughest conditions, offering long-term reliability for every rider.

Versatile Tabletop Options

The MotoTable comes with three different tabletop options, allowing riders to choose the one that best suits their camping style:

  • The Standard Flat Top: A minimalist surface, ideal for preparing gear, reading maps, using a laptop, or preparing meals. This versatile option works for most camping activities.
  • The Cooking Top: Equipped with special cutouts to securely hold camping stoves, this tabletop ensures safe and stable cooking, even in the roughest conditions.
  • The Military MOLLE Advanced Top: A tactical surface designed with military-style MOLLE attachment points. This option allows campers to clip pouches, tools, and lighting for a truly organized and efficient workspace.

Each option is designed to enhance the rider’s experience, catering to different needs based on the specific demands of the adventure.

A New Standard for Moto-Camping

The MotoTable revolutionizes motorcycle camping by solving the ergonomic issues that many riders face. No longer do adventurers have to crouch on the ground to cook dinner or prepare gear. The MotoTable brings the workspace to a more comfortable height, reducing strain on the back and knees, and making the camping experience much more enjoyable.

This innovation is particularly beneficial for long-distance riders, weekend adventurers, and anyone looking to elevate their camping experience. The ease of use and versatility mean that the MotoTable is an essential addition to any rider’s gear collection.

A Game-Changer for Adventure Riders

Tony Castro’s dedication to improving the motorcycle camping experience is evident in the design and functionality of the MotoTable. With its emphasis on practicality, portability, and comfort, the MotoTable sets a new standard for motorcycle camping accessories. It is a product born from years of real-world testing, ensuring that it meets the needs of today’s motorcycle adventurer.

Practical Guide for Riders

For those planning to incorporate the MotoTable into their camping setup, here are a few key tips to maximize its use:

  • Check Compatibility: Before purchasing, make sure the MotoTable is compatible with your motorcycle’s panniers or tail box. Its universal mounting system is versatile but may require specific hardware for certain bike models.
  • Consider the Terrain: The advanced leveling technology is perfect for uneven surfaces, but always try to park your bike in a spot that offers good stability for your workstation. Avoid placing it on soft or shifting ground.
  • Prepare for Quick Setup: The MotoTable is designed for rapid deployment, so keep your cooking and gear prep materials easily accessible. The quicker you can set it up, the more time you’ll have to enjoy your adventure.
  • Weather Awareness: Although built to withstand the elements, the MotoTable’s material can still be affected by prolonged exposure to extreme weather conditions. Be mindful of your environment and pack it away when not in use.

Conclusion

Motorcycle campers can now have an ergonomic camping table solution with the MotoTable. It new features and design makes for practical workspace for cooking, relaxing, and repairs anywhere the road goes. Tony Castro MotoTable design puts the Moto in MotoTable.

To order or for more info visit the MotoTable Website.

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Why race starts may be chaotic in early rounds of F1 2026

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The 2026 Formula 1 regulation change has brought all kinds of challenges to the drivers given the cars are now totally different from their predecessors. A chassis, for example, is approximately 32kg lighter with significantly less downforce, while the power unit is much more reliant on electric energy having a near-50:50 split alongside the internal combustion engine.

It is the changes to the engine rules that have perhaps presented the biggest challenge to drivers, because there’s now more to think about - particularly with the battery. It means energy harvesting will have a big say in the action and it’s already well documented how drivers may sometimes downshift on a straight to preserve battery, but a topic that has come up more during this week’s Bahrain pre-season test is how it will impact race starts. 

In the past they were seamless, but the removal of the MGU-H has made things tricky because that was the compression spinner, which turned hot exhaust gases into electric energy and helping the acceleration be instantaneous. Now, drivers must rev their engine much higher and for much longer once the clutch has been engaged to overcome turbo lag, but this will potentially result in race starts not looking as perfect as they did before.

“Oh man, it’s complicated,” said Audi youngster Gabriel Bortoleto, after he conducted a practice start in Bahrain. “The 10 second thing and then after five seconds I already lost the count and then engines revving up, gear in and out, and you need to release the clutch. It's quite a mess. It was much easier last year.”

As is the case with anything new though, it’ll just take time and practice to get used to it with Cadillac’s Valtteri Bottas claiming “we will find solutions and it will become more consistent”. Even so, the 36-year-old, who has won 10 grands prix from 246 starts, thinks it could present a big challenge at the Australian season opener in March.

That’s especially due to a five-place grid drop that he will have to serve, which might seem strange given Bottas wasn’t on the 2025 grid. However, a quirk of the previous regulations means he must serve his punishment for colliding with Kevin Magnussen at the last race he contested, which was the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing

Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing

“If I'm towards the back of the grid, is there enough time when the light starts to go on to actually get that turbo spinning,” questioned Bottas, whose situation caused the FIA to tweak the regulations meaning a penalty will now be void if not served within 12 months. 

“Now, it takes like 10 seconds. So that's one thing we've got to figure out. Normally you get info on the radio when the last car is coming to the end, so that gives you a heads up, but that's something we've got to figure out.”

Revving the engine of course isn’t the only way to overcome turbo lag, but the other option - using the MGU-K, which converts kinetic energy into electrical energy - just isn’t possible for drivers. That’s because the regulations state that the MGU-K cannot be used to prep the turbo on the starting grid and after getaway, it can only be engaged once the car has reached 50mph.

But even if the driver has endured a poor start, they would then be reluctant to use the MGU-K because that entails using up the battery - thus compromising the rest of the lap. 

“It's a lot more complicated,” said reigning world champion Lando Norris. “As soon as you start to use any battery to help in any situation, you're just taking away a lot of battery to use for the rest of the lap. I can maybe have a better start, but you can also run out of battery by the time you get to Turn 1, in some places like Mexico for example.

“So, there's going to be some complications, but at the minute it is trickier, mainly because to get the turbo at the perfect point and because you don't have the perfect amount of battery to kind of fill in the dodgy gaps it's quite a bit trickier. So yeah, you'll be seeing plenty of starts being done in Bahrain.”

Additional reporting by Stuart Codling

Read Also: Carlos Sainz: Red Bull Ford "a clear step ahead" on crucial hybrid usage

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“I Had to Tell Myself 10 Times”: Corey Heim Discusses the Next Gen Learning Curve After Impressive Daytona Qualifying

Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Corey Heim (67) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway | Credits- Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Corey Heim (67) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway | Credits- Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

2025 was a special year for Corey Heim, who, after winning 12 races, captured the Truck Series championship. As a reward, he earned a chance to shine at arguably the highest level, and so far, he has done a solid job.

Heim will start the 2026 Daytona 500, suiting up for 23XI Racing. He locked himself into the race on his very first qualifying attempt by posting one of the fastest time-trial laps among the eight Open entries, alongside Justin Allgaier.

Heim’s final starting position will be determined through the Daytona Duels scheduled for Thursday night. Regardless, the achievement is a remarkable one, especially considering there were doubts about whether he would qualify at all.

The success did not come easily. Heim said about what he endured in Round 2 of the qualifying, “I had to tell myself like 10 times before qualifying to remind myself of the RPMs and when to shift and stuff. With the trucks, we have our RPM number. I’ve almost got to integrate it into my brain at this point.

“I don’t have to look at the dash. Like, I hear the RPM on my shift, you know? It’s so wired to me,” he added.

All that changed when he was in the Next Gen car, and he had to figure things out on the spot. The 10 fastest cars in Round 1 of the qualifying session move on to Round 2. Heim had put together a lap that made him the fifth fastest car on the field.

Allgaierwas 14th-quickest, and Corey LaJoie was just 0.004 seconds slower than him. This put all three of them inside the fastest top-10 cars in the first round of qualifying.

What this meant was that the three would have had to race it out against each other to determine who locked into the Daytona 500. But LaJoie and Allgaier were both dumped out of the top-10, and Heim got his entry confirmed. He admitted that the possibility of them racing it out had taken him aback. He had never seen three Open entry cars make it to the final round.

Fortunately, things ended up working in his favor. Heim has a 12-race Cup Series schedule planned with 23XI Racing this year. This is undoubtedly the first step towards him becoming a full-time driver for the organization in the future. Hopefully, the rest of his week will go by as impressively.

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Masque in Mumbai Wins the Art of Hospitality Award 2026: The Game-Changer of Modern Indian Gastronomy

12 February 2026 at 14:24
Masque in Mumbai Wins the Art of Hospitality Award 2026: The Game-Changer of Modern Indian Gastronomy

Masque, a game-changing restaurant in Mumbai, has just bagged the prestigious Art of Hospitality Award 2026, and this is a monumental achievement that will make foodies and tourists worldwide stand up and take notice! This coveted recognition, pre-announced before the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony, is a testament to Masque’s unmatched excellence in hospitality. In a dazzling celebration of modern Indian gastronomy, Masque proves that when passion meets hospitality, the result is nothing short of a masterpiece.

Aditi Dugar and Masque’s Revolutionary Approach to Modern Indian Cuisine

The masterminds behind this ground-breaking culinary gem, Aditi Dugar and her exceptional team, have redefined what it means to dine in India. From its inception in 2016, Masque has risen to global fame as the definitive beacon of modern Indian gastronomy. Situated in Mumbai, this industrial-chic restaurant is not just a place to eat; it’s a culinary experience that engages all senses. When you step into Masque, you enter a world where innovation and tradition merge seamlessly to create a unique dining journey that is unlike any other in the world. And now, it is being celebrated with Asia’s most prestigious hospitality award.

Exceptional Dining Experience: The Heart of Masque’s Win

Masque’s journey to winning the Art of Hospitality Award 2026 was not a fluke. It’s a well-deserved recognition for a restaurant that has meticulously crafted an environment where food, service, and ambiance blend into an unforgettable experience. This recognition doesn’t only focus on the technical aspects of service; it celebrates how Masque has integrated hospitality into its DNA, creating intimate and interactive dining experiences. When you visit Masque, you’re not just a guest; you are treated as family, with every detail tailored to perfection.

Masque’s Influence on India’s Global Food Scene

From the streets of Mumbai to the tables of top international food critics, Masque has positioned itself as one of India’s finest modern dining establishments. It is redefining how the world views Indian cuisine, offering a fusion of local ingredients and global culinary techniques. The 10-course tasting menus showcase the rich diversity of India’s culinary heritage, all while pushing the boundaries of innovation. These aren’t your typical Indian dishes. Instead, Masque takes you on a gastronomic journey through the forests of Kashmir and the beaches of Goa, giving diners a taste of India’s essence through the lens of modern culinary art.

Pioneering Local Sourcing: The Masque Difference

What truly sets Masque apart is its commitment to using only the finest local ingredients. Head chef Varun Totlani and his team scour the length and breadth of India—from the hills of Kashmir to the coasts of Goa—to bring fresh, hyperlocal produce directly to the plate. The Masque team’s dedication to sourcing ingredients from across India is evident in every dish, elevating the dining experience into a journey of discovery. The restaurant’s ability to source seasonal, locally foraged ingredients and elevate them with modern techniques is a game-changer for the Indian culinary scene.

The Masque Lab: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

At the core of Masque’s brilliance is the Masque Lab—an innovative R&D kitchen that bridges the gap between traditional Indian cooking and global culinary techniques. This secret kitchen not only fuels the restaurant’s innovative menus but also serves as a private dining space for exclusive, intimate events. It is here that modern techniques meet traditional spices and ingredients, creating a fusion of flavors that is revolutionizing how we think about Indian cuisine. The Masque Lab is a culinary playground that constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of fine dining.

