SIKESTON — Sikeston is gearing up for a vibrant celebration of heritage and history as the community comes together for its annual Juneteenth event—honoring the day freedom was finally realized for all and showcasing the rich culture, music and unity that define this historic occasion.
This year Sikeston’s annual Juneteenth event will be June 19-21.
The gospel explosion is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 19 at the Miner Convention Center, where the Black Excellence Ball will also be from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. June 20. The Juneteenth Fest will be from noon to 8 p.m. June 21 at Lincoln Park in Sikeston.
According to Taneshia Simmons, one of the event organizers, Sikeston has been hosting a Juneteenth since 2021 and it’s growing each year.
“Every year we get to provide more for the community,” Simmons said.
According to Simmons, there is no specific theme for the weekend, but the theme for the Black Excellence Ball is “Harlem Nights.”
“Juneteenth is important for Sikeston and the community because it allows us to celebrate the history of how our country evolved,” Simmons said.
According to Simmons, each year she begins planning the event in November followed by monthly meetings.
“My organization, Youth Empowerment 573, hosts the event, but we established a committee that includes various local churches, community members and Lincoln University,” Simmons said.
This year, Simmons said there will be gospel artist Harmony Dobson and Mervin Mayo who will travel to Sikeston to perform at the gospel event on June 19.
“Additionally, saxophonist Greg Grant who is based in Texas will perform at the Black Excellence Ball on June 20,” Simmons said. “Tasha B from St. Louis is scheduled to perform on Saturday, June 21.
She continued: “The black museum from Louisiana will have an educational tent at the Juneteenth Fest on Saturday, June 21.”
According to Simmons, the community has been a big supporter of the event over the years.
“The community has supported the Juneteenth event in many ways,” she said.
Sikeston Department of Public Safety and EMS will be on site to assist during the day of June 21. Many companies and businesses have donated to the event as well, Simmons said.
One new exciting feature to this year’s event is the car show, according to Simmons.
“We were looking to add something new for the adults that love vehicles,” Simmons said. “We have a range of Arkansas, Tennessee and Illinois people coming to showcase their vehicles. We’re so excited about this new addition.”
There is a $25-cost to enter the car show. There will be cash prizes. All cars, trucks and motorcycles are welcome to enter. Contact 573-380-8756 for any questions.
There will also be vendors at the Juneteenth Fest. Vendor fee is $75 and the funds will go directly to the Juneteenth scholarship.
We’ve got tons of video and action from the DI Winter Series at Bradenton Motorsports Park this weekend, where the Snowbird Nationals are going on with tons of awesome racers and racing action. We’ve got NC Promoder’s video below from eliminations and hope you’ll watch and enjoy. There is no shortage of action in the videos below, so check them out and let us know what you think. The videos start with Round 1 at the bottom of the page.
Round 1
Qualifying Round 3
Is Tony’s LOW BUCK Beater Dart as GOOD (or as FAST) as His HIGH END 6.4 Hemi Street Machine Dart!?
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Michael Annett, the former NASCAR driver known for his long career in the Xfinity Series, has died at the age of 39. JR Motorsports confirmed his death on December 6, 2025, but no cause of death has been released. Fans and the racing community have been searching for answers about what happened to Michael Annett after the news broke.
NASCAR issued a statement acknowledging his passing and honoring his contributions to the sport. The sudden announcement has left supporters looking back at his career, family background, and legacy in motorsports.
Michael Annett made 436 combined starts across NASCAR’s three national touring series, including 321 starts in the Xfinity Series. He became known for his consistent performance, professionalism, and steady growth across multiple racing divisions.
His biggest career highlight came in 2019 when he won the Xfinity Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway while racing for JR Motorsports. He started 158 races with the team, earning widespread respect across the garage.
Annett also competed in the ARCA Menards Series, grabbing wins at Talladega in 2007 and Daytona in 2008. Before entering stock-car racing, he played hockey for the Waterloo Black Hawks in the United States Hockey League, showing his athletic versatility.
A stress fracture in his leg affected part of his 2021 season, and he retired later that year. In his retirement message, Annett thanked his teams, sponsors, and fans for supporting his career, calling racing the greatest chapter of his life.
Trusted outlets such as NASCAR and major U.S. sports media confirmed key details about his career and contributions. His professional journey remains a major part of modern NASCAR history.
Michael Annett was born in Des Moines, Iowa, to Harrold Wayne Annett and Deborah Annett. His father, who passed away in 2021, was the CEO of TMC Transportation, a company that helped support his early racing efforts.
Annett grew up around racing and often spoke about how deeply his family influenced his motorsports ambitions. He once shared that his parents even scheduled his C-section birth around a race weekend, reflecting their commitment to the sport.
His siblings and extended relatives remained a close part of his life. He dated Heidi Spillane in 2013, though he generally kept his personal life private. Friends and family have remembered him as loyal, dedicated, and deeply connected to his Iowa roots.
