Mistrial declared in assault case in beating of retired NASCAR driver Mike Wallace

Prosecution witnesses apparently violated a judge's order, meaning the case will have to start over.

Fable of Talladega's three stragglers: Joe Gibbs Racing's lesson in how to win

There's nothing wrong with racing for long-term goals rather than immediate success.To suggest otherwise is harebrained.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. back on TV at Martinsville; ratings need his help

NBC & Co. continue to struggle with viewership, so much so that even Dale Earnhardt Jr. can't rescue.

NASCAR rules change smart way to boost driver development in Xfinity, Truck series

Kevin Harvick takes angry swipe at Kurt Busch after Talladega tangle

Yes, they are teammates, but apparently they didn't see eye to eye late in Sunday's Chase.

Afforded an opportunity, Joey Logano secures victory at Talladega

Running strong with a partner to help, there are no late problems too big to keep Joey Logano from repeating at Talladega.

Joey Logano wins at Talladega; Chase Round of 8 set with big surprises

Joey Logano advances in the Chase but four drivers are eliminated at Talladega.

Gibbs drivers' Talladega race begins after inspection issues

Three of the team's four Toyotas needed corrections before qualifying. Ally Martin Truex Jr. also is under scrutiny. Only Carl Edwards enters Talladega with a clean slate.

Talladega starting lineup: Martin Truex Jr. claims pole on unusual day

Soon after parts were removed from his car and confiscated, Martin Truex Jr. makes his car fastest in qualifying.

Talladega pole-sitter Martin Truex Jr. can't afford to screw up this race

After a hubbub about an illegal piece on his car, Martin Truex Jr. must do well enough to advance in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Talladega Truck Series race eliminates two from Chase, includes Big One

A non-Chase driver wins, 13 trucks are mangled in a huge accident and the championship field is reduced to six.

NASCAR Truck Series driver puts political support on display at Talladega

There's no mistaking who Austin Wayne Self backs in the 2016 presidential election.

It's The Big One: 13 trucks involved in huge Talladega crash

One truck goes out of control, a dozen more get involved and there are mangled vehicles everywhere. It's Talladega, after all.

Talladega Truck drivers make stunning recovery to avoid 'big one' crash

You have to see this.

Food poisoning leaves NHL's Predators scrambling for healthy players

The morning before a game against the Penguins, Nashville's roster was unsettled ... just like its players' stomachs.

Sprint Cup qualifying Saturday at Talladega; Truck Series first on track

Qualifying comes before the afternoon knockout race in the Truck Series. Cup cars qualify about 4 p.m. ET.

Driver will be eliminated at Talladega before race trims Chase field

Having more cars than starting positions is a rarity in this year's Sprint Cup competition.

Play it safe? For Martin Truex Jr., Joey Logano, that Talladega idea won't fly

Beware, Chase drivers: There's no time to be cautious at tumultuous Talladega.

With major sponsor leaving, Greg Biffle one step closer to career's end

Just days after contemplating his racing future, Greg Biffle sees cracker maker pull its support beyond this season.

Daniel Winnik got lucky as slap shot clips off piece of ear

It could have been much worse for Daniel Winnik, a Capitals player blocking a shot.

Casey Mears won't speculate on future beyond Talladega

One-car team Germain Racing has a contract with a major sponsor, but Casey Mears isn't signed beyond this season.

Campers arrive for NASCAR Talladega weekend to bone-dry weather

Temperatures will be pleasant, and chilly at night, but there is a ban on bonfires at Talladega Superspeedway's campgrounds.

Tommy Baldwin Racing sale could be another brutal blow for one-car ownership

NASCAR's charter system will get its first makeover this offseason, and a sale would be a first.

Win-win: Dale Earnhardt Jr. on NBCSN at Talladega is perfect fit

His presence assures bigger viewer numbers (thank you, Junior Nation), but it also scores in personal and profession levels.

Only problem with Alex Bowman's best finish? Lug nuts violation at Kansas

That's a NASCAR no-no, and it costs crew chief Greg Ives $10,000. Other rules offenders include Matt Kenseth and Martin Truex Jr.