Aditi Dugar’s Vision and Legacy in Modern Indian Dining

Masque’s success is not just about innovative food and exceptional service. It is also about the vision of Aditi Dugar, the heart and soul behind the restaurant. Dugar, a self-taught home cook turned entrepreneur, has long been driven by a deep passion for food. Her vision was to create a dining experience that celebrated both tradition and innovation, one that could put India on the global gastronomic map. Winning the Art of Hospitality Award is a testament to Dugar’s unwavering dedication to her craft and her belief that hospitality should always be soulful and deeply human.

Masque’s Team: The Unsung Heroes Behind the Magic

While Aditi Dugar is the face of Masque, the real heroes are the brilliant team members who show up every day with unwavering commitment. It is their passion and rigor that has helped Masque achieve such greatness. From the chefs to the front-of-house staff, every individual at Masque is driven by the same mission: to deliver an unparalleled hospitality experience that leaves a lasting impression. Dugar’s gratitude for her team is clear, as she acknowledges their tireless efforts in making Masque the global culinary powerhouse it is today.

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants: What This Award Means for Masque’s Future

Winning the Art of Hospitality Award 2026 is a major milestone for Masque, but it’s not the final destination. As Masque continues to shape the future of modern Indian gastronomy, this prestigious accolade places the restaurant in the upper echelons of global fine dining. As Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Masque. Will this recognition propel it into the top tier of Asia’s finest dining establishments? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain—Masque’s influence on both Indian and global cuisine is only just beginning.

A Must-Visit Dining Destination for Tourists in Mumbai

For anyone traveling to Mumbai, Masque is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience that cannot be missed. Whether you’re a food lover or a tourist looking to indulge in India’s finest contemporary cuisine, Masque offers something truly unique. With its exceptional service, innovative food, and stunning ambiance, it’s no wonder that Masque is rapidly becoming one of Mumbai’s top culinary destinations. And with the Art of Hospitality Award 2026 under its belt, it’s only a matter of time before this hidden gem becomes a must-visit for food lovers and tourists alike.

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Ever Wondered What It’s Like to Stay Next to the Mahabodhi Temple? Now You Can

12 February 2026 at 14:20
Ever Wondered What It’s Like to Stay Next to the Mahabodhi Temple? Now You Can

Bodh Gaya, a place of deep spiritual significance and an essential pilgrimage destination in Bihar, is now home to a world-class hospitality experience. The newly opened Ramada by Wyndham Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi promises a unique blend of comfort, culture, and convenience, positioned right near the Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This premium hotel caters to both pilgrims seeking solace and leisure travelers exploring the region’s rich history.

As the first Wyndham-branded hotel in Bihar, Ramada by Wyndham Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi marks a milestone for the region’s hospitality sector. Strategically located amidst serene surroundings, this 95-key hotel serves as an ideal retreat for those visiting Bodh Gaya, a city deeply intertwined with Buddhist traditions and history. Whether you’re visiting for a spiritual retreat, a family vacation, or a business trip, the hotel’s facilities are designed to meet a wide variety of needs.

Discover the Charm of Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya is globally known as the place where Prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree, making it one of the most important spiritual destinations in the world. Pilgrims and tourists flock to the Mahabodhi Temple, drawn by its tranquil atmosphere and historical significance. With the addition of Ramada by Wyndham Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi, visitors now have a luxury accommodation option that seamlessly integrates with the cultural and historical tapestry of the city.

The hotel is situated in close proximity to the Mahabodhi Temple, ensuring guests are just minutes away from one of the most revered Buddhist sites on the planet. The Mahabodhi Temple, with its towering spire and sacred Bodhi Tree, remains the focal point of Buddhist pilgrimage and is a must-visit for anyone coming to Bodh Gaya. Visitors can spend hours in quiet reflection within the temple’s serene grounds, and the convenience of having a luxurious base like Ramada by Wyndham makes the spiritual journey even more special.

A New Standard in Hospitality

Designed to provide guests with the ultimate comfort, the hotel offers an extensive range of contemporary amenities. Whether you’re unwinding after a long day of sightseeing or preparing for an important business meeting, this hotel caters to both relaxation and productivity. The Ramada by Wyndham Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi features a wide range of facilities designed for both business and leisure travelers.

For those looking to relax, the hotel offers a refreshing swimming pool, a luxurious spa for rejuvenating treatments, and a well-equipped health club. Families with children can take advantage of the dedicated kids’ entertainment zone, while business travelers will find the hotel’s versatile banquet venues and meeting rooms perfect for conferences and events.

The hotel’s dining options are designed to offer both comfort and variety. Guests can indulge in local and international flavors at the specialty restaurant, or unwind with a coffee or drink at the lounge and coffee shop. For those looking for a more informal experience, the hotel’s expansive lawns provide a beautiful setting to relax with friends and family.

Event Spaces for Every Occasion

One of the standout features of the Ramada by Wyndham Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi is its expansive event spaces. With versatile banquet venues, the hotel is an ideal destination for weddings, cultural gatherings, retreats, and conferences. The hotel’s amphitheater is perfect for larger events, while the smaller meeting rooms cater to more intimate business meetings. This makes the hotel an excellent choice for both spiritual retreats and social or corporate events, enhancing Bodh Gaya’s appeal as a holistic destination for travelers.

Bodh Gaya’s Growing Tourism Appeal

The addition of this high-quality hospitality option is expected to further enhance Bodh Gaya’s appeal as a premier destination for spiritual and cultural tourism. As more visitors seek to explore the history of Buddhism and the landmarks tied to Lord Buddha’s enlightenment, the demand for premium accommodation is on the rise. The opening of Ramada by Wyndham Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi is perfectly timed to meet this growing demand, offering visitors the chance to enjoy Bodh Gaya in comfort and style.

Not only does the hotel provide a valuable addition to the region’s tourism offerings, but it also promises to contribute to local employment and economic activity. By attracting visitors from across the world, it supports local businesses and helps strengthen the tourism ecosystem in Bodh Gaya and the surrounding areas.

A Destination for All Travelers

Whether you’re here for a spiritual journey, a family vacation, or a business trip, Ramada by Wyndham Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi offers an exceptional stay for all types of travelers. Its blend of modern amenities and cultural essence ensures a memorable visit to one of the world’s most revered spiritual destinations.

For those planning a visit to Bodh Gaya, the Ramada by Wyndham Bodh Gaya Mahabodhi provides an unmatched experience that blends comfort, culture, and convenience. With its thoughtful design and commitment to excellence, this new hotel is set to become the top choice for travelers visiting Bodh Gaya.

The tranquil surroundings, combined with the hotel’s comprehensive facilities, make it the ideal base to explore the wonders of Bodh Gaya, including the Mahabodhi Temple, the Bodhi Tree, and other key Buddhist landmarks. As the first Wyndham property in Bihar, this hotel opens a new chapter in the region’s tourism journey, making Bodh Gaya even more accessible and inviting for global travelers.

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Carlos Sainz: Red Bull Ford &quot;a clear step ahead&quot; on crucial hybrid usage

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Williams driver Carlos Sainz says Red Bull Ford's power units have looked "a step ahead", backing similar comments by Mercedes, as he offered fresh insight into how to get the best of out the 2026 generation of cars.

On Wednesday, Mercedes chief Toto Wolff said Red Bull Ford's power units are currently the benchmark in Bahrain winter testing, singling out the new manufacturer's outstanding energy deployment from the electric motor.

Sainz, who drives for Mercedes customer Williams, now agrees that Red Bull appears to be a step ahead of the field.

"It's still extremely early days, but if I would have to judge by the GPS data of yesterday, right now it is true that whatever Red Bull Ford Powertrains were doing yesterday was a clear step ahead of anyone else," he said. "Not only a small step, but a clear step and it was mighty impressive. 

"If they manage to turn up to race one with a completely new set of regulations, with a completely new engine, new people, and turn up to be the fastest and most reliable engine, you will have to take your hat off to them and say what they've come up with, because at least what they were showing yesterday was very impressive."

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

GPS data do suggest there is merit to the Mercedes camp's praise, as on his longer runs Verstappen was able to recharge his battery to such an extent that he could deploy plenty of the 350kW on tap on the straights, routinely achieving higher top speeds than the competition lap after lap.

But as Sainz points out, there are the usual caveats about diverging run plans and subterfuge that cloud winter testing's observations, and teams still have five days of testing to nail down their optimal power unit strategy, which has become a focal point of the 2026 regulations.

The amount of energy generated from the electric motor has tripled compared to the previous generation, up to half the total power output. However, the battery capacity has remained at the same level, meaning drivers could easily deplete their total energy storage several times per lap. As a result, Bahrain testing saw drivers go down to lower gears in slow corners to keep the revs up and harvest as much energy as possible wherever they could. Some of that is down to driving technique, while power unit software is programmed to learn from previous laps to help optimise harvesting and deployment behaviour.

According to Sainz, optimising those energy harvesting techniques without sacrificing cornering will be crucial to unlocking overall performance. "The key to these regulations is not going to be separating both, but integrating both of them together," the Spaniard explained. "From what I could see yesterday, it seems like Red Bull has done exactly that, without having to give the driver a compromise.

"When the car is telling you to downshift a certain way, you just do what the car is asking you to do. That's why all drivers, after we will end up doing maybe 300, 400 laps in Bahrain, we try to sort every kind of technique to try and help the driveability and the performance of the car.

"That's why I'm insisting that the integration of power unit versus gearbox versus driver preferences, it all has to be a closed circle. The moment one of the two or three things are not exactly how you want is where you start facing issues, so everyone's going to need to adapt and find the right way."

Read Also: Cadillac wants to "earn the respect" of F1 rivals in 2026 Lewis Hamilton: Fans won’t understand “ridiculously complex" F1 energy management Red Bull-Ford engine "the benchmark" in F1 Bahrain test, rivals claim

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Ədilxan sabiq klubuna qayıtdı

12 February 2026 at 11:14

“Şahdağ Qusar” qış transfer pəncərəsində növbəti transferini reallaşdırıb.

Futbolpress.az xəbər verir ki, bölgə klubu “Şəfa”dan Ədilxan Qarəhmədovu icarə əsasında heyətinə qatıb. 25 yaşlı futbolçu cari mövsümün sonuna qədər komandada çıxış edəcək.

Qeyd edək ki, yarımmüdafiəçi 2024/25 mövsümündə “Şahdağ Qusar”ın heyətində Azərbaycan II Liqasının qalibi olub.

Lewis Hamilton: Fans won’t understand “ridiculously complex&quot; F1 energy management

Motorsport photo

While each lap of 2026 Formula 1 pre-season testing in Bahrain adds to the teams' accumulated knowledge of how the cars will function when the racing begins, questions remain over how key elements of the spectacle will work, and how it will be communicated to fans, spectators and casual TV viewers.

Despite extensive briefings, drivers are still getting to grips with the complex demands of the power units which now have a near-50:50 split of electrical power and internal combustion engine output, requiring the batteries to be repeatedly discharged and recharged over a single lap. And there are still many uncertainties over the optimal way of managing this cycle across a race, whether drivers will be able to be flat out in qualifying, and even how to attack race starts given the greater amount of turbo lag.

