Motorsports

McLaren accused of leaving “points on the table” in failed F1 title bid

Then in Brazil after a 1-2 finish in the sprint race, polesitter Norris finished sixth after being overtaken by Verstappen in the puts, with McLaren’s communication also criticised.“But you have to build up to that. “From everybody watching on from the outside you look at what Max and Red Bull have been doing, and what […]

Published

4 months ago

January 12, 2025

Your Sports Nation

McLaren accused of leaving “points on the table” in failed F1 title bid

“From everybody watching on from the outside you look at what Max and Red Bull have been doing, and what Mercedes did before that.“It seems like a strange thing to say but it’s true, you have to build the confidence to be able to make those snap decisions.“If you look back over this season there’s been quite a few occurrences where McClaren have probably, if they’re honest, left points on the table because they maybe hesitated for a moment in terms of making a decision.”

“You sort of think: ‘Here’s McLaren now with a great car, why can’t they just deliver the same?’“McLaren are still kind of finding their feet in that regard and they’re learning how to win again.“I can tell you from having been through this, from personal experience, it doesn’t necessarily just come naturally,” Priestley told the Fuelling Around podcast about McLaren’s rise.

The team’s self-imposed Papaya Rules made it clear how grand prix winners Norris and Piastri should behave against each other.Marc Priestley, a former McLaren mechanic, insists that the failed attempt to dethrone Verstappen is a valuable step on the journey to delivering a first drivers’ title since 1998.The philosophy was tweaked in the latter half of the season, to prioritise Norris’ hope of edging Verstappen.McLaren’s philosophy to avoid naming a No1 driver came under scrutiny last season.

Lando Norris cost by McLaren errors?

McLaren’s mistakes which cost Lando Norris last year have been highlighted by their ex-mechanic.

Their preference to treat Norris and teammate Oscar Piastri equally was criticised when it became clear that their more experienced driver had a shot at the F1 title.Norris fell short against Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in his bid for the F1 drivers’ championship in 2024.Notably at Silverstone, Norris was leading before the final pit stops only for Lewis Hamilton to undercut him and win the race.“Red Bull and Max have got this recent history where they’ve got so much confidence and self belief. They can make decisions quickly and instinctively on the pit wall – typically, they are generally right.But their strategy also came under the microscope, with mistakes made at several rounds.

He was powered by the fastest car in Formula 1, as McLaren sensationally overtook Red Bull in the development race to win the constructors’ prize.

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Motorsport’s world governing body dials back driver cursing penalties after major outcry

By Ben Morse, CNN (CNN) — The FIA, motorsport’s world governing body, announced on Wednesday a major dialing back of the penalties issued to drivers for cursing after a groundswell of opposition towards the new regulations. In rules introduced by the FIA ahead of the season, F1 drivers could be penalized – with monetary fines […]

Published

23 minutes ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By Ben Morse, CNN

(CNN) — The FIA, motorsport’s world governing body, announced on Wednesday a major dialing back of the penalties issued to drivers for cursing after a groundswell of opposition towards the new regulations.

In rules introduced by the FIA ahead of the season, F1 drivers could be penalized – with monetary fines or loss of championship points – for cursing in press conferences.

Fines started at €40,000 ($41,600) for a driver’s first offense, with it doubling for a second breach of the rules as well as a suspended one-month ban. A third offense would potentially bring about a €120,000 ($125,000) fine, a one-month ban and the loss of championship points.

But the FIA scaled back those regulations on Wednesday after continued complaints from high-level F1 drivers.

Following the amendment of Appendix B in FIA International Sporting Code, the base maximum penalties for drivers will be reduced generally from €10,000 ($11,210) to €5,000 ($5,600) – a reduction of 50% – although “for FIA World Championships, where multipliers were involved, the reductions will be even more significant,” the governing body said.