Road to Talladega: Only two drivers don't have to fear for Chase future

Jimmie Johnson won at Charlotte. Kevin Harvick won at Kansas. So now 10 drivers head to NASCAR's most dangerous track in need of strong results. Here's the gist.

Make NASCAR Buschwhackers outlaws; keep them out of Xfinity Chase races

Kyle Busch is the defending Sprint Cup champion and is closing in on a repeat title. Letting him drive with the Xfinity title on the line is unfair.

Kevin Harvick rules: Kansas again proves his prowess under pressure

Rather than need to win at Talladega, Kevin Harvick secures Chase advancement at Kansas.

Kevin Harvick wins at Kansas, erasing Chase miseries in victory lane

A week after engine problems wiped out his race, Kevin Harvick is locked into the Chase's Round of 8.

In your face at Kansas: Early action in Chase race hot, fast and heavy

Cars feel their way through early laps in the fifth race of the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Kurt Busch's Chase challenge grows at Kansas, backup car and all

Saturday afternoon's crash couldn't have come at a worse time, but Kurt Busch has a plan and, he believes, a car to get results.

Carl Edwards and the Chase field start at Kansas about 2:30 p.m. ET Sunday, all hoping to win and avoid the chaos that is Talladega.

Kansas starting lineup: Matt Kenseth on pole; Toyotas in top four positions

It's the first pole of the year for Matt Kenseth, who has two Joe Gibbs Racing teammates along with ally Martin Truex Jr. in the first two rows for Sunday's race.

Xfinity Chase jumbled by Kansas crashes; win No. 9 for Kyle Busch

It's another day at the office for Busch, but drivers with more important things at stake find big trouble.

Chase drama builds amid slew of accidents in Kansas Xfinity race

Bubba Wallace, Justin Allgaier and Ryan Reed get caught in a messy crash.

At Kansas, shock absorber lodges in car's grill

Flying car parts wind up in strange places.

NASCAR's version of teenager taking the car out for a spin

Cole Custer, 18, gets a wild ride at Kansas.

Matt Kenseth fastest in final Kansas practice; Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch crash

Saturday is eventful for several Sprint Cup Chase drivers.

Kyle Busch claims pole position in Kansas Xfinity race starting lineup

Winner in eight of the previous 15 races he drove in the subseries, Kyle Busch looks to dominate the competition again on Saturday.

Cup drivers in Xfinity races? Consider case for welcoming Buschwhackers

Longtime driver Brendan Gaughan wants to race against the best, even if it means losing to guys stepping down from Sprint Cup.

Matt Kenseth atop Kansas starting lineup, not worried about Joey Logano

What's done is done, and the man who will start Sunday's Chase race from pole position has no apparent interest in what happened a year ago at this track.

Clint Bowyer's travails coming to an end; six races 'til Stewart-Haas move

Back home at Kansas, Clint Bowyer focuses on making lemonade from the lemon of a season he has endured.

Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson break NASCAR commandment: Thou shalt not swerve

Both drivers lose 30 minutes of practice time at Kansas for what they did after the Charlotte race.

NASCAR makes official 2017 changes to further reduce cars' on-track grip

Let the new fun begins. Drivers will have looser-handling cars thanks to the latest aerodynamics alterations.

NASCAR TV coverage is big business, even when a box is needed

Jeff Burton stands tall even though he isn't the biggest man in the NBC race coverage triumvirate.

First Jack Eichel, now Evander Kane: Injured Sabres in painful season start

Jack Eichel will miss at least six weeks with a high ankle sprain. Thursday, he watched Evander Kane go down with a likely long-term injury. Buffalo's hopes go over the falls.

Get ready for Kansas: Drying, qualifying on Friday's track schedule

Morning mist should give way to comfortable fall temperatures for Sprint Cup and Xfinity Chase races.

Tony Stewart, owner, doesn't feel like he belongs at big-boys table yet

At a Texas charity event, Tony Stewart says he still feels he's a driver, not a partner of NASCAR's powerful elite.

Talladega under orders: No open fires by campers at Oct. 23 NASCAR race

When in drought, don't burn. And that's what Alabama is mandating.

Cool runnings at Kansas, where temperatures fall but rain won't

Kevin Harvick needs a hot run at Kansas, preferably a victory, at the second race in the Chase's Round of 12. Weather will be a factor.