One thread that is emerging is that while drivers will arguably have more of a role than before in car performance through the choices they make through the lap, software algorithms will ultimately determine the optimum deployment and harvesting points. So, to some extent, the driver's role will simply be to do as cued – making it difficult for viewers to form an appreciation of skill.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

"None of the fans will understand it, I think," Lewis Hamilton told reporters after his first morning of testing Ferrari's new SF-26 in Bahrain.

"It's so complex, it's ridiculously complex. I had seven meetings one day and they take us through it.

"I don't know, it's like we need a degree to fully understand it all.

"In terms of managing it, it's pretty straightforward, I would say. Maybe in race trim, it's going to be different, as you can see. But then there also is a system that can automatically, once you finish a lap, it learns the way that you're driving.

"But, say, for example, you lock up and go wide, because it's more distance, it affects that algorithm. So we're just trying to get on top of it and understand it. But everyone's in the same boat."

This understanding process played out in real time during the first day of running in Bahrain, where teams are now focusing on performance after the five-day ‘shakedown' week in Barcelona. There were clear differences between teams and drivers in terms of their approaches to various corners – even major variations with the same car and driver from lap to lap, as they evaluated the effects of braking versus lift-and-coast, and running higher revs in lower gears to turn the electric motors and generate power.

This comes at a cost of stability as cars shed downforce, particularly at the rear.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

"The low gears that we have to go down to is just because we can't recover enough entry power – because the car can't manage," said Hamilton.

"We can't recover enough battery power, so that's why we have to rev the engines very, very high. So, we're going down to second and first, in some places, just to try to recover that extra bit of power.

"If you look at Barcelona, for example, [there was] about 600m lift-and-coast on a qualifying run. That's not often the case.

"Here [Bahrain], we're not able to do that, because there's a braking zone, so that definitely doesn't help, because the steps between those ratios are quite high. But also, it's very low downforce.

"Yeah, there's just a lot of sliding around."

Read Also: “A very difficult decision to make” – Lewis Hamilton reacts to Ferrari engineer change

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Why Shane van Gisbergen Is ‘Trying to Make Friends’ Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500

Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane Van Gisbergen (97) speaks to the media during the Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway | Credits- Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
Feb 11, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane Van Gisbergen (97) speaks to the media during the Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway | Credits- Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Shane van Gisbergen heads into the Daytona 500 this year looking to make better memories than the 33rd-place finish he recorded in his maiden race at the iconic track in 2025. It will be difficult, of course. On road courses, he cleaned the table, winning five of six last season. On ovals, however, while SVG took his lumps early, he eventually began to find his footing.

Through Michigan in June, his first stretch of oval races produced finishes hovering between 26.6 and 30.4 on average. From midseason onward, those numbers dropped into the 22.2 to 23.2 range, shifting his overall oval average from 26.26 in the first half of the season to 22.73 in the second. On drafting tracks, he now holds a 24.6 average finish across 10 starts. It is not lighting up the scoring tower, but it is no longer riding shotgun either.

Daytona is its own circus, and the Trackhouse Racingdriver, who has qualified in 37th for the race on Sunday, knows it all too well. He has been working in the garage like a handshake tour, trying not to step on toes. In the pre-race scrum, he admitted as much.

“I’m still learning and trying to make friends, I guess,” he said. “Like, it’s still people leave you for no reason or you do something wrong and lose the trust of people. So, yeah, it takes a while how to understand to put your car in the right place, yeah.”

Van Gisbergenunderstands that the learning curve on ovals is still big. Though, he has definitely made progress on the same, he shared his unfiltered take on how different it is from what he has done in the past, saying, “I don’t know where to start. Yeah, like it’s the driving, the setups, the cars, the racing dynamic, how the surface changes.

“Yeah, there’s so many different things. It’s a completely different discipline to any other driving,” the New Zealand driver added.

SVG is not pretending he can jump the queue in a single season. The deer-in-the-headlights phase has faded, though, and he now feels more in step with the rhythm of a race weekend, more at ease in the pack.

Late last year, the box score did not tell the full story. In Van Gisbergen’s final five oval starts, he ran inside the top 15 in three of them before chaos intervened. At New Hampshire, he drove into the top five on pace, only to get turned on a restart. At Kansas the following week, he notched his first oval top-10 finish. Two weeks later, he was again running inside the top 10 on speed before another restart stacked the deck against him.

At Talladega in the fall, Van Gisbergen came from the back, led the outside lane, dragged it forward more than once, and had a top-10 finish in hand until the tri-oval turned into a yard sale on the final lap, leaving him P11. More than once, he drove toward the front only to get caught in someone else’s mess. Other times, the balance went away and the car pushed through the corners. By any count, several top-10 or top-15 runs slipped through his fingers.

SVG’s take on the strategy change with the new chase format

Van Gisbergen was brought into NASCAR with a win-and-you’re-in mindset under the elimination format. With the Chase format back and fewer road courses on the calendar, the math changes. One trophy no longer punches a ticket in the same way, so the team’s overall approach has to follow suit. That is exactly what he aims to do. He intends to be more consistent on ovals, finish better, and stack points week to week.

“Yeah, like I said earlier, that’s our goal is to just accumulate points now,” he said of the reset with the No. 97 team. “You have to try and achieve as many points as you can every weekend, and it probably changes the way you take risks if you’re probably going to be like us, a guy trying to point our way in. So, yeah, I probably will approach it a bit different, I think.”

The 2026 schedule stacks 32 oval races, three road courses, one street course, and four non-championship oval events. All road and street races sit in the regular season, which keeps a door open for him.

But if Van Gisbergen wants to be in the mix when it counts, he has to make hay on left turns. That’s because, in the playoffs, it is all ovals. And if he wants a seat at the table, he has to earn it the hard way, one circle at a time.

The post Why Shane van Gisbergen Is ‘Trying to Make Friends’ Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500 appeared first on The SportsRush.

Noah Gragson&#39;s Daytona 500 qualifying lap disallowed for using banned tactic

Motorsport photo

In every superspeedway race of the Next Gen era, NASCAR Cup drivers can be seen placing their hands against the opening between the A-pillar and window net in an effort to find every possible aero advantage. Drivers have gone as far as manipulating their gloves, including the infamous case where Joey Logano was penalized for illegal webbed racing gloves.

To avoid the situation entirely, NASCAR implemented a new rule for the 2026 season, stating that drivers can no longer use their hands to deflect air during qualifying runs.

Well, one driver forgot about that. Noah Gragson, driving the No. 4 Front Row Motorsports Ford, placed his hand against that opening during his qualifying run on Wednesday. His 49.504s lap would have left him deep in the pack anyway, but when NASCAR saw him use the now-banned tactic, officials disallowed his qualifying time.

That will put Gragson to the very back of the field for the Duel qualifying races on Thursday. However, he is locked in via his team's charter, so there are no concerns about making the race.

"I completely forgot about that rule, so that one is on me," Gragson told FOX Sports 1. "Luckily we have the Duels and I feel like the Daytona 500 is such a long race, you can kind of start wherever. It is what it is, but hey, I feel like an idiot for that. Oh well, we got a race tomorrow to do ... I'm dumb for that."

Noah Gragson's qualifying time has been disallowed for putting his hand out the window. He spoke with Jamie Little. pic.twitter.com/1333mURhla

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) February 12, 2026
Read Also: NASCAR Rule Book update bans using hands to deflect air while driving

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Kyle Larson signs a five-year contract extension with Hendrick

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Since returning to NASCAR in 2021 with Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), Kyle Larson has enjoyed immense success in the HendrickCars.com No. 5 Chevrolet. As a Hendrick driver, the 33-year-old has earned 26 Cup wins and two Cup Series championships in both 2021 and 2025.

Following that incredible run, it should come as no surprise that Hendrick Motorsports announced a five-year contract extension for Larson. Crew chief Cliff Daniels has also signed a multi-year contract extension. Additionally, HendrickCars.com will continue as the No. 5's primary sponsor for 35 of 38 races during the Cup Series season in the coming years. The company noted over $80 million in television exposure and tens of millions of social media engagements, courtesy of Larson.

Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

“I’m incredibly grateful to continue my career with Hendrick Motorsports and HendrickCars.com,” said Larson in a release from the team. “This team, this organization and this family have given me everything I need to compete at the highest level. We’ve accomplished a lot together, but I truly believe the best is still ahead. I’m grateful to Mr. Hendrick and JB (Brown, president of Hendrick Automotive Group) for believing in me, and I’m excited to keep chasing wins and championships with Cliff and the 5 team for many more years.”

Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history, and Larson is one of the team's most successful drivers. Only Hall of Famers Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have scored more wins and titles than him for HMS.

HMS team owner and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, Rick Hendrick, said of the new deal: “When you look at what it takes to succeed at the highest level year after year, it starts with people. Kyle is one of the most complete drivers in our sport. His talent, work ethic and instincts give us a chance to win every time we race. Cliff is a true servant leader who brings out the best in everyone around him and sets the standard for how we go to the track. Having HendrickCars.com alongside this group continues to create real, measurable value for our automotive business. Together, it’s a combination that will keep winning races and competing for championships for a long time.”

Read Also: Carson Hocevar signs lengthy extension to keep him at Spire until 2030s Denny Hamlin says NASCAR needs billions-dollar investment to grow Shane van Gisbergen came to NASCAR for ovals; aims to make Chase

 

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Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sees a Special Dynamic Between Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen: ‘They’re Good for Each Other’

(L-R) NASCAR Cup Series drivers Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen. © Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
(L-R) NASCAR Cup Series drivers Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen. © Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

When Shane van Gisbergen stepped up to the NASCAR Cup Series from Xfinity last year, Connor Zilisch arrived to make his Xfinity debut and expressed his gratitude that he would not have to share a rookie season with SVG. At 19, Zilisch understood the standard SVG sets on road courses. However, in the handful of races where they did cross paths, neither man backed down, both going for glory against their competitor.

Walking the fine line of hard competition while giving each other enough respect, both drivers traded paint and yielded no ground during their battles in the now O’Reilly Series, especially at Chicago and Sonoma last year. From 2026, that rivalry will shift under one roof as both line up for Justin Marks’s Trackhouse Racing, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. sees value in that pairing. He believes the two will sharpen each other’s racing skills and grow from the exchange.

On the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download podcast, Junior said, “I think Connor is going to continue to push SVG at the ovals. I think they’re both good for each other. SVG will challenge Connor at the road courses. And they’re both very competitive at the road courses, and they’re probably coming into the Cup Series going to find themselves actually racing around each other a lot on the ovals.”

However, wondering, “Will Connor spring forward as the season goes and get really, really, really improve at the ovals?” Dale Jr. added, “I’m not sure he could. I think that’s going to push SVG to continue to get better at ovals, and they will both push each other at the road courses to succeed. And I think that’s good for both drivers. Be interesting to see how their relationship develops over the course of the year cuz they seem to get along great.”

Their O’Reilly Series clashes were actually a sight to behold. Zilisch ran full-time, SVG entered part-time with JR Motorsports, and they met at the front while wins kept changing hands. At the Chicago Street Course in July 2025, SVG held off Zilisch on a late run to seal the race.