The FIA also said that stewards can suspend a penalty in certain cases if it’s a first offense by a driver or team. Stewards will also be permitted to adjudge whether language was used in “controlled” or “uncontrolled” environments to assess whether a penalty is deemed necessary – a “controlled” environment is defined as a press conferences and an “uncontrolled” environment is a “spontaneous comments made by drivers or teams when on track or during a rally stage.”

The new guidelines also state that “abuse of officials will now result in sporting penalties rather than fines, aligning motor sport with other major global sports organizations.”

“As a former rally driver, I know firsthand the range of emotions that are faced during competition. I have led an extensive and collaborative review with contributions from across the seven FIA World Championships, FIA Member Clubs and other motor sports organizations,” FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said.

“The improvements the FIA has announced today to Appendix B will ensure we continue to promote the best of sportsmanship in motor sport, while also giving Stewards effective guidelines to act against individuals who may bring the sport into disrepute. The FIA will always be committed to ensuring motor sport is accessible for all our sporting family.”

The original penalties implemented before this season were criticized by many F1 drivers who thought they were excessive. Drivers, including reigning world champion Max Verstappen, also complained about the lack of dialogue between them and the FIA around addressing any issues.

Ronan Morgan, president of the drivers’ committee, said that the changing of the rules around cursing “further strengthen the FIA’s International Sporting Code supporting our drivers by understanding the pressures they face during the heat of competition.”

“Drivers are looked up to as role models by young fans and are rightly seen as ambassadors for the wider world of motor sport, how they act really does matter but it is important to recognize that there is a difference between what is said during a race and in a press conference,” Morgan said.

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Motorsports

The new rule that could force Kyle Larson to choose NASCAR over Indy

Kyle Larson is aiming to join a select group of drivers in completing the Indy 500/Coke 600 ‘Double,’ running both races on the same day this year. Only four drivers have ever done it and the last to successfully accomplish it was Kurt Busch back in 2014. But just as difficult as running the races themselves […]

Published

24 minutes ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

But just as difficult as running the races themselves is balancing the two schedules between Indianapolis and Charlotte. That proved to be a major problem for Larson in 2024 as rain delayed the start of the Indy 500, forcing him to miss the start of the Coke 600. He made it there mid-race, but the same rain shower that delayed Indy ultimately ended the NASCAR race early, denying him a chance at becoming the fifth driver to complete the Indy-Charlotte Double.

Kyle Larson, Arrow McLaren

Penske Entertainment

While he was granted a playoff waiver that kept him eligible for the Cup title, NASCAR has since introduced a new rule that complicates things. They called Larson’s situation “uncharted waters,” and the new guardrails for playoff waivers will essentially force Larson to choose NASCAR over Indy, if faced with that decision again in 2025.

NASCAR has issued playoff waivers to drivers missing races for basically any reason in the past, including suspensions. And to remain eligible for the championship without a waiver, drivers have to attempt every race. Now, NASCAR will punish those who seek playoff waivers for non-medical reasons. Exceptions do include the birth of a child, a family emergency, age restrictions, or some other unique situations beyond the driver’s control.

If Larson misses the start of the Coke 600 because of Indianapolis again, he can still receive a waiver in 2025. However, that will now come with a price. Larson would forfeit all 23 playoff points he has earned so far in the 2025 season, which is more than anyone else in the Cup Series field. Drivers carry those valuable bonus points with them throughout the championship playoffs and they are critical in advancing forward through each round. Additionally, a driver will lose the ability to acquire any future playoff points for the remainder of the regular season as well, forcing a driver like Larson to start the 16-driver playoffs at zero.

Potential clash between Indy 500 Fast 6 and All-Star Race

Because of this, he cannot afford to stay in Indy if it overlaps with the start of NASCAR’s longest race in any way. However, this is not the only potential clash Larson will have to worry about over the next two weeks.