Kyle Busch, lucky and good so far, takes Chase repeat quest to Kansas

Four top-10 finishes, and the ability to recognize a problem and get it fixed with minimal damage, have Kyle Busch in strong position in NASCAR's championship series.

Kurt Busch tops list of Chase drivers being punished for test infractions at Charlotte

Matt Kenseth, Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Martin Truex Jr. also are flagged.

Let there be light: At Martinsville, illuminating decision is announced

Lights will be installed for 2017 races at Martinsville. And that raises the possibility of night races.

Denny Hamlin heads to Kansas after latest bad break in Chase for Sprint Cup

A blown engine KO'd Denny Hamlin at Charlotte. No surprise there; luck isn't on Hamlin's side in the Chase.

Sidney Crosby's latest concussion, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s brain injury show information gap

Sidney Crosby's latest concussion points out how differently sports leagues treat injury information, especially when considering Dale Earnhardt Jr.

What in blazes? Gas man's uniform set afire in pit accident

Danger finds its way to NASCAR pits.

Jimmie Johnson's long-awaited win brings relief, hope to Hendrick

Two wins in the first five races, both by Jimmie Johnson; nothing until Charlotte's Chase race. That's big-time struggles for a major team and organization.

Jimmie Johnson breaks out, wins at Charlotte as Chase cars crumble

With his victory, Jimmie Johnson gets a free pass to the Round of 8. A half-dozen other drivers are in big trouble after race incidents.

Joey Logano's Chase in jeopardy after tire-related crashes at Charlotte

Last year's Round of 12 was his playground. Now, Joey Logano finds himself in trouble.

Let's go racing: With rain gone, Sprint Cup is ready for Charlotte

Blue skies are welcome, but wind could be a factor on a green track. Regardless, race day weather is about as good as it gets for the first race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup's Round of 12.

Sprint Cup starting lineup: Kevin Harvick outruns Alex Bowman for pole position

Fast all day, Kevin Harvick makes a great final run to be fastest qualifier for the first race in the Chase for the Sprint Cup's second round.

Charlotte Xfinity race starting lineup: Chase eliminations in rescheduled Sunday race

Sunday's rescheduled from postponed on Friday and rescheduled on Saturday.

NASCAR's postponement, Sunday doubleheader are right call

Rain and wind near Charlotte Motor Speedway force a second race to be rescheduled. Given the hazards, putting off the Sprint Cup race makes sense.

Donald Trump, former sports team owner, has equals in mistreatment of women

Public indiscretions took down NBA owners Donald Sterling and George Shinn. Donald Trump's latest actions came after his time as a pro football owner.

Chip Ganassi Racing leaving Chevy for Honda, but only in IndyCar

Honda powered Ganassi open-wheel cars in the past, for the move is a return. But it raises questions about Honda and NASCAR as well as the Ganassi organization.

Uncork the 2016 Eldrick: Tiger Woods debuts new look of old favorite

Starting on Oct. 13, golf fans can sample Tiger Woods live from Napa Valley. An initial tasting will be interesting, ready to serve but not yet ready to win.

Rain shuts down Charlotte Motor Speedway; hopes remain for Saturday

With the exception of a few hours, Friday's forecast includes rain all day. Xfinity's race will be rescheduled.

Kevin Harvick throws down challenge for Sprint Cup qualifying at Charlotte

Teams in racing trim turn fast laps ahead of qualifying for Saturday night's Sprint Cup race.

Austin Dillon takes opportunity by the horns, relishes underdog role

An unlikely driver in the Round of 12, Austin Dillon is comfortable and confident racing on his home track as the Round of 12 begins.

Favorite after two wins, Martin Truex Jr. keeps singular focus

Chicagoland and Dover are over; now, Martin Truex Jr. returns to a track where he made a statement in May.

Sprint Cup's Chase comes to Charlotte, hoping rain doesn't follow

With Hurricane Matthew's threat diminished, NASCAR hopes for a good weekend. Championship series racing still faces delays to dry the track at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Matt Kenseth hopes his hard luck at Charlotte is thing of the past

Crashes in 2015's Chase race doomed Matt Kenseth to 42nd at Charlotte and started his fall out of the championship series.