One week later at Sonoma Raceway, Zilisch returned serve, fending off SVG to bag his third NASCAR win and halt SVG’s streak on road courses. In August 2025 at Watkins Glen, they tangled while fighting for the lead near the end. The contact spun SVG to the rear, and Zilisch drove on to victory.

Zilisch has made three Cup starts and recorded one top-20 finish, which came at Atlanta. And now, he faces the task of settling into the Next Gen car full time, even though he knows the tracks pretty well.

Meanwhile, SVG has spent a season in the same environment and brings experience with equipment akin to what he drove in Australia during his Supercars tenure. That background will put him in a position to guide Zilisch as they chart their course in the Cup garage.

The post Dale Earnhardt Jr. Sees a Special Dynamic Between Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen: ‘They’re Good for Each Other’ appeared first on The SportsRush.

Printable NASCAR 2026 schedule PDF with dates, time, TV channels and tickets for all Cup Series races

Printable NASCAR Cup Series schedule for 2026

Printable NASCAR 2026 schedule PDF with dates, time, TV channels and tickets for all Cup Series races originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Major changes are here for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season as the playoff system is no more.

NASCAR is ditching the elimination-style playoff and returning to The Chase with slight tweaks to the format that was previously in place from 2003 to 2014. 

NASCAR fans will be familiar with The Chase format with a few slight tweaks:

  • Top-16 drivers qualify for the The Chase and its all based on points. No longer will one win guarantee an automatic playoff spot.
  • Wins are now worth 55 points, a 15-point increase from the previous points system. Points for all other positions remain the same.
  • Points reset for the Chase field. Top seeds will start The Chase with 2,100 points, 2,075 for the second seed and 2,065 for the third, with a five-point drop for every seed thereafter. 
  • The Chase is 10 races with the series champion determined by final points.\

The Daytona 500 is the first of 36 points races on the calendar. Defending Cup Series champion Kyle Larson — who finished just 20th in last year's Daytona 500 — is looking to become the first back-to-back champion since Jimmie Johnson won five straight titles from 2006 to 2010.

To make following the action and planning your weekends accordingly easier, we put together a handy printable one-page schedule with dates, times, TV channels and ticket information for every race on the 2024 calendar.

Here's everything you need to know about watching NASCAR in 2026.

NASCAR 2026 schedule

The season is split into two stages — regular season and The Chase.

The top 16 drivers will compete in The Chase with a champion crowned on November 8 at Homestead.

Here's a look at the full schedule starting with the season-opening Daytona 500.

(All times Eastern)

DateRaceTrackTimeTVRadio
Sun., Feb. 15Daytona 500 (Buy Tickets)Daytona International Speedway2:30 p.m.FoxSiriusXM
Sun., Feb. 22Autotrader 400 (Buy Tickets)Atlanta Motor Speedway3 p.m.FoxSiriusXM
Sun., Mar. 1DuraMax Grand Prix (Buy Tickets)Circuit of the Americas3:30 p.mFoxSiriusXM
Sun., Mar. 8Straight Talk Wireless 500 (Buy Tickets)Phoenix Raceway3:30 p.m.FS1SiriusXM
Sun., Mar. 15Pennzoil 400 (Buy Tickets)Las Vegas Motor Speedway3:30 p.m.FS1SiriusXM
Sun., Mar. 22Goodyear 400 (Buy Tickets)Darlington Raceway3 p.m.FS1SiriusXM
Sun., Mar. 29Cook Out 400 (Buy Tickets)Martinsville Speedway3:30 p.m.FS1SiriusXM
Sun., Apr. 12Food City 500 (Buy Tickets)Bristol Motor Speedway3 p.m.FS1SiriusXM
Sun., Apr. 19AdventHealth 400 (Buy Tickets)Kansas Speedway2 p.m.FOXSiriusXM
Sun., Apr. 26Jack Link's 500 (Buy Tickets)Talladega Superspeedway3 p.m.FOXSiriusXM
Sun., May 3Wurth 400 (Buy Tickets)Texas Motor Speedway3:30 p.m.FS1SiriusXM
Sun., May 10Go Bowling at The Glen (Buy Tickets)Watkins Glen International3 p.m.FS1SiriusXM
Sun., May 17NASCAR All-Star Race (Buy Tickets)Dover Motor Speedway3 p.m.FS1SiriusXM
Sun., May 24Coca-Cola 600 (Buy Tickets)Charlotte Motor Speedway6 p.m.PrimeSiriusXM
Sun., May 31Cracker Barrel 400 (Buy Tickets)Nashville Superspeedway7 p.m.PrimeSiriusXM
Sun., June 7FireKeepers Casino 400 (Buy Tickets)Michigan International Speedway 3 p.m.PrimeSiriusXM
Sun., June 14Great American Getaway 400 (Buy Tickets)Pocono Raceway3 p.m.PrimeSiriusXM
Sun., June 21Anduril 250 (Buy Tickets)Naval Base Coronado4 p.m.PrimeSiriusXM
Sun., June 28Toyota / Save Mart (Buy Tickets)Sonoma Raceway3:30 p.m.TNTSiriusXM
Sun., July 5Cup Series race at Chicagoland (Buy Tickets)Chicagoland Speedway6 p.m.TNTSiriusXM
Sun., July 12Quaker State 400 (Buy Tickets)Atlanta Motor Speedway7 p.m.TNTSiriusXM
Sun., July 19Window World 450 (Buy Tickets)North Wilkesboro Speedway7 p.m.TNTSiriusXM
Sun., July 26Brickyard 400 (Buy Tickets)Indianapolis Motor Speedway2 p.m.TNTSiriusXM
Sun., Aug. 9Iowa Corn 350 (Buy Tickets)Iowa Speedway3:30 p.m.USASiriusXM
Sat., Aug. 15Cook Out 400 (Buy Tickets)Richmond Raceway7 p.m.USASiriusXM
Sun., Aug. 23Cup Series Race at New Hampshire (Buy Tickets)New Hampshire Motor Speedway3 p.m.USASiriusXM
Sat., Aug. 29Coke Zero Sugar 400 (Buy Tickets)Daytona International Speedway7:30 p.m.NBCSiriusXM

NASCAR The Chase playoff schedule 2026

The Chase is back! The points reset with the top 16 drivers advancing to the 10-race playoff which starts in Darlington.

(All times Eastern)

DateRaceTrackTimeTVRadio
Sun., Sept. 6Cook Out Southern 500 (Buy Tickets)Darlington Raceway5 p.m.USASiriusXM
Sun., Sept. 13Enjoy Illinois 300 (Buy Tickets)World Wide Technology Raceway3 p.m.USASiriusXM
Sat., Sept. 19Bass Pro Shops Night Race (Buy Tickets)Bristol Motor Speedway7:30 p.m.USASiriusXM
Sun., Sept. 27Hollywood Casino 400 (Buy Tickets)Kansas Speedway3 p.m.USASiriusXM
Sun., Oct. 4South Point 400 (Buy Tickets)Las Vegas Motor Speedway5:30 p.m.USASiriusXM
Sun., Oct. 11Bank of America 400 (Buy Tickets)Charlotte Motor Speedway3 p.m.USASiriusXM
Sun., Oct. 18Freeway Insurance 500 (Buy Tickets)Phoenix Raceway3 p.m.USASiriusXM
Sun., Oct. 25Yellawood 500 (Buy Tickets)Talladega Superspeedway2 p.m.NBCSiriusXM
Sun., Nov. 1Xfinity 500 (Buy Tickets)Martinsville Speedway2 p.m.NBCSiriusXM
Sun., Nov. 8NASCAR Cup Series Championship (Buy Tickets)Homestead-Miami Speedway3 p.m.NBCSiriusXM

Where to watch NASCAR in 2026: TV channels, live streams

  • TV channels in US: Fox, FS1, TNT, NBC, USA, 
  • TV channel in Canada: TSN
  • Live stream: Prime, HBO Max, Peacock, Fubo

NASCAR Cup Series races are broadcast by Fox and FS1 during the first half of the season, from Feb. 15 through May 17. Coverage then switches over the Prime Video for five races, starting with the Coca-Cola 600. TNT Sports then takes over starting on June 28 for a five-race stretch through the end of July.

NBC and USA pick up for the final four races of the regular season and all 10 races of The Chase.

Subscribers to HBO Max can stream all 36 races plus the All-Star Race.

Races on Fox and FS1 are available to stream on the Fox Sports app, and NBC and USA races are on Peacock. 

Who will own your company’s AI layer? Glean’s CEO explains

12 February 2026 at 00:49
Enterprise AI is shifting fast from chatbots that answer questions to systems that actually do the work across an organization. But who will own the AI layer that powers all of it?  Glean, which started as an enterprise search product, has evolved into what it calls an “AI work assistant,” aiming to sit underneath other AI […]

Shane Van Gisbergen came to NASCAR for ovals; aims to make Chase

Motorsport photo

Shane Van Gisbergen didn’t come to America to keep racing on road courses, he could have remained in Supercars to do that, so the decrease in road courses and a key NASCAR rule change doesn’t bother him any.

Maybe more important to his success is that NASCAR reverted to the Chase for the Championship format this season, meaning ‘SVG’ can no longer simply win his way into the playoffs. He won five times last year, all on road and street courses in his full-time rookie season but otherwise would have finished outside the top-20 in a straight-up points battle.

However, he also started to acclimate to ovals at the end of the year and still finished 12th in the final playoff standings. The purist in him won’t miss the Playoffs.

“Not the real racer in me,” said Van Gisbergen on Wednesday during Daytona 500 Media Day. “I think we can make it in on merit as well if we get everything right. I think it loses some excitement in some ways but as a racing championship, I think this is a better way to do it, yeah.”

Read Also: NASCAR reverts to the Chase for the Championship format in 2026 NASCAR drivers, legends say new format is about legitimacy

What about NASCAR taking away two road courses with the loss of Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL?

“I didn’t join the series to do road courses,” Van Gisbergen said. “Obviously, it’s a bonus and yeah, I would love more road courses than less but it is what it is and thankfully we are getting better on the ovals, so that’s good.”

The 2025 season was only the second of any kind that ‘SVG’ raced primarily on ovals, first in the Xfinity Series and then Cup, and even that transition forced him to adapt to two drastically different cars too.

With that said, there were some highlights on ovals, like ripping the fence at Richmond. He was highly competitive at Kansas and New Hampshire in the fall too. There were moments where it started to visibly click for the three-time Supercars champion.

“It's still an evolving thing, you know, so I don't feel like as much of a deer in headlights anymore, which is cool,” Van Gisbergen said. “I sort of feel like I fit in more and can go with the rhythm of the race more over the weekends.

“But I'm still learning a lot. I didn’t know where to start with the driving, the set-ups, the cars and the racing dynamic like how the surface changes. There are so many different things. It’s a completely different discipline to any other driving.”

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

How about the short tracks, specifically?

“No, I don't think so,” he said. “I still struggle on them, like Bristol for example and Phoenix, they've been probably my toughest tracks. So those are the ones I'm focused on more to try to get better at.”

So all told, ‘SVG’ wants to just keep progressing.

“I've never really been a goal person,” he said. “Making the playoffs would be nice but I just need to keep getting better and keep learning, I guess.”

