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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain takes the knee on the grid before the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (Lars Baron/Pool photo via AP)

Hamilton forms foundation in partnership with Mercedes

The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 27, 2021

BRACKLEY, England (AP) — Lewis Hamilton launched a charitable foundation Tuesday that will both support diversity and inclusion in motorsports and empower underrepresented youth groups in Britain.

The seven-time Formula One champion formed Mission 44 with a personal pledge of 20 million pounds ($27.5 million) earmarked to support programs and organizations that narrow the gap in employment and education systems.

Additionally, Hamilton partnered with his Mercedes team on the “Ignite” initiative to focus on ensuring better representation of “diverse students studying STEM and engineering, as well as wider parts of the industry." Ignite will work closely with Mission 44.

The initiatives stemmed from findings of The Hamilton Commission, which was formed to increase representation of Black people in British motorsports. The commission earlier this month published its first report that included 10 recommendations for change.

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Announcer back at Minnesota racetrack after racist rant

The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

FAIRMONT, Minn. (AP) — An announcer who was fired by an Iowa racetrack after a racist rant was back behind the microphone in southern Minnesota last weekend, but he did not receive a standing ovation as promised because he was apparently uncomfortable with that plan, according to the promoter of Fairmont Raceway.

Lon Oelke is the full-time announcer at Fairmont Raceway, where he worked Friday — days after the Kossuth County Speedway in Algona, Iowa, cut ties with him after he went on a racist rant this month against Black fans and athletes who kneel during the national anthem as a protest against racial inequality.

The Kossuth County Speedway said in a statement that its leaders “do not condone” Oelke's comments, adding that management did not hear them during the race, but only after they gained attention on social media.

“I think perhaps the whole thing is taken a little out of context with social media these days,” Fairmont track promoter Jon McCorkell told the Star Tribune, adding that he’ll “stick by my guy.”

NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

Through July 25

1. John H. Nemechek, 605 (5).

2. Ben Rhodes, 520 (2).

3. Austin Hill, 510 (1).

NASCAR Xfinity Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

Through July 25

1. Kyle Busch, 5.

2. Austin Cindric, 4.

3. Justin Allgaier, 2.

NASCAR Cup Series Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 26, 2021

Through July 25

1. Kyle Larson, 4.

2. Alex Bowman, 3.

2. Martin Truex Jr, 3.

F1: Horner still angry at Hamilton after British GP crash

Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

F1: Horner still angry at Hamilton after British GP crash

Jerome Pugmire, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Jul. 24, 2021

PARIS (AP) — Red Bull team principal Christian Horner is still angry at the crash which knocked Formula One leader Max Verstappen out of the British Grand Prix last weekend, allowing winner Lewis Hamilton to close the gap at the top of the drivers’ championship to eight points.

Hamilton won at Silverstone despite taking a 10-second time penalty after he was judged to have been responsible for Verstappen’s crash on Lap 1 at the high-speed Copse corner.

“We felt at the time, and still feel, that Hamilton was given a light penalty,” Horner wrote in his Red Bull column on Friday night. “We are reviewing all data and have the right to request a review. We are therefore still looking at the evidence and considering all our sporting options ... That crash has cost us approximately $1.8 million.”

Hamilton’s victory was his 99th in F1 but first in two months, and the seven-time F1 champion risked slipping even further behind Verstappen. His win prompted evident relief, but Horner felt the elation was too much.

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Saturday, Jul. 24, 2021

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez of Mexico walks away from his car at the end of the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (Lars Baron/Pool photo via AP)
Red Bull driver Sergio Perez of Mexico walks away from his car at the end of the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (Lars Baron/Pool photo via AP)

Jordan's first year in NASCAR a missed layup with Wallace

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Jordan's first year in NASCAR a missed layup with Wallace

Dan Gelston, The Associated Press 5 minute read Thursday, Jul. 22, 2021

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) — The 23XI Racing team posted a slideshow of the Bubba Wallace firesuit collection and asked fans to comment on their favorite. The designs were from business plucked straight out of Super Bowl ad space: Wallace was dressed by top companies in fast food, fantasy sports and auto insurance.

For a driver who spent most of his NASCAR career scraping together sponsorship deals for underfunded teams, Wallace is flush with Fortune 500 cash. Oh, and boasting Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin as team owners sure helps the cause.