This weekend, the NASCAR All-Star Race starts at 8pm EST on Sunday, which could become an issue if Larson performs too well in Indy 500 qualifying. If he is fast enough to make the top 12 on Saturday, there won’t be a problem as those drivers will get out on track between 4:05pm and 5:05pm EST on Sunday. But if he’s good enough to get the Arrow McLaren Chevrolet into the Fast 6, he will be faced with a difficult decision. The Fast 6 takes place between 6:25pm 6:55pm EST., which doesn’t leave him much time to get back to North Wilkesboro in North Carolina.

The All-Star Race is an exhibition event, so Larson doesn’t have to worry about it impacting his playoff eligibility if he were to miss it, but even still, he has made it clear that NASCAR takes priority this year “no matter what.”

There is also the fact that if Larson were to miss the North Wilkesboro race, the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team won’t be able to compete without him as one’s entry into the All-Star Race is based on each individual driver’s eligibility (full-time drivers with All-Star wins, active Cup Series champions, race winners from the 2024/2025 seasons). Justin Allgaier will practice and qualify the No. 5 car, but he is not among those eligible to compete in the main event.

Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Chris Graythen – Getty Images

Speaking after Day 1 of Indy 500 practice on Tuesday, Larson said about a potential conflict between Indy 500 qualifying and the All-Star Race: “Always for me and definitely for Rick [Hendrick] and Hendrick Motorsports, I think, no matter through this whole experience, especially this year, Cup should be the priority. Yeah, I just assume we’re going to run the All-Star Race no matter what.

“Hopefully we run into that predicament because that means our car is fast, and two, yes, it would be extremely nice to go for the pole at the Indianapolis 500, but at the same time, it’s hard to turn down an opportunity to race for a million dollars.

“Like I said, I hope we’re in that predicament.”

Larson is a three-time winner of NASCAR’s All-Star Race, earning the $1 million bonus in 2019, 2021, and 2023. Should he win it again this year, he will join Jimmie Johnson as the only four-time winner of the All-Star Race.

Motorsports

Haltech HyperFest, a massive motorsports festival, comes to Southern Virginia

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39 minutes ago

May 15, 2025

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Motorsports

TV channel, schedule from North Wilkesboro

Daytona Motor Mouths: Kyle Larson wins at Kansas. Next up, Indy 500 The guys start with the Indianapolis 500 and Kyle Larson’s double attempt after his win at Kansas. Then, they discuss the NASCAR All-Star Race. As Monty Python would say, “And now for something completely different.” Drivers will practice entering and exiting the pits. […]

Published

2 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

As Monty Python would say, “And now for something completely different.”

Drivers will practice entering and exiting the pits. Crews will practice, and compete, during what happens between that entrance and exit.

We’ll see heat races as well as something resembling the Last Chance Qualifier you get at the local short-track show.

But there will also be racing, and it’ll look rather familiar. Even the venue is starting to look familiar again. This is Year 3 for ancient North Wilkesboro Speedway to welcome NASCAR’s annual All-Star Race weekend. At five-eighths of a mile with a little bit of banking in the corners (14 degrees), it can be a racy little joint.

There will be plenty of opportunities to showcase that possibility over the next few days.

Friday: North Wilkesboro pit road is host to action

4 p.m.: Pit Road qualifying entry/exit practice (FS2).

5 p.m.: All-Star practice (FS2).

6 p.m.: Qualifying/All-Star Pit Crew Challenge (FS1).

$100,000 on the line.
The NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge presented by Mechanix Wear returns to North Wilkesboro Friday, May 16!

Top crews battle for:
• $100K & the trophy
• All-Star/Open starting spots
• Bragging rights under the lights

Tickets: https://t.co/hzpDM1JsMH pic.twitter.com/KjUjLDUlGp

— RCW Sports (@RoCoWXSports) May 12, 2025

Saturday: NASCAR Truck Series race, All-Star heats take over

9:35 a.m.: Truck Series practice (FS2).

10:35 a.m.: Truck Series qualifying (FS2).