Former NASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya loses IndyCar ride with Penske

Two years after his last ride in Sprint Cup, Juan Pablo Montoya is seeking a new place in open-wheel racing.

As forecast improves, optimism rises for Charlotte Sprint Cup Chase race

A wet Friday night is more likely than rain on Saturday night, but the site of NASCAR's next race is prepared for whatever arrives.

Austin Dillon's luck, built on hard work, carries him into Chase's Round of 12

When Kyle Larson and Jamie McMurray came up with problems, Austin Dillon drove into the void to advance in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Martin Truex Jr. dominates at Dover; Chase field reduced to 12

Leading 187 of 400 laps gives Martin Truex Jr. his second victory in the Chase for the Sprint Cup, his fourth of the season and the favorite's mantle in the championship series.

Kyle Larson faces Chase elimination after early power problems at Dover

Repairs leave Kyle Larson three laps down early in a race he needs to finish well.

No matter the weather, Dover is daunting for drivers in Chase berth danger

Chase Elliott is in good position to advance to the Round of 12, but other drivers are seeking a winning edge at Dover.

Brightest smile at Dover belongs to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Junior peps up his teammates, including fill-in driver Jeff Gordon, during preparation for the third Chase race.

Who will weather Dover challenge? Race will ruin someone's Chase

Joey Logano is among drivers seemingly in safe position to advance in the Chase for the Sprint Cup. But Dover might prove that logic is flawed.

Xfinity Series starting lineup: Erik Jones has pole position for Dover race

After a crash at Kentucky ruined his day, Erik Jones is out to secure his place in the Xfinity Chase's Round of 8.

Busy Sunday at Dover starts early; Xfinity race run before third Cup Chase race

Saturday's rainout puts the Xfinity Series' race in a 10 a.m. ET start, followed by a 2:15 ET start for the third Cup Chase race.

Sprint Cup starting lineup at Dover won't dictate finish; rain, wrecks might

Strange things happen at Dover, where a third consecutive race will start with the field set on points. Weather is just part of the puzzle to be solved on Sunday.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., new member of Alabama Gang, updates slow recovery

The long, gradual process of getting healthy continues for Junior.

Kyle Larson shows speed he needs at Dover with Chase berth on the line

Ahead of Friday's qualifying, Kyle Larson has the fastest lap in practice.

Tony Stewart's future: Where there's Smoke, there's fire of another degree

Tony Stewart admits he's tired of fighting the good fight, but in retirement he will continue to pursue what he loves most.

Dover boils down to Chase needs (Tony Stewart), or recent studs (Kasey Kahne)

Tony Stewart is one of four drivers in jeopardy of exiting the Chase ... and wishing he was having the success of Kasey Kahne.

Kyle Busch, team get champs' White House moment with President Obama

Kyle Busch swaps lines with the president, whom he provides with a race-worn helmet.

New Hampshire results: Kevin Harvick advances in Chase; standings update

Kevin Harvick outruns Matt Kenseth to win at Loudon. Here are the race results.

In turning table on Matt Kenseth, Kevin Harvick grabs victory by the claws

That big lobster eluded Harvick's grasp a year ago. Not this time.

Kevin Harvick nails late restart, beats Matt Kenseth at New Hampshire

Kenseth comes close but is passed on a restart with five laps to go. Harvick advances to the Chase's Round of 12.

Martin Truex Jr. steals overtime victory from Chase Elliott in Chase opener

By beating the race leader off pit road, Martin Truex Jr. wins at Chicagoland.

Midway through first Chase race, Jimmie Johnson shows familiar form

A six-time Cup winner, Jimmie Johnson is the man to beat after the first half of the first 201t championship series race.

Bad transmission has Kyle Larson starting Chase by going backwards

By replacing the faulty component, Kyle Larson must start the first Chase race from the back of the 40-car field instead of from 10th on the grid.

Sprint Cup starting lineup: Chicagoland qualifying washed; Kyle Busch on pole

Sunday's race should go off in near-perfect weather. Too bad Friday was rotten.

Green flag falls on 2016 Chase for Sprint Cup; drivers face major issues

Brad Keselowski and 15 other drivers begin their championship chase at Chicagoland. Not everything is in their control.