But deep-pocketed sponsors and a race team seemingly on firm financial footing has done little to help Wallace find success on the track. He has one top-10 finish this season -- he had five last season driving for Richard Petty Motorsports -- led three laps since late April and needs a win over the next four races to earn a playoff berth.

The wins better come in bunches.

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Thursday, Jul. 22, 2021

FILE - Bubba Wallace, left, congratulates Kyle Larson after Larson won a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Las Vegas, in this Sunday, March 7, 2021, file photo. Rick Hendrick gave Kyle Larson a second chance in NASCAR because Hendrick Motorsports had wanted him in its lineup for years. Now that Hendrick has his man, he's locked Larson down for two more seasons with full sponsorship. Hendrick on Wednesday, July 14, told his 93 dealerships that the hottest driver in motorsports signed a contract extension through 2023 and Larson will be fully sponsored by HendrickCars.com. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)
FILE - Bubba Wallace, left, congratulates Kyle Larson after Larson won a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Las Vegas, in this Sunday, March 7, 2021, file photo. Rick Hendrick gave Kyle Larson a second chance in NASCAR because Hendrick Motorsports had wanted him in its lineup for years. Now that Hendrick has his man, he's locked Larson down for two more seasons with full sponsorship. Hendrick on Wednesday, July 14, told his 93 dealerships that the hottest driver in motorsports signed a contract extension through 2023 and Larson will be fully sponsored by HendrickCars.com. (AP Photo/John Locher, File)

Castroneves happily joins elite club of 4-time Indy winners

Gary B. Graves, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Castroneves happily joins elite club of 4-time Indy winners

Gary B. Graves, The Associated Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 21, 2021

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Helio Castroneves is taking his sweet time getting his mind around the spoils of winning his fourth Indianapolis 500.

Such as pouring red-hot liquid bronze into a mold for two bricks chiseled with his name, one of which will be placed on hallowed ground: the Yard of Bricks start/finish line of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Or the chance to talk and laugh with A.J. Foyt, Al Unser and Rick Mears, the only other drivers to win the Indianapolis 500 four times.

For Castroneves, that carried special meaning beyond the brotherhood of racing.

The Brazilian driver’s fourth Indy 500 victory two months ago took 12 years to achieve, and the reality of being mentioned alongside the drivers he idolizes still has him pinching himself.

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Wednesday, Jul. 21, 2021

Winner of this year's Indianapolis 500 auto race, Helio Castroneves, right, gathered with other four-time winners, from left, A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967, 1977), Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987) and Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Castroneves won the race in 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2021. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Winner of this year's Indianapolis 500 auto race, Helio Castroneves, right, gathered with other four-time winners, from left, A.J. Foyt (1961, 1964, 1967, 1977), Al Unser (1970, 1971, 1978, 1987) and Rick Mears (1979, 1984, 1988, 1991) at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Castroneves won the race in 2001, 2002, 2009 and 2021. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

With eye on legacy, Keselowski buys a stake in Roush Fenway

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

With eye on legacy, Keselowski buys a stake in Roush Fenway

Steve Reed, The Associated Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Brad Keselowski is ready to begin the “next evolution” of his racing career.

Jack Roush put a long-term vision for Roush Fenway Racing in motion Tuesday when the 79-year-old team owner introduced Keselowski as a new partner in the NASCAR team.

Keselowski is leaving Team Penske, where he won the 2012 championship, because he wanted an ownership role in an organization as part of his legacy in NASCAR. With Roush Fenway, Keselowski will not only drive the No. 6 Ford next season but have a considerable role off the track.

Keselowski will replace Ryan Newman, who drove the Roush flagship car the past three seasons.

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Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021

Brad Keselowski waves to fans before the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Brad Keselowski waves to fans before the NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, July 18, 2021, in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

IndyCar inks new NBC Sports deal, 2 races to run on Peacock

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

IndyCar inks new NBC Sports deal, 2 races to run on Peacock

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021

IndyCar announced an extension with NBC Sports on Tuesday that guarantees a majority of its races will be on the main network broadcast rather than cable, including a series-high 13 events on the flagship channel next season.

Still, the migration toward streaming will hit full speed next season as NBC Sports plans to exclusively stream two IndyCar races on Peacock. The rest of the IndyCar schedule, which is expected to be 17 races but has not yet been released, will air on USA Network.