As of now, officials have not released the cause of death. JR Motorsports and NASCAR confirmed the news but did not provide medical details. No reports from trusted media outlets have indicated foul play or specific health causes.
The lack of public information has prompted significant online discussion, but all verified sources emphasize that the family’s privacy is being respected at this time. Any official update from NASCAR or JR Motorsports will likely be made public only when the family approves it.
Financial analytics platforms estimate Michael Annett’s net worth between $5 million and $10 million. His earnings came from long-term sponsorships, consistent starts, and contract arrangements across NASCAR’s major divisions.
Annett leaves behind a respected legacy built on determination, consistency, and a strong work ethic. His Daytona Xfinity win remains one of JR Motorsports’ most celebrated victories. Fans and fellow drivers have shared tributes across social media, honoring his impact on the sport.
Michael Annett’s story continues to inspire racing fans, and his contributions to NASCAR will be remembered for years to come. The question of what happened to Michael Annett remains unanswered until officials provide additional information.
Michael Annett died at age 39, confirmed by JR Motorsports. No cause of death has been released by officials.
He was known for 436 combined national series starts and a major 2019 Xfinity win at Daytona.
He raced for JR Motorsports and several other organizations across NASCAR’s top divisions.
Yes. He retired in 2021 after injuries affected his final competitive season.
Estimates place his net worth between $5 million and $10 million based on long-term racing earnings.
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Max Verstappen is on pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, beating runner-up Lando Norris by 0.201s – sublime pace from the Red Bull driver, who even improved on his second lap without a tow.
Oscar Piastri is third but, I’m sure to Max’s dismay, George Russell is only fourth. As it stands, Norris is world champion.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
SEBRING, Florida (December 6, 2025) – Earlier this weekend, winning HSR driver David Agretelis borrowed a Porsche engine from teammate Todd Treffert. Now Agretelis is grabbing the headlines from his 901 Shop stablemate.
Agretelis rolled to his second-straight HSR feature race victory Saturday with the outright and GT Classic (GTC) division wins in His 901 Shop 1973 No. 92 Porsche 911 RSR in the B.R.M Chronographes Endurance Challenge one-hour race. Agretelis topped a 25 car field in the B.R.M race, a strong follow up to his Friday triumph over 37 other competitors for both the overall and Porsche-class wins in the SascoSports American/International Challenge presented by Hoosier sprint race.
Such weekend sweeps at Sebring are familiar achievements for Treffert – a perennial HSR race winner and champion – but the veteran HSR competitor has called it a year and is not at Sebring this weekend after already putting a solid racing season in the books. A highlight was at March’s HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour presented by Mission Foods where Treffert and Agretelis each won their first HSR Classic Endurance Championship presented by Mission Foods races after years of trying.
The dual Sebring success was a springboard to great seasons for both drivers, but Agretelis would have missed this weekend’s finale if Treffert hadn’t selflessly loaned him one of his Porsche powerplants after Agretelis’ engine faltered in Thursday’s practice. The end result for Agretelis was nothing short of perfect.
Agretelis shared the winner’s rostrum in Saturday morning’s B.R.M. race with overall second-place finisher and Historic class winner Gil West in his Vintage Racing Co. 1997 No. 44 Porsche 993 RSR. The Vintage class win was secured by the always quick Jamie Busby who crossed the finish line a solid fourth overall in his KMW Motorsports 1970 No. 88 Porsche 914/6.
Another strong field took the green flag in Saturday’s featured HSR Mission GT Challenge sprint that followed the weekend’s opening ceremonies, complete with a Fly Over and Presentation of Colors by Highlands County Composite Squadron FL-314 of the Civil Air Patrol U.S. Air Force Auxiliary.
The win in the 39-car field went to Mike Skeen in the Jacalone Brothers 2019 No. 62 Porsche Type 991.2 GT2 911 RS/CS. Skeen prevailed in a nice all-pro battle with Aston Martin Team Valkyrie GTP driver Roman De Angelis, who was reunited with the same Mark Motors Racing 2019 No. 79 Porsche 991.2 GT3 Cup he drove in IMSA and Canadian Porsche GT3 Cup competition six years ago.
Perhaps the most impressive drive of the race was HSR Champion driver Ben Myers stepping up to join the pair of accomplished professional drivers on the podium with a lead-pack third-place finish in his 2017 Type 991.2 No.29 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup prepared by the 901 Shop.
Another Saturday highlight was the first HSR NASCAR Classic race weekend since the VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) round in September. The return of big-iron NASCAR thunder to Sebring was a welcome sight and sound.
Picking up his winning ways right where he left off, Ryan Gemmell scored the overall victory in his NEMCO Motorsports 2009 No. 6 Toyota Camry.