Ty Dillon takes ride in Cup race as Regan Smith awaits child's birth

It will be the ninth Cup start of 2016 for Ty Dillon, this time for Tommy Baldwin Racing.

Erik Jones seals Xfinity Chase berth with victory, setting field at Chicagoland

It's win No. 4 on the season for Erik Jones, who enters the 12-man Xfinity Chase as top seed.

Saturday sarcasm? Sure, share some love of NASCAR with the world

Gotta love stock car racing fans, who are never shy about letting their emotions run at high RPMs.

Xfinity starting lineup: Kyle Busch (who else) goes of No. 1 at Chicagoland

Saturday's starting grid in the Xfinity Series' Drive for Safety 300 will be led by Friday's Truck race winner, the defending Cup winner and 2016 top seed. Yep, Kyle Busch.

With one win on weekend, Kyle Busch prepares for Sunday's first Chase race

Victory in Friday's Truck race, practice for Sunday's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400 and Saturday's Xfinity Series race make for a busy weekend for Chase top seed Kyle Busch.

Hoosier hostility ends in amity between Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman

Time heals all wounds between two Sprint Cup drivers who vented in the heat of competition.

Stewart-Haas hires 18-year-old Cole Custer as developmental driver

As promised, SHR begins its farm program and makes Custer its first stand.

Oh, not again: Rain has impact on NASCAR race preparations, qualifying

Sprint Cup cars are supposed to set Sunday's lineup on Friday evening ... if expected thunderstorms allow.

In Robby Gordon family deaths, what happened is known; why is unanswerable

An autopsy shows Robert Gordon killed his wife and then himself, horrific acts in an idyllic setting that family, friends and the racing community struggle to comprehend.

Awaiting answers in Robert Gordon shooting deaths, racing community grieves

Jimmie Johnson is among family friends left with remorse after the father of former NASCAR driver Robby Gordon is killed, along with the elder Gordon's wife.

Father of former NASCAR driver Robby Gordon identified in shooting deaths

Police are investigating the incident as an apparent murder-suicide. The second of the two victims is Robby Gordon's stepmother.

Sprint Cup's latest venture into comics leads to Turtles at Chicagoland

Say hello to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 400, the first race in the 2016 Chase for the Sprint Cup. Do we smell pizza?

16 Chase drivers prepare to navigate field of 40 cars in Chicagoland opener

Championship aspirations could be affected by drivers not in the series, like Clint Bowyer and Kasey Kahne. Here's who will be on the track on Sunday.

NASCAR isn't kidding around: Severe post-race inspection penalties in place

Failure in laser inspection or having an improper amount of lug nuts on a car could doom a driver to elimination from the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Martin Truex Jr. loses points in laser inspection failure; Chase total not affected

Richmond's post-race problem leads to points lost and a heavy fine for Martin Truex Jr.'s crew chief.

Drew Blickensderfer new crew chief for Richard Petty Racing, Aric Almirola

Blick replaces Trent Owens in the latest move to improve the Petty organization's Sprint Cup success.

To pep up Chase, NASCAR needs an April-like smashing finish at Richmond

Carl Edwards and Kyle Busch give Sprint Cup a bang-up dash to earlier this year. Will someone else, possibly a winless driver, do some hot rubbing? Yes, please.

NASCAR doesn't get full benefit of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Bristol appearance

College football at a noted racetrack makes for a natural tie-in. Too bad a nationally televised game will steal the thunder from Sprint Cup's Richmond race.

U.S. Open 2016: Angelique Kerber faces title test vs. Karolina Pliskova

It's the third Grand Slam final of 2016 for Angelique Kerber, but the first ever for Karolina Pliskova. Match time: 4 p.m. ET.

Richmond starting lineup: Chase hopefuls fall in behind pole-sitter Denny Hamlin

Good news for Jamie McMurray, who is on the Chase bubble. Bad news for Chris Buescher, who has a poor qualifying run. Check the full field for Saturday night's critical Spring Cup race.

Xfinity starting lineup at Richmond: Austin Dillon off to fast start on weekend

With a Chase berth on the line on Saturday, Austin Dillon gets a head start of racing at Richmond by earning pole position for Friday's race.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. describes his head injury problems, scary stuff

In his own words, NASCAR's most popular driver tells about his health problems during an interview that airs before Saturday's Sprint Cup race.