Jon Miller, president of NBC Sports programming, said the network never wavered in its desire to extend its relationship with IndyCar because “we think its some of the most competitive racing out there. We think it is, quite honestly, really, really good racing.”

He cited this season's move to IndyCar for seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and former Formula One driver Romain Grosjean as audience-builders, as well as an emerging crop of new stars. Current IndyCar points leader Alex Palou is one of four first-time winners this season, and the 24-year-old Spaniard is actually the oldest winner in an exciting, young group.

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Tuesday, Jul. 20, 2021

Josef Newgarden leads the field after taking the green flag at the start of an IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, Sunday, July 4, 2021. Newgarden snapped his streak of late race misfortunes Sunday to win for the first time this season, earning the first IndyCar victory of the year for Team Penske on the same weekend the storied organization celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first win. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)
Josef Newgarden leads the field after taking the green flag at the start of an IndyCar race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, Sunday, July 4, 2021. Newgarden snapped his streak of late race misfortunes Sunday to win for the first time this season, earning the first IndyCar victory of the year for Team Penske on the same weekend the storied organization celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first win. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar)

Column: Quirky SRX exceeded expectations in debut season

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Column: Quirky SRX exceeded expectations in debut season

Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press 6 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — SRX exceeded all expectations, right?

Not even a bookie in Las Vegas — Tony Stewart's gold standard for foreseeing results — could have predicted the six-week Superstar Racing Experience summer season would have been such a success.

It grew so big, so quickly that by the made-for-TV series finale on Saturday night, it was NASCAR's champion in victory lane at Nashville Fairgrounds in Tennessee.

The current champion!

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Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Chase Elliott, center, holds his winner's guitar after winning the SRX Series auto race Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. Tony Stewart, left, finished second, and Bill Elliott, right, finished third. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Chase Elliott, center, holds his winner's guitar after winning the SRX Series auto race Saturday, July 17, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. Tony Stewart, left, finished second, and Bill Elliott, right, finished third. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Through July 18

1. John H. Nemechek, 605 (5).

2. Ben Rhodes, 520 (2).

3. Austin Hill, 510 (1).

NASCAR Xfinity Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Through July 18

1. Kyle Busch, 5.

2. Austin Cindric, 4.

3. Justin Allgaier, 2.

NASCAR Cup Series Winners

The Associated Press 1 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Through July 18

1. Kyle Larson, 4.

2. Alex Bowman, 3.

2. Martin Truex Jr, 3.

Title race back on as Red Bull fume at "desperate" Hamilton

Daniella Matar, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Title race back on as Red Bull fume at "desperate" Hamilton

Daniella Matar, The Associated Press 4 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

With Max Verstappen threatening to run away with the title and defending champion Lewis Hamilton seemingly unable to beat his rival on the track, desperate measures are exactly what Red Bull team principal Christian Horner accused the Mercedes driver of using.

This season’s title battle boiled over in Sunday's British Grand Prix on one of the hottest days of the year, in front of 140,000 fans at a packed Silverstone, with a terrifying incident that saw the race red-flagged, Verstappen taken to hospital and Hamilton issued with a 10-second penalty.

As they tussled for position on the first lap, the two championship contenders crashed in a 190mph shunt, which registered at 51G, sending Verstappen hurtling into the tire barrier and out of the race.

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Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates after winning the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates after winning the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

F1 condemns racist abuse of Hamilton following crash

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

F1 condemns racist abuse of Hamilton following crash

The Associated Press 3 minute read Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

LONDON (AP) — Mercedes, Formula One and its governing body the FIA issued a joint statement Monday condemning the online racist abuse aimed at Lewis Hamilton.

Hamilton was targeted following the Mercedes driver's crash with rival Max Verstappen on the opening lap of Sunday’s British Grand Prix that sent the championship leader hurtling out of the race.

“Formula One, the FIA and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team condemn this behavior in the strongest possible terms," the statement said. “These people have no place in our sport and we urge that those responsible should be held accountable for their actions.

“Formula One, the FIA, the drivers and the teams are working to build a more diverse and inclusive sport, and such unacceptable instances of online abuse must be highlighted and eliminated.”

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Monday, Jul. 19, 2021

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates on the podium after winning the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain celebrates on the podium after winning the British Formula One Grand Prix, at the Silverstone circuit, in Silverstone, England, Sunday, July 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

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