Camden Murphy finished second in a similar NEMCO 2006 No. 87 Toyota Camry while Patrick Womack pulled off another NASCAR Classic podium finish in his ex-FedEx Joe Gibbs Racing NEMCO-prepared 2014 No. 11 Toyota Camry.
In addition to a full schedule of season-ending HSR races, a Sunday highlight at Pistons & Props will be the exit parade of this weekend’s attending historic airplanes from the Sebring circuit false grid back to Sebring Regional Airport to prepare for their respective flights home. The planes will begin to parade out of the paddock and back to the airport for departure on Sunday, December 7, at 11:40 a.m. EST.
For complete information on the HSR Sebring Pistons & Props event weekend, including the event schedule, entry list and ticket information, visit the Official Event Page here.
About HSR: An International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the racing cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter X at @HSR_race and Instagram @HistoricSportscarRacing.
Michael Annett, who competed in NASCAR’s three national series, has died at 39, according to CBS Saturday.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Michael Annett, a former NASCAR driver who made 436 combined starts across the sport’s three national touring series, has died. He was 39, according to CBS Saturday.
No cause of death was announced.
JR Motorsports, one of Annett’s former teams, announced his passing on social media Friday.
NASCAR confirmed the news on its website, calling Annett a “respected competitor, whose determination, professionalism, and positive spirit were felt by everyone in the garage.”
Annett made 321 starts in the Xfinity Series, 158 of them with JR Motorsports. He joined the team in 2017 when co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed him, and he remained a key member until retiring in 2021.
Among his career highlights, Annett won the 2019 season-opening Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway. A stress fracture in his leg forced him to miss parts of the 2021 season.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Annett was also a two-time winner in the ARCA Menards Series, taking victories at Talladega Superspeedway in 2007 and the Daytona season opener in 2008.
Dec. 7, 2025, 11:34 a.m. ET
McLaren driver Lando Norris held his nerve but could not hold back the tears after clinching his first Formula 1 title at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.
Red Bull driver and defending champion Max Verstappen won the race with Norris placing third behind his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in second, which allowed Norris to finish two points ahead of Verstappen in the season-long standings.
“It’s incredible. It is pretty surreal. I’ve dreamed of this for a long, long time,” said the 26-year-old Norris, who started his F1 career as a test and reserve driver with McLaren. “I feel like I did my part for the team this year and I’m very proud of myself for that. I’m even more proud for everyone who I hopefully made cry.”
Norris became Britain’s 11th F1 champion, a racing journey that began with kart racing when he was 8 years old. The first of his 11 F1 race wins came last year, when he finished second overall in the standings.
Piastri was also in contention for his first F1 title and finished third in the standings, 13 points behind Norris, who ended the season with seven wins and 423 points.
Norris became the first British champion since Lewis Hamilton won his record-equaling seventh title in 2020, and also denied Verstappen a fifth straight title.
“Oh God. I’ve not cried in a while. It’s a long journey. First of all, I want to say a big thanks to my guys, my parents,” Norris said a few minutes after the race. “I now know what Max feels like a little bit. I want to congratulate him and Oscar, too. It’s been a long year but we did it.”
Norris entered the three-way battle 12 points ahead of Verstappen and 16 ahead of Piastri, who also won seven races but none since the Dutch GP on Aug. 31.
Verstappen started from pole position for with Norris on the front row beside him and Piastri third on the grid. Verstappen needed Norris to be fourth or lower and Norris had to finish outside the top five if Piastri won.
Verstappen’s astounding late-season charge came close to unseating both McLaren drivers after they had shared the lead throughout the season and then were undone by driver and team-strategy errors.
Verstappen’s title chances were dramatically improved with two races to go after Norris and Piastri were disqualified in Las Vegas.
But even Verstappen’s season-leading eighth win and 71st of his career could not stop Norris, who kept his composure on Sunday, having been under severe pressure in recent weeks.
“Oscar and Lando have been awesome all year,” McLaren CEO Zak Brown told broadcaster Sky. “This Max guy is pretty hard to beat.”
The McLaren motorhome erupted with joy when Norris clinched it and Brown congratulated Norris on the team radio in his usual jovial manner.
“Lando, this is Zak from McLaren. Is this the world champion hotline? You did it! You did it! Awesome,” Brown said.
Norris didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He did both.
“Oh my God, thanks so much. I love you guys. Thanks for everything,” Norris said and then broke down in tears.
After crossing the line, Norris stayed in his car for a few moments, visibly emotional. His parents were on the side of the track and he went over to hug them before celebrating with his McLaren engineers and mechanics.
Piastri was looking to become the first Australian champion since Alan Jones in 1980, but his failure to win a race after Zandvoort cost him.
Pole position was crucial on the 58-lap circuit in Abu Dhabi, where overtaking is hard, and so it proved again as Verstappen joined the long list of race winners from pole since 2015.
Charles Leclerc finished fourth for Ferrari ahead of George Russell in a Mercedes and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso in sixth.
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