Read Also: The Ryan Preece Show is back on its brightest stage Why NASCAR allowed teams to refuel without penalty late in The Clash Chris Gayle has no doubt Denny Hamlin will lock in for 2026 NASCAR title run

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Valtteri Bottas teases Drive to Survive episode after Cadillac signing sparked Netflix call

Motorsport photo

Cadillac Formula 1 driver Valtteri Bottas was quick to get a call from Netflix's Drive to Survive producers after he secured a contract with the American outfit for the 2026 season. 

Cadillac will join the F1 grid as the 11th team in 2026 with the experienced driver line-up of Bottas and former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez. Graeme Lowdon serves as the team principal, and Zhou Guanyu has taken the role of reserve driver alongside Colton Herta as the team's third driver.

The eighth season of Drive to Survive will follow the on and off-track events of the 2025 season, so it is reasonable to assume an episode will be centred around the highly anticipated team.

"Yes, they have [been in touch]. They want to start planning, but it's how it always goes, they always want to have time with every driver. Will they use it or not? That's what they decide later on," the former Mercedes driver explained to F1 photographer Kym Illman.

While Bottas confirmed that the feature had been filmed, there is no guarantee that it will be part of the final cut.

"I would be surprised if they don't do anything with the new team joining the sport," he continued. "So, I'm kind of hopeful that they will feature the team and their drivers."

Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes

Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes

Drive to Survive Season 8 will be released on 27 February 2026 on Netflix. Further information is yet to be revealed about the upcoming season, but it is likely going to comprise 10 episodes.

Looking back at the 2025 season, the docuseries is likely to include episodes focused on McLaren's intra-team battle, Christian Horner's Red Bull exit, Lando Norris's maiden drivers' championship title, Lewis Hamilton's first year at Ferrari, Nico Hulkenberg's first F1 podium, Red Bull's second driver, Max Verstappen's comeback and Cadillac's debut preparations.

Read Also: "Drive to Survive" season 8: Release date and what we know so far

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Ryan Preece Bags Yet Another Win Ahead of the 2026 Daytona 500

Feb 4, 2026; WInston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece (60) celebrates his win during the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium | Credits- Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Feb 4, 2026; WInston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece (60) celebrates his win during the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium | Credits- Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

For much of his NASCAR Cup Series career, Ryan Preece bounced from team to team, often blending into the background and posing little threat to the sport’s top contenders. That narrative shifted the moment he signed on as the third piece of the RFK Racing lineup alongside Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher.

After a fantastic maiden season in 2025, he began 2026 on a highly promising note by winning the Cook Out Clash on February 4. He has now built on that already hyped momentum by winning once again.

Preececaptured victory in the Tour-Type Modified division during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway on Tuesday night. It marked his 14th win in that division.

Completely elated after the successful run, he said, “I’m just having a lot of fun. These past seven days have been a lot of fun, racing with my dad, racing with my friends. To go from Bowman Gray, drive down here, race the Late Model, and then race this Modified and get back to victory lane, it was really cool.”

Preece went on to declare that he hated losing more than he loved winning. The best competitors in sports would agree.

That’s also a statement that will work wonders for the RFK Racing driver’s marketing team if and when he scores a bullseye mark in the Cup Series. The endurance that he has displayed in all this ought not to be ignored. He was able to race and win again, in such proximity to the 2026 Daytona 500, despite the delay caused by the Clash. Such commitment is exactly what he will need over the course of the year.

Preece has high hopes for the Daytona 500

Any NASCAR driver will have dreamt of holding the Harley J. Early trophy at least once in their career. Preece has the same ambition. His attempt at the Great American Race will be starkly different from the ones in the past. He and his No. 60 team are refuelled with a mindbending level of confidence and belief, all coming from his performance in the Clash.

He said, “I don’t know if they’ve experienced winning like this, and what I know from my own experience is when you win, it’ll create this monster in you where you want to win again.”

“I know I had that burning desire, and my team had it, but now they’re going to want it even more, and yeah, I believe in momentum, and I believe our team is going to go into the Daytona 500 and we’re going to be ready.”

That’s as hard as battle cries get.

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Experience the Thrills of Year of the Horse Raceday 2026 in Hong Kong: Racing, Culture, and Festivities Await

11 February 2026 at 05:59
Experience the Thrills of Year of the Horse Raceday 2026 in Hong Kong: Racing, Culture, and Festivities Await

Hong Kong is gearing up for one of the most exciting events in its Chinese New Year calendar — the Year of the Horse Raceday 2026. Set to take place on February 19, 2026, at the Sha Tin Racecourse, this event will blend the fast-paced excitement of horse racing with a festive celebration of the Chinese zodiac, specifically the Year of the Horse. This event promises an unforgettable experience that showcases Hong Kong’s vibrant culture and rich traditions, while offering an exhilarating day of sports and entertainment.

The Year of the Horse Raceday is an annual celebration that sees horse racing fans, tourists, and locals coming together to mark the third day of the Lunar New Year. This year’s event is set to bring even more excitement, with a host of live entertainment, cultural performances, and a series of thrilling horse races that symbolize the hope for prosperity and good fortune in the Year of the Horse.

A High-Octane Day of Racing at Sha Tin Racecourse

The heart of the Year of the Horse Raceday is the horse racing itself. The action kicks off at 12:30 pm, with a series of races culminating in the Year of the Horse Cup, which is expected to attract some of the best jockeys and horses from Hong Kong and around the world.

Hong Kong’s Sha Tin Racecourse, known for its state-of-the-art facilities, will be the hub for this thrilling day. With over 20,000 spectators expected to attend, the atmosphere is bound to be electric, as fans cheer on their favorite horses. The races are not only a test of speed and skill but are also a tribute to the Year of the Horse, a symbol of strength and vitality in Chinese culture.

The excitement doesn’t end with the races. The Sha Tin Racecourse will be adorned with Chinese New Year decorations, reflecting the theme of the Horse zodiac. Visitors will experience the magic of the festival through colorful displays, performances, and interactive activities that celebrate the start of the new lunar year.

A Cultural Extravaganza Beyond the Races

While the horse races are the centerpiece, the event offers a wealth of cultural activities that give visitors a taste of Hong Kong’s rich heritage. From traditional lion dances to live music performances, Year of the Horse Raceday offers an immersive experience that blends sport and celebration.

Visitors can enjoy photo opportunities with lucky decorations symbolizing the Horse zodiac, such as vibrant red lanterns, golden horses, and other festive ornaments that are deeply rooted in Chinese New Year traditions. These activities are designed to engage all senses, making the event a truly unique way to welcome the Lunar New Year.

There will also be a series of lucky draws, where attendees can win exclusive Year of the Horse souvenirs, including horse-themed collectibles and limited-edition MAK MAK merchandise, Hong Kong’s mascot. The event is a celebration of both family traditions and modern entertainment, attracting people of all ages.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

For those looking to attend, Sha Tin Racecourse is easily accessible via public transport, including the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), making it convenient for both local and international visitors to join in the festivities. Tickets for general admission are typically available through Octopus cards, and for those looking for a more premium experience, reserved seating and VIP packages are also offered.

One of the key features of this event is that general admission is free for those holding a valid travel pass or Octopus card, making it more accessible to tourists visiting Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year period. For those wishing to enjoy a more exclusive experience, premium hospitality packages are available, providing front-row views of the races and luxury amenities.

Why Year of the Horse Raceday Matters to Hong Kong’s Tourism

The Year of the Horse Raceday is not only a thrilling sporting event but also a key attraction for tourists looking to experience Hong Kong’s unique mix of tradition and modernity. As one of the most popular events in Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year celebrations, it plays a vital role in promoting tourism during one of the busiest times of the year.

In 2026, the event will undoubtedly attract a significant number of international tourists, especially those interested in experiencing Hong Kong’s sporting culture combined with traditional Chinese New Year celebrations. The event’s family-friendly atmosphere, combined with the opportunity to witness world-class horse racing, ensures that it remains a must-attend event for both locals and visitors alike.

The Year of the Horse Raceday is also an opportunity to showcase Hong Kong’s tourism offerings, including its renowned shopping destinations, fine dining experiences, and cultural landmarks. Many international tourists flock to Hong Kong for its festive atmosphere, making it a perfect time for both tourism marketing and cultural exchange.

Looking Forward: The Future of Year of the Horse Raceday

As Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position as a global travel hub, events like Year of the Horse Raceday are crucial to showcasing the city’s dynamic culture and vibrant tourism industry. The event not only highlights the importance of horse racing in Hong Kong’s sporting culture but also celebrates cultural traditions, offering visitors a unique way to experience Lunar New Year celebrations.

With each passing year, Year of the Horse Raceday is set to become an even larger event, attracting more visitors and offering an increasingly diverse set of activities and attractions. It’s not just about the races—it’s about experiencing the full spectrum of Hong Kong’s cultural vibrancy and welcoming the New Year with excitement, joy, and prosperity.

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NASCAR smashes a Guinness World Record for loudest billboard in NYC

Motorsport photo

The NASCAR Cup season officially gets underway this weekend with the 68th running of the Daytona 500 on February 15.

Before that, NASCAR sent eighth-generation watermelon farmer and Trackhouse Racing star Ross Chastain to New York City for a very unique activation.

As part of the sport's new 'Hell Yeah' campaign, NASCAR fitted a mock 1:1 replica of a Chevrolet Cup engine to a billboard, complete with sound, and set a Guinness World Record for the world's loudest billboard. The engine was built in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, while both Hendrick and ECR Engines helped to ensure authenticity. 

This morning in Times Square, @NASCAR set the @GWR for the loudest billboard! 🔊

To celebrate, we got a watermelon smash from Ross Chastain! pic.twitter.com/XtNYqeeicp

— Motorsport (@Motorsport) February 10, 2026

"Setting a Guinness World Records title is a proud moment for our sport and serves as a bold statement to get the 2026 season started,” said Tim Clark, NASCAR’s Chief Brand Officer. “The billboard puts the visceral energy of NASCAR front and center and invites everyone to experience what makes our sport so unique.”

Chastain pushed the button and mashed the gas to set the new record, and just as he does after every race win, proceeded to smash a celebratory watermelon -- but this time in the middle of Times Square. The engine reached 133.7 decibels with smoke billowing from the billboard, smashing the previous record of 100 decibels. A representative from GWR was on site to measure the attempt and certify the new record. They then presented Chastain with an official plaque.

NASCAR is aiming to get back to its roots this year, while also putting the sport in front of new eyeballs with its 2026 marketing strategy. A recent high-energy commercial that has been positively received is also part of this 'Hell Yeah' campaign.

Watch: Watch Super Bowl Sunday ad that put NASCAR's 'Hell Yeah!' attitude on display

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Android Auto to let users pick Google Maps vehicle avatars on the go

10 February 2026 at 23:30

Google Maps lets you pick a vehicle to show where you are on the map. You can choose the type of car or truck and even its color. Right now, if you want to change your car, you have to do it on your phone. On Android Auto, you can see your chosen vehicle while driving, but you can’t change it from your car’s screen. That is about to change.

The Android Auto version 16.2.660604 shows a new option, Driving avatar, in the navigation settings. With this, you could pick your vehicle directly from your car’s screen. You can choose the style, like an SUV or a sports car, and even the color. It works just like the interface you see on your phone.

This change will also sync with your Google account. That means if you change your vehicle in the car, it will update on your phone too, and vice versa. So, you can pick up your car either way, in the car or on your phone.