Austin Dillon's stated reason for being late is colorful, candid

Oh, those darned random urine samples.

Novak Djokovic faces Gael Monfils in perilous U.S. Open semifinal

Defending champion and winner at Melbourne and Roland Garros, Novak Djokovic takes the court knowing a No. 1 seed is a No. 1 upset target.

Jamie McMurray, Chase contenders set benchmarks with inital Richmond runs

Like Chase Elliott and Austin Dillon, Jamie McMurray needs a strong Saturday night race to keep hold of a berth in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Chris Buescher's Cup win will mean nothing without Richmond success

There's a place in the Chase for the Sprint Cup within his grasp, but to snare it Chris Buescher needs what he has gotten so few times in his rookie season — a strong finish.

Kevin Harvick gets crew changes for Richmond after Darlington disgrace

Pit errors cost Kevin Harvick a victory, and not for the first time. So a shakeup was not unexpected as the No. 4 team heads into the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Ready for Richmond? Final race before Chase puts D in decision

Three Chase berths remain open; a fourth could be; and it all comes down to a Saturday night short-track race at a venerable Sprint Cup venue.

U.S. Open 2016: Serena Williams awaits quarterfinal test vs. Simona Halep

Who will get the final place in the Open semifinals? Serena Williams is out to advance.

Decision day arrives for Ryan Newman; penalty could doom Chase chance

If NASCAR docks him 10 or 15 points, Ryan Newman likely won't make the Chase for the Sprint Cup without winning at Richmond.

Here's what Dale Earnhardt Jr. said in updating his health, NASCAR future

Junior has plenty to say about his treatment in recovery from a brain injury. That includes frustrations and hopes.

For Dale Earnhardt Jr., light at tunnel's end — but recovery isn't coming fast

In his first media appearance since announcing his Sprint Cup season was over, Junior addresses the process he follows on the long road to getting well.

Drivers lament Dale Earnhardt Jr. news, but know it's best for Junior

Joey Logano and Chris Buescher react to word that Junior will not return to racing this season and will instead focus on recovery from a head injury.

U.S. Open 2016: Jack Sock ready for next big step against top-10 seed

Fresh off an upset of former champion Marin Cilic, Jack Sock faces Jo-Wilfried Tsonga with a chance to become the best American man in tennis.

U.S. Open 2016: Madison Keys faces another test in Caroline Wozniacki

Fourth-round play begins Sunday at Flushing Meadows, where the best U.S. woman tennis player not named Williams will be in action.

Darlington starting lineup: Qualifying washout puts Kevin Harvick in No. 1

NASCAR sets its starting grid for the Southern 500 by the rulebook. Owner points rule. Sunday's race is scheduled for about 6 p.m. ET.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. addresses his future at Darlington; long haul to recovery

His season over, Junior now gets the time he needs to recover from a brain injury. He also will reveal information on his future, however, short, in racing.

Elliott Sadler delivers Darlington pick-me-up win for boss Dale Earnhardt Jr.

A day after Junior is ruled out for the rest of the season, Elliott Sadler outruns Denny Hamlin in Darlington's Xfinity Series race.

U.S. Open 2016: Record 307th Slam win has Serena Williams in Round of 16

A third-round victory gives Serena the most singles match victories in women's tennis history.

Darlington's throwback weekend blooms in bright Saturday showcase

Beautiful weather after the storm makes Darlington's spectacle even better. Check out some of the sights.

U.S. Open 2016: Nick Kyrgios gets another chance to tame the beast

Talented and tempermental, Australia's Nick Kyrgios is 21 and could soon join the ranks of men's tennis elite players.

U.S. Open 2016: Serena, Venus Williams due to play; Simona Halep up early

Third-round play at Flushing Meadows continues to cull the field.

Xfinity Series starting lineup at Darlington: Cup drivers get full day of racing

Denny Hamlin is one of six Sprint Cup drivers who will drive in the race and have four on-track sessions to learn to handle the Track Too Tough to Tame.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. absence alters immediate future for No. 88 car's key men

Greg Ives now heads the crew of a car with two substitute drivers for the rest of the season. Old pro Jeff Gordon has four races left, so the bulk of the rides and biggest impact falls on Alex Bowman.