1:30 p.m.: Truck Series, Window World 250 (FS1).

5:10 p.m.: All-Star Race, Heat 1 (FS2).

6:15 p.m.: All-Star Race, Heat 2 (FS2).

Sunday: NASCAR at North Wilkesboro gets All-Star treatment

5 p.m.: All-Star Open (FS1).

8 p.m.: Cup Series All-Star Race (FS1).

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Motorsports

Guess who tops our list. Yes, Kyle Larson

Daytona Beach News-Journal Daytona Motor Mouths: Kyle Larson wins at Kansas. Next up, Indy 500 The guys start with the Indianapolis 500 and Kyle Larson’s double attempt after his win at Kansas. Then, they discuss the NASCAR All-Star Race. The top of this list is a pretty easy slot to fill. The rest? Not so […]

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Daytona Beach News-Journal

The top of this list is a pretty easy slot to fill. The rest? Not so much.

Let’s take a look at our updated NASCAR Power Rankings as we head into All-Star weekend with one-third of the 2025 Cup Series season behind us.

1. Kyle Larson

Kind of a no-brainer, wouldn’t you say? About all he can’t do right now is control the Indy weather, and boy does he wish he could.

2. Christopher Bell

A strong second at Kansas, but second. Don’t count the superspeedways, and a 29th at Homestead is his only misstep of the year.

3. Ryan Blaney

Gaining on a trophy. Had back-to-back podium finishes at Texas and Kansas.

4. William Byron

Had a rare bad finish last week. Lost official points lead to Larson.

5. Chase Elliott

Might win All-Star Race. Might not. Billy Clyde needs to win somewhere, though.

6. Joey Logano

Won last year’s All-Star Race. He won’t repeat.

7. Denny Hamlin

Last three finishes: 21st, 38th, 36th.

8. Ross Chastain

Middle name is Lee. Some literally think it’s “The Boss”.

9. Chase Briscoe

Here’s a guy with TWO middle names: Chase David Wayne Briscoe.

10. Chris Buescher

After three weeks in the wilderness, returned to top 10 at Kansas.

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Motorsports

NASCAR Night and Blowfish Baseball will feature a Pelion youngster who has dreams of one day racing against the best

Racing and baseball are on the Lexington County Baseball schedule on June 7 as NASCAR Night will feature 11-year-old racer Kenneth Blevins, Jr. from Pelion. LEXINGTON, S.C. — Opening Night for the Lexington County Blowfish is Friday, May 30 and that will be the first game of the 20th season of Blowfish Baseball. Part of […]

Published

3 hours ago

May 15, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Racing and baseball are on the Lexington County Baseball schedule on June 7 as NASCAR Night will feature 11-year-old racer Kenneth Blevins, Jr. from Pelion.

LEXINGTON, S.C. — Opening Night for the Lexington County Blowfish is Friday, May 30 and that will be the first game of the 20th season of Blowfish Baseball.

Part of the 20th anniversary season is a special NASCAR Night on June 7 and it will feature a local youngster who has dreams of competing in Formula One.

Kenneth Blevins, Jr, an 11-year-old from Pelion, has had quite the start to his racing career.

The Pelion Elementary fifth-grader has a pair of championship trophies which he won a couple of weeks ago. In late April, Kenneth was in Concord, N.C. where he finished first in the K1 Speed United States Junior Division. That was followed by a trip to California where he won the K1 Speed E-World Championship in the Junior Division, claiming the $8,000 1st place prize.

Kenneth is interested in two very different forms of racing, He has grown up in a NASCAR state but his goal is to one day, compete in Formula One. But he says his favorite driver is Chase Elliott who drives on the NASCAR tour for Rick Hendrick Motorsports.

In an effort to promote Kenneth and his racing endeavors, Kenneth will be a part of NASCAR Night with the Blowfish as he will be signing autographs on that June 7 evening of celebrating baseball and racing.

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