Google Maps Android Auto

Image via Android Authority

Most people may not change their avatar very often, but it’s a fun way to personalize your Maps experience. You can pick a car that looks like yours or even a dream car you wish you had.

Google hasn’t officially released this feature yet, but it seems ready and polished. Once it’s available, Android Auto users can make their navigation more fun and personal without touching their phone. Even though it’s a small feature, it adds a little extra enjoyment to everyday driving.

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F1 fans deliver verdict on long-awaited Aston Martin AMR26 livery

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Aston Martin unveiled the livery of its 2026 Formula 1 challenger in an event on Monday 9 February in Saudi Arabia. 

The AMR26 features the British Racing Green colour scheme that fans have come to expect from the Silverstone outfit, with a matte finish and lime green accents.

While many fans branded the livery as “safe”, it still received a lot of praise. “So they’ve gone matte this year. It's a safe livery but it was already very nice originally so they probably didn’t need to change it much. Little fresh factors but will look good on track imo,” one fan commented on Reddit.

“AM is always just carried by its cool colour,” another fan wrote, while someone else commented: “If it ain't broke, don't fix it, but it's harder to get excited about this or McLaren compared to the new hotness we've been seeing.”

2026 marks the start of Aston Martin’s power unit partnership with Honda. Some fans would have preferred it if the branding of the Japanese manufacturer had been more prominent on the design of the AMR26.

"Was hoping for more Honda branding on spots like the wing, ala the RB16B. The new Honda typeface isn't doing it for me though," one wrote. 

Aston Martin AMR26

Aston Martin AMR26

Another fan commented: "I was expecting to see a bit of red since it's Honda, but I'm fine with this car since it looks really nice and one of my favourites this season," and another added: "As an AMR fan who supported them because of the green, I am once again happy that it is indeed green. The new Honda typeface does look like sh*t though. It easily gets lost on the car, which you'd not expect considering the exclusive PU."

The reveal came ahead of the first three-day block of pre-season testing in Bahrain, which will run from 11-13 February.

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Bahrain F1 test week 1: Who is driving when

Motorsport photo

All 11 Formula 1 teams will each enter one car per day over the first three-day test, which runs from Wednesday 11 until Friday 13 February. Motorsport.com will be on-site to bring you all the latest news and insight from the paddock, as well as live timing.

Cars will hit the track from 10am to 2pm and from 3pm to 7pm local Bahrain time (AST, GMT+3). Here's how teams will split their line-ups across each day, with most teams electing to split their drivers between the morning and afternoon sessions. This overview will be updated.

Bahrain Test 1 Line-ups

TeamWednesdayThursdayFriday
McLaren   
MercedesRussell / AntonelliAntonelli / RussellRussell / Antonelli
Red Bull   
Ferrari   
WilliamsSainz / AlbonAlbon / SainzSainz / Albon
Racing Bulls   
Aston MartinStrollAlonsoStroll
HaasOconBearmanBearman / Ocon
AudiBortoleto / HulkenbergHulkenberg / BortoletoBortoleto / Hulkenberg
Alpine   
Cadillac   

The second three-day test will be held the following week from 18-20 February, before the F1 circus travels to Australia for the 2026 season opener on 8 March.

We'll continue to update this as more driver sessions are announced ahead of the Bahrain test. 

Teams shook down their 2026 machinery in Barcelona at the end of January.

Teams shook down their 2026 machinery in Barcelona at the end of January.

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Samsung delays major Quick Panel customization feature until One UI 8.5 Stable

By:Yash
10 February 2026 at 15:28

Samsung just confirmed a delay in the rollout of a major Quick Panel customization feature until the One UI 8.5 Stable update arrives.

One UI 8.5-powered Good Lock introduces bold new upgrades for apps and modules. QuickStar is one of the biggest beneficiaries. Samsung teased a grid customization feature, which is missing in the Beta software.

In a recent development, a Samsung moderator confirmed that the Quick Panel grid customization feature isn’t ready and is expected to roll out after the One UI 8.5 Stable.

Button grid customization will let Galaxy users tweak the size and orientation within the quick settings. Even though the fourth Beta has arrived, those personalization features aren’t accessible on Galaxy S25 devices.

Samsung is working on a major upgrade for the QuickStar app. Once available, Galaxy users will be able to customize Quick Panel in landscape mode, tweak the orientation of toggles, and set an image as the toggle background.

Good Lock manager previewed these changes in last month’s announcement. There’s more to come, and a mega show of some of the biggest highlights is anticipated at the Galaxy Unpacked this month.

If you’re on One UI 8.5 Beta, many Good Lock features are already available. The stable update is expected to start rolling out sometime in April.

One UI 8.5 QuickStar Feature

Source – Samsung Community Korea

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Did Rick Hendrick Himself Race in NASCAR? Everything About the Legendary Owner’s Racing Career

Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick attends qualifying at Phoenix Raceway | Credits- Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick attends qualifying at Phoenix Raceway | Credits- Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Rick Hendrick is the most successful team owner in the NASCAR Cup Series by a mile. His outfit, Hendrick Motorsports, has won 320 races so far and is strides ahead of second-placed Petty Enterprises, which has 268. Not much, however, has been said about his career behind the wheel in recent years.

Off the racetrack, Hendrick is one of the most renowned and powerful businessmen in the country as the owner of the Hendrick Automotive Group. He sells cars in showrooms by day and sends his teams out for stock car racing by night. He did not build this profile without substance.

Hendrick was a race car driver himself back in the day, and this is a side of him that does not get enough attention in mainstream media. He competed in four NASCAR events. Two were in the Cup Series, and the others were in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the Craftsman Truck Series.

Both of his Cup Series appearances came at Riverside International Raceway in California in 1987 and 1988. His best result came in the latter outing, when he qualified 13th and finished 15th. Notably, that race was the final one held at the historic facility. Even more interestingly, he finished ahead of his three regular drivers and proved to them why he was the boss.

The iconic Ricky Rudd had been a part of the field that day as well. He was one of the many in awe of Hendrick’s skill. He said, “Rick had a lot of skills. I’m convinced that he could have been a top road racer. I don’t think he even tested before going out there for that race. No idea how he prepared for it, but he could wheel a car on a road course.”

He went on to join Hendrick Motorsports a couple of years later.

The results of Hendrick’s other races

Hendrick’s first Cup Series appearance in 1987 had not gone by as sweetly as the second did. He completed only 75 laps of the 199-lap race and finished 33rd with a transmission gone bad. His O’Reilly Auto Parts Series came in the same year on August 2. He started in sixth place and finished 24th after parking due to issues with his clutch.

His final entry as a driver came in 1995 in the Craftsman Truck Series at Heartland Park. He started in 16th place and finished in 23rd. It doesn’t take sharp eyes to notice that all his races were on road courses.

Hendrick loved these track types more than the others and would have absolutely loved to keep the ball rolling. But, as any good team owner would, he knew that there were others who could do the job better. And so came his racing career to an end.

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“You Don’t Have to Worry So Much”: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Admits NASCAR Drivers Are Under More Pressure Than Team Owners

Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr during the Xfinity Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. | Credits- Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2025; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Xfinity Series team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr during the Xfinity Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. | Credits- Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Dale Earnhardt Jr. spent nearly two decades driving in the highest levels of professional stock car racing. He founded JR Motorsports in 2006 and began focusing on race organization fully after his retirement as a driver in 2017. This career path has exposed him to two different realities: The first is that of the driver, and the second is that of the team owner.

Despite working towards similar goals, the lifestyles of a driver and a team owner are starkly different. In an interview with Hard Rock Bet, Dale Jr. explained how a driver’s emotional graph moves up and down every week, while a team owner is much more relaxed about weekly results and is more concerned about how the team performs long term.

“If you’re going to be the driver, you have got to be willing to take getting your teeth kicked in, being embarrassed, humiliated, but also if you’re going to take the celebrations and the accolades and the credit for when you win, you’re absolutely going to get it when you don’t,” said Dale Jr.

“As an owner, you don’t have to worry so much about the week-to-week performance.”

So, what does a team owner worry about? He continued, “I think as an owner, you’re really judged on the culture of your business. You’re judged on the long-term success, you’re judged on a bigger picture, not week to week, lap to lap.”

It is scales like how employees are treated and how stable a team is financially that an owner is judged against.

They make decisions that affect everyone who works in the race shop. This demands a lot more smartness than what is expected from drivers. Dale Jr. rounded up, “The driver experience is like a rollercoaster every single day. As an owner, it’s much more forgiving, I would say.”

From two Busch Series championships to multiple Daytona 500 wins, he secured many prestigious awards as a driver. He did go through bad stretches along the road and came out on top of them all. His legacy as a team owner stands at the same height, if not taller.

He has made JR Motorsports one of the most powerful teams in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and is on the verge of disrupting the Cup Series as well. Tougher than his job as a driver or not, it can be said with confidence that he is one of the few team owners out there who have mastered the sport completely.

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India makes Aadhaar more ubiquitous, but critics say security and privacy concerns remain

10 February 2026 at 07:00
India's Aadhaar is moving into wallets and hotels and is policing through a new app. Critics say that amid the broader Aadhaar rollout, it's unclear how data shared through the new app would prevent breaches or leaks.

Christian Horner Alpine investment rumours intensify with links to former McLaren Racing backers

Motorsport photo

Former Red Bull Racing CEO and team principal Christian Horner has held talks with MSP Sports Capital regarding an investment in the Alpine Formula 1 team, according to a report by Sky News.

MSP Sports Capital sold its stake in McLaren Racing in September 2025 and is now reportedly keen to return to the championship. 

Horner was replaced in his role at Red Bull in July 2025 by former Racing Bulls team principal Laurent Mekies. Since his exit, Horner has been at the centre of various rumours linking him to a return to the series, the most recent being an investment in Alpine.

"Well, look, so far I've been going to pretty much every team on the grid," Horner told TODAY when asked about the recent rumours. "I've spoken very little publicly since I left Red Bull. It's flattering that there's often this speculation that I'm going to this team or that team, but that's rife in Formula 1.

"I'd only come back for the right opportunity, working with the right people that are like-minded and want to win. I've got no interest in just taking part."

Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing

Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing

He added: "Look, I've done my shift, I think. If I were to come back, it would be in a slightly different role to the one that I performed for the last 21 years or so. So we'll see.

"The interest in the sport is sky-high. There's some fantastic people that want to invest in Formula 1. But I'm in no rush. If my career stops at the end of my time at Red Bull, I've had an incredible run, and as I say, I'd only come back for something that was genuinely exciting and something that could ultimately win."

Now, the report from Sky News has brought the rumours to the forefront again. It states: "Sources said that MSP was among a large group - including high net worth individuals, family offices and institutional investors - which had held talks with Mr Horner about backing his next deal in the sport."

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Adrian Newey admits Aston Martin didn’t have time to paint F1 car for Barcelona shakedown

Motorsport photo

Adrian Newey has admitted that Aston Martin ran out of time to paint its AMR26 Formula 1 car as it rushed to take part in the Barcelona shakedown last month.

Aston Martin took part in only two of its permitted three days of track running at the Barcelona shakedown due to delays in having its car ready, as Lance Stroll completed just five laps on its opening day after stopping with technical issues.

However, the Silverstone-based team was able to enjoy a better final day as Fernando Alonso completed 61 laps of Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the all-black AMR26 – the squad’s first car overseen by managing technical partner Newey since his move from Red Bull.

Read Also: How Aston Martin rushed the AMR26 to Barcelona on a 50-year-old Antonov plane

At Aston Martin’s livery launch in Saudi Arabia, Newey conceded the team had no time available to paint the car for the Barcelona shakedown, which is why it ran in black rather than a special testing livery.

“It's great to see the car as we will race it. The car we ran briefly at Barcelona for a day-and-a-half, it was all black, partially in truth because we didn't have time to paint it,” Newey said. “And that was fabulous.

“Funny enough, Lawrence [Stroll] and I, when it first pulled out of the garage with Lance driving, we were standing next to each other in the pitlane. I think we were both quite close to having a tear in our eyes, because it's been a long, emotional journey of passion and a lot of hard work to get it to Barcelona.”

Aston Martin AMR26

Aston Martin AMR26

With the new Aston Martin in its familiar British Racing Green, the team is prepared to take part in the first Bahrain test on 11-13 February, where it will be joined by the other 10 F1 teams including Williams, which missed the entire Barcelona shakedown.

Newey, who has also stepped into the team principal role at Aston Martin following Andy Cowell’s job change at the squad, faces mounting expectation as the British team begins its new era as a works outfit through its new engine partnership with Honda.

The AMR26 is also the first F1 car to be fully developed in the Silverstone base's new wind tunnel as the Lawrence Stroll-owned team aims to become a competitive force following a difficult two years fading from regular podium finishers to midfield fighters.

Read Also: The challenges facing Aston Martin ahead of F1 2026

Combined with the major changes to both the chassis and power unit regulations, Newey sees the new era in F1 as a golden opportunity for Aston Martin to profit.

“Whenever there's a big regulation change, there's always huge opportunities,” he said. “It's who spots what and which one ultimately proves to be the correct solution, only time will tell. We saw that in 2022 when the last big regulation change came out.

“Then, [at the] start of 2022, there's lots of different interpretations, solutions. In the end, one turned out to be the correct or the most appropriate one and that's what by the start of 2024, everybody started to converge on it.”

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Samsung polishes NotiStar with better notification management

9 February 2026 at 18:00

Samsung has pushed a new update for the NotiStar Good Lock app. NotiStar helps users see old notifications that were missed or cleared by mistake. The new update comes with version 8.0.88.0 and fixes problems, which makes the app work better and smoother.

The latest change in this update is a fix for app-freezing issues. Earlier, some users noticed that NotiStar would stop working or become slow. With this update, the app should now open faster and run without freezing.

Moreover, the update also removes the duplicate notifications. In some cases, the same notification appeared more than once. This update helps prevent that issue, so users can see a clear and correct list of notifications.

Samsung NotiStar New Update

Image via @KAILASH61229293 (X)

Samsung has also added notification saving for Work Profile, Dual Messenger, and Secure Folder. This means NotiStar can now store notifications from these special app spaces. This feature may not work on all phones, as it depends on the One UI version installed on the device.

Aside from this, Samsung has also been working to improve app performance. The app now runs smoother, uses less phone power, and feels faster overall. These changes make NotiStar more reliable for daily use.

Good Lock’s NotiStar 8.0.88.0 update is available through the Galaxy Store. To download it, open the Galaxy Store, search for Good Lock, then open NotiStar and tap the Update button if it appears. Updating the app helps ensure better performance and fewer issues.

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U-17 millimiz Gürcüstana yenə biabırçı hesabla uduzdu

9 February 2026 at 16:00

Gürcüstanda təlim-məşq toplanışında olan Azərbaycanın 17 yaşadək qadın futbolçulardan ibarət millisi (U-17) ikinci sına matçına çıxıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, milli komandamız bu gün Tiflisdə Gürcüstanın müvafiq yaş qrupundan ibarət yığması ilə qarşılaşıb.

Görüş meydan sahiblərinin 4:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.

Xatırladaq ki, bu komandalar arasında baş tutmuş ilk görüş rəqibin 6:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə başa çatmışdı.

U-17 millimizin bu toplanış üçün açıqlanmış heyətində aşağıdakı futbolçular yer alıblar:

Qapıçılar: İradə Əsədli (“Şəfa”), Süməyyə Əhməd (“Ulduz”);

Müdafiəçilər: Aysu Əsədova, Aylin Azadova (“Sabah”), Ayan Abdiyeva (“Liman”), Xədicə Rəhimova (“Neftçi”), Zəhra İsmayilova (“Şəfa”), Məryəm Nuruzadə, Aylin Əliyeva (“Ulduz”), Nuray Əzizova (“Təhsil 8 İOEUGİM”);

Yarımmüdafiəçilər: Məryəm Səmədli, Fatimə Kərimli (“Sabah”), Suel Polikarpova, Sara Səlimova (“Neftçi”), Dəniz Mikayıllı (“Şəfa”), Sara Qaribova (“Təhsil 8 İOEUGİM”);

Hücumçular: Şəhanə Mirzəliyeva (“Liman”), Zəhra Abdullayeva (“Ulduz”).

Why Toprak Razgatlioglu is slower than he expected

Motorsport photo

Over the past few days in Sepang, one of the main attractions of the opening 2026 tests was beginning to gauge what realistic objectives Toprak Razgatlioglu should aim for in his rookie MotoGP season. And those expectations do not look the same now, after the shakedown and test sessions, as they did beforehand.

That is not so much down to the obvious limitations of a brand-new Yamaha M1, but rather to those of the Turkish rider himself, who received a harsh reality check in Malaysia.

The Pramac rider finished 18th on the combined timesheets, almost two seconds off Alex Marquez, the fastest rider over the three days, and eight tenths slower than Alex Rins, the best of Yamaha’s representatives. His pace over long runs was no better. Beyond the now-famous stoppies, one thing that must be credited to the rider from Alanya is his honesty and lack of excuses.

“I’m angry because the lap times just aren’t there. I’m trying to adapt my riding style,” Razgatlioglu explained on Thursday afternoon. “Under braking, I feel good and comfortable, but I struggle in fast corners. When I open the throttle, the rear tyre starts sliding and doesn’t stop, and that makes it hard to turn.”

In his attempt to bring his riding closer to the standards required by a MotoGP prototype, Toprak has also asked for certain changes to the bike, which, in his view, should make the transition from the WorldSBK-spec Yamaha R1 less traumatic.

Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac Racing

Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac Racing

In addition to fitting a wider handlebar, he also feels more comfortable relying more on the rear of the bike. That, however, has triggered other consequences: the increased distance between the lowest point of the seat and the maximum height any part of the tail unit can reach meant he had to go out on track on several occasions without the rear winglets, with the resulting aerodynamic penalty.

“I ride the same way as before, but the lap times don’t come. In WorldSBK, I used the rear tyre to turn, with the throttle. Now, in MotoGP, you have to ride like in Moto2 and accelerate very smoothly. Jack [Miller, his team-mate] always tells me I need to be gentle, but that’s much easier said than done,” said the #07, who made no attempt to hide his frustration – especially given where he finds himself just three months after celebrating his third world title.

“It’s not easy for me to see myself so far down, especially after Superbikes. The first five races will be tough; I’m going to suffer.”

For all the disappointment caused by his Sepang outing, the start of Razgatlioglu’s MotoGP story is not so different from those of riders who, like him, made the jump from WorldSBK. On the horizon, the benchmark is probably Ben Spies, who joined MotoGP full-time in 2010 with Yamaha, one year after winning the Superbike title, and he went on to claim a grand prix victory (Assen 2011), six podiums and fifth place overall in the championship.

Razgatlioglu’s magnetism is unquestionable, and that is something widely applauded throughout the paddock. It only takes a brief conversation with anyone at Yamaha to realise how much hope has been placed in him.

Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac Racing

Toprak Razgatlioglu, Pramac Racing

“[Paolo] Pavesio [the managing director] is ‘in love’ with him,” is a line repeatedly heard from those leaving the factory team’s garage. The bond between the Italian executive and the rookie goes back a long way, to their time together in the production-based championship. The bet carries Pavesio’s signature, even if that devotion raises some reservations among certain key figures within the structure.

In fact, with the rider market already simmering, there are those who are beginning to point to the Turk as a potential candidate for a factory Yamaha M1 in 2027, alongside Jorge Martin.

At Pramac, his current team, the commitment to a rider who is a pleasure to work with is equally strong. “Because he’s polite and a great guy,” underlined Gino Borsoi, team manager of Paolo Campinoti’s outfit. But Razgatlioglu’s appeal does not stop with those who work alongside him every day; it extends across the entire MotoGP paddock.

“Toprak is a fast rider, I have no doubt about that. I think he’ll end up being competitive,” said one Ducati executive when asked about Razgatlioglu’s potential ceiling. “The thing is, he needs to go through an adaptation process to MotoGP, and that has to happen at every level, not just riding. He’s come from a championship with a level that is clearly lower than this one. Here you have the very best of the best, and I think over these days he’s realised that.

“As happens with most riders, their environment can either help or hinder that adaptation period. In his case, I get the feeling that people haven’t stopped telling him how good he is — which may well be true. But there are moments when that doesn’t help, and when you need to speak clearly and say things that are probably not pleasant to hear.”

Read Also: "Angry" Toprak Razgatlioglu losing motivation after struggling in Sepang MotoGP test Toprak Razgatlioglu: I may fail to get my first MotoGP podium in 2026 Toprak Razgatlioglu hailed as ‘Casey Stoner 2.0’ ahead of MotoGP debut

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Austin Dillon Thinks He Can Contest for Wins This Season With RCR

NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon (3) stands by his car during qualifying for the Brickyard 400, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. © Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon (3) stands by his car during qualifying for the Brickyard 400, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. © Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Austin Dillon has been associated with his grandfather’s team, Richard Childress Racing, since the beginning of his full-time career in the NASCAR Cup Series and has bagged six wins off 435 starts. His best finish in a season is P11, which came in 2017, 2020, and 2022. However, looking ahead to 2026 and the revised format, Dillon believes he can contest for multiple wins.

His confidence comes from the prior victories he earned during the previous Chase format. Dillon grabbed titles in both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and the Xfinity Series under the Chase format. For instance, his 2011 Truck Series title came with two wins and nine top-five finishes across 25 races.

Two years later, his Xfinity Series championship came, despite Dillon not recording a single trip to victory lane. Yet he remained a fixture near the front. He qualified on the pole six times during a seven-week stretch in the summer and led the series with seven poles overall. Over the full campaign, he logged 13 top-five finishes and 22 top-10 results. Dillon also ranked either first or second in the standings for 14 weeks, including each of the final 11 races.

And that’s why in his recent appearance on The Backstretch Podcast, Dillon said, “Yeah, I do,” feel pretty good about the new format. “My two championships come from being consistent. I think the biggest thing at the cup level is you got to have the speed and the performance behind you. That helps the consistency part of it. And I think we’ve learned a lot from stage racing that you have to stay aggressive to be able to gain stage points.”

“So, one focus or emphasis for us is to gain more stage points this year. But for me personally, the goal is to win multiple races this year. If I could get two wins in a season, that would mean a lot to me. Um, we’ve been able to win one a lot of different seasons throughout my career, but I’d like to win two,”he continued.

Dillon closed the most recent season fifteenth in the final standings. He earned his lone victory in the penultimate race of the regular season at Richmond, the same track where he also visited Victory Lane in 2024. Beyond that win, his year included five top-10 finishes, though no additional top-five results followed.

Dillon is excited about the new season

The previous season featured visible frustration from Richard Childress, who voiced concern over the inability of both Dillon and Kyle Busch to secure consistent finishes. At Dover, where Busch entered as the winningest active driver, the team failed to reach the top 10.

Over the radio, Childress showed his frustration, “Gotta get some race cars. We are in trouble. Period.” And seems after that, even Dillon is positive about Childress doing everything to get better cars for his drivers, and also about Chevrolet’s new body that’s going enter this season.

Dillon said the team’s continuity fuels that outlook. He pointed to familiar personnel returning to the garage and expressed confidence in the incoming Chevrolet body. From Daytona onward, Dillon views the 2026 season as a chance for Richard Childress Racing to reset expectations.

The post Austin Dillon Thinks He Can Contest for Wins This Season With RCR appeared first on The SportsRush.

Cadillac 2026 F1 launch: Catch up here

Motorsport photo

The Cadillac Formula 1 team unveiled its highly anticipated 2026 livery in a TV advert during the Super Bowl on Sunday 8 February.

The American outfit, led by team principal Graeme Lowdon, is preparing for its debut season in the championship with former Red Bull driver Sergio Perez and former Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas.

Here is everything you need to know about the Cadillac 2026 F1 livery reveal.

Catch up on the Cadillac 2026 F1 livery reveal

Coinciding with the Super Bowl advert, Cadillac also unveiled its livery in Times Square, New York. From 6 February until 9 February, a frosted exhibit will be in the iconic streets of the Big Apple. As the countdown to the launch closed in, the frost 'thawed' to eventually reveal the livery.

All systems go. 4th Quarter of the Big Game, 10:30pm in Times Square. pic.twitter.com/056spDeO7N

— Cadillac Formula 1 Team (@Cadillac_F1) February 8, 2026

When was the Cadillac 2026 F1 livery launch?

Sunday 8 February

Cadillac unveiled its 2026 livery in a TV advert during the NFL Super Bowl.

GMT: 23:30
CET: 00:30 (Monday 9 February)
PST (local time): 15:30
EST: 18:30
JST: 08:30 (Monday 9 February)
CST (China): 07:30 (Monday 9 February)

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, said: "The unveiling of a livery in Formula 1 is an important moment as it is a reflection of the team’s identity.

"The reveal at the Super Bowl and in Times Square represents both a launch moment and an invitation for fans to join in our journey.

"The Super Bowl spot will take the team into millions of homes, while the Cadillac Countdown will give a front-row view in one of the busiest areas in the US."

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Həbib Ağayev: “Daşkənd toplanış milli üçün çox faydalı oldu”

9 February 2026 at 13:00

19 yaşadək qadın futbolçulardan ibarət Azərbaycan millisinin (U-19) baş məşqçisi Həbib Ağayev AFFA-nın mətbuat xidmətinə açıqlama verib.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, U-19 millimizin çalışdırıcısı Özbəkistanın paytaxtı Daşkənddə təşkil olunmuş təlim-məşq toplanışı barədə fikirlərini bildirib.

Həbib Ağayev komandanın hazırlığından razı qaldığını deyib:

“Toplanış komandamız üçün çox faydalı oldu. Özümüzdən yaşca böyük olan Özbəkistanın U-20 yığmasına qarşı iki oyun keçirdik və bu matçlar futbolçularımıza vacib beynəlxalq təcrübə qazandırdı. Ümumilikdə komandanın toplanış zamanı həm oyuna münasibətindən, həm də göstərdiyi performansdan razıyam. Bu hazırlıq bir çox futbolçu üçün inkişaf baxımından dəyərli təcrübə oldu”.

U-19-un baş məşqçisi Özbəkistan yığmasına qarşı keçirilən yoxlama oyunlarını (3:2, 0:4) da dəyərləndirib:

“İlk oyunda komanda xarakter və intizam göstərdi. Rəqib hesabı bərabərləşdirsə və biz azlıqda qalsaq da, qızlar toparlanaraq qələbə qazanmağı bacardılar. Bu, komanda ruhunun və düzgün oyun yanaşmasının göstəricisidir. İkinci görüşdə isə yorğunluq və məhdud rotasiya imkanları öz təsirini göstərdi, nəticədə məğlub olduq. Buna baxmayaraq, belə qarşılaşmalar hazırlıq prosesinin vacib hissəsidir və gələcəkdə üzərində işləməli olduğumuz məqamları göstərir”.

Cadillac reveals two-sided 2026 F1 livery

Motorsport photo

Cadillac revealed its first Formula 1 car livery ever in an advertisement which aired during the NFL's Super Bowl LX.

The American brand's challenger, whose name is yet to be revealed as of now, will sport a two-sided livery; its left side will be white – though it might actually be a very light shade of grey – while its right flank will be black.

Cadillac F1 livery

Cadillac F1 livery

The design is reminiscent of BAR's livery in the 1999 season, which featured red and white on the left side with blue and yellow on the right side to accommodate different sponsors.

Few partners can be seen on this livery thus far. On the sidepods, TWG is the team's owner; the IFS logo on the rear wing refers to a Swedish software company, while the bargeboards feature American bourbon whiskey brand Jim Beam as well as Mexican telecommunications company Claro, a longtime backer of Sergio Perez.

 

More to follow...

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Top NASCAR Officials Say Fuel Conservation at Superspeedways Doesn’t Need Changing

Oct 19, 2025; Talladega, Alabama, USA; Cars race by Talladega signage during stage one of the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway | Credits- Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Oct 19, 2025; Talladega, Alabama, USA; Cars race by Talladega signage during stage one of the YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway | Credits- Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The Next Gen car has delivered its strongest showing on intermediate tracks, where the racing product has aligned with the car’s design intent. Short tracks, however, have paid the price. Extreme parity has compressed the field to the point where lap times overlap, lanes stall, and passing opportunities vanish.

NASCAR cars mirror each other in pace, which strips races of flow and turns positions into locked doors. Tires remain the lone variable that has offered any relief, yet even that lever fails to deliver consistency from race to race.

Superspeedways present a different issue altogether. There, the fuel-saving strategy has completely changed the superspeedway racing. When the Daytona 500 takes the green flag next Sunday, the entire field will shift into fuel-conservation mode. And that pattern tests the patience of a segment of the fan base each year. Many expected a shift, perhaps incorporating larger fuel cells or revisions to the stage format.

But NASCAR chooses to stand pat. Instead, the senior vice president of competition, Elton Sawyer, addressed the debate by reframing it.“They’re five and six wide, and (fans) don’t know how fast they’re going … they’re all standing up and cheering. So, it’s like ‘okay,’ and John (Patalak) has said this many times, ‘what are we trying to fix?’”

Sawyer also eventually conceded the limit of intervention, stating, “I don’t think we can actually fix it.” With the Next Gen car, the competition package binds the field tight, leaving clean, full-throttle passes in short supply, and track position rules the equation. Teams respond by trimming fuel use to ensure an edge when exiting pit road before each stage break and again at the finish.

That approach explains why drivers spend extended stretches at half throttle or below on superspeedways. Reduced fuel burn cuts the amount needed during pit stops, which shortens the time spent on pit road. The tactic works, but it drains energy from the early phases of the event.

Fans watch cars circulate without pressure, without attempts to pass, and without visible urgency. That’s why the opening stages often feel like a holding pattern, with real competition deferred until the final stage.

But Sawyer’s reasoning states that no rule change can erase the need to pit. Every team must visit the pit road. That reality rewards fuel saving because less time spent refueling translates into track position.

Sawyer also drew parallels to the Indianapolis 500, noting that even big events outside NASCAR drop the green flag and shift into fuel conservation at once. The practice spans the entire motorsport industry.

The post Top NASCAR Officials Say Fuel Conservation at Superspeedways Doesn’t Need Changing appeared first on The SportsRush.

Millimiz Özbəkistana məğlub oldu

8 February 2026 at 14:30

Özbəkistanda təlim-məşq toplanışında olan 19 yaşadək qadın futbolçulardan ibarət Azərbaycan millisi (U-19) ikinci yoxlama oyununa çıxıb.

Arena.az AFFA-ya istinadən xəbər verir ki, millimiz Daşkənddə Özbəkistanın müvafiq yaş qrupundan ibarət yığması ilə qarşılaşıb.

Görüş meydan sahiblərinin 4:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.

Xatırladaq ki, U-19 millimiz bu rəqiblə ilk yoxlama oyununda 3:2 hesablı qələbə qazanmışdı.

Azərbaycan millisinin Özbəkistana aparılmış heyətinə aşağıdakı futbolçular cəlb ediliblər:

Qapıçılar: Nərgiz Ağaliyeva, Bədriyyə Mavludova (hər ikisi “Şəfa”), Firuzə Bayramova (“Dirçəliş”);

Müdafiəçilər: Məsumə Nəzərli (“Neftçi”), Arzu Cəfərova, Yelizaveta Vaysman (hər ikisi “Şəfa”), Aygün Novruzova (“Sabah”), Pərişan Abdullayeva, Aysel Cumayeva (hər ikisi “Liman”);

Yarımmüdafiəçilər: Ülviyyə İslamova (“Baku Juniors”), Arzu Ağaliyeva, Mədinə Qədiməliyeva (hər ikisi “Şəfa”), Vahidə Əlipaşayeva (“Dirçəliş”), Səma Əsədova (“Sabah”), Mədinə Curuqova, Ayşən Salamzadə (hər ikisi “Neftçi”);

Hücumçu: Xanım Əsədova (“Neftçi”).

U-17 millimiz Gürcüstan yığmasına məğlub oldu

6 February 2026 at 15:00

Gürcüstanda təlim-məşq toplanışında olan 17 yaşadək qadın futbolçulardan ibarət Azərbaycan millisi (U-17) ilk yoxlama oyununa çıxıb.

Arena.az xəbər verir ki, milli komandamız Tiflisdə Gürcüstanın müvafiq yaş qrupundan ibarət yığması ilə qarşılaşıb.

Görüş meydan sahiblərinin 6:0 hesablı qələbəsi ilə yekunlaşıb.

Qeyd edək ki, bu komandalar arasında ikinci yoxlama oyunu fevralın 9-da keçiriləcək.

U-17 millimizin bu toplanış üçün açıqlanmış heyətində aşağıdakı futbolçular yer alıblar:

Qapıçılar: İradə Əsədli (“Şəfa”), Süməyyə Əhməd (“Ulduz”);

Müdafiəçilər: Aysu Əsədova, Aylin Azadova (“Sabah”), Ayan Abdiyeva (“Liman”), Xədicə Rəhimova (“Neftçi”), Zəhra İsmayilova (“Şəfa”), Məryəm Nuruzadə, Aylin Əliyeva (“Ulduz”), Nuray Əzizova (“Təhsil 8 İOEUGİM”);

Yarımmüdafiəçilər: Məryəm Səmədli, Fatimə Kərimli (“Sabah”), Suel Polikarpova, Sara Səlimova (“Neftçi”), Dəniz Mikayıllı (“Şəfa”), Sara Qaribova (“Təhsil 8 İOEUGİM”);

Hücumçular: Şəhanə Mirzəliyeva (“Liman”), Zəhra Abdullayeva (“Ulduz”).

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