Darlington gets expected soaking, proving NASCAR cancellation call correct

Hermine, a hurricane downgraded to a tropical storm, delivers the expected soaking to the site of this week's Sprint Cup race. Good move, NASCAR.

#JRNation offers recovery wishes to Dale Earnhardt Jr. with #getwelldale

Junior's announcement is disappointing, but he gathers support from people involved in stock car racing and his legion of followers.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s winning decision: Skip rest of Cup season, focus on health

The worst thing coming out of Junior's announcement is that he won't race again in 2016. After that, this is the best thing that could happen. Why? Glad you asked.

Darlington's Friday events cancelled ahead of storm Hermine's arrival

Lots of rain and strong wind will make it impossible to run practices at Darlington Raceway.

As Darlington goes throwback, remember long-gone brands in victory lane

Sprint Cup now has three nameplates in its races. Once, it had many, including Pontiac. That's the brand Ricky Craven drove in perhaps the greats Darlington finish of all.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Darlington lament: He can't drive 'Gray Ghost' car

As he continues recovery from a head injury, Dale Earnhardt Jr. can only sit and watch the Southern 500 while Jeff Gordon pilots his car.

U.S. Open 2016: Steve Johnson faces threat in wake of Milos Raonic upset

Resurgent former champion Juan del Potro is Steve Johnson's second-round opponent, and a difficult one. Check out Day 4's schedule at Flushing Meadows.

U.S. Open 2016: With Serena Williams in action, next big upset awaits

Day 4 of the U.S. Open follows the ouster of Garbine Muguruza, one of the players who make surprising exits in the second round. Here's the schedule.

Brad Keselowski, team nailed in failed inspection after Michigan race

As expected, NASCAR came down hard on Brad Keselowski and his No. 2 team for Team Penske.

U.S. Open 2016: John Isner advances with another long, long victory

Four sets on Wednesday, after five on Monday. Hey, John Isner isn't close to his record match ... remember Wimbledon in 2010? Yeah, that's long.

Hurricane Hermine to affect Darlington; Friday activities postponed

By race day, the storm should be well past the track. Only Friday faces a threat of rain.

U.S. Open 2016: American women lose early in second round; live scoreboard

No luck for Lauren Davis, who like compatriot Christina McHale is eliminated.

Sluggish season brings change, focus on future at Richard Petty Motorsports

With its two drivers unlikely to make the Chase, RPM ousts its competition chief.

U.S. women get U.S. Open's second round under way; times, matches listed

Christina McHale is an early starter among the Americans.

U.S. Open 2016: Men's Round 2 starts; John Isner, Milos Raonic play

No. 1 seed Novak Djokovic also is scheduled for a second-round match. Get the complete schedule.

Kyle Larson, welcome to the Chase: Michigan victory seals postseason berth

Kyle Larson outruns Chase Elliott to win his first Sprint Cup race and earn his place in the Chase for the Sprint Cup.

Halfway through Sprint Cup race at Michigan, loose, tight, position fights

Joey Logano dominates early but Michigan turns into a slugging match by 100 laps.

Kyle Busch spins out, avoids wrecking car in early Michigan mishap

Kyle Busch has early trouble in the Pure Michigan 400.

Rain questions at Michigan include track conditions; green means slide

NASCAR's bad luck with weather remains in drivers' thoughts ahead of another Sunday race.

Maybe more people should sit with Colin Kaepernick

Every American has the right to protest, something we all should celebrate. So why is Colin Kaepernick being pilloried for doing what is his right to do?

Easy rider Alex Bowman discusses Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick fill-in role

Back in competition at Michigan, Alex Bowman sounds confident in his replacement assignment.

Lower downforce means higher speeds at Michigan, topping 200 mph

Kyle Larson flies through a practice lap as cars run with smaller spoilers, producing less drag. But oh, how the corners will be tricky.

Alex Bowman rides again: Michigan shouldn't be his last race for Hendrick

With Dale Earnhardt Jr. out two more races, and with Hendrick Motorsports short on development drivers, Alex Bowman has earned his chance to impress.

Kasey Kahne's future depends on Kasey Kahne's success, and nothing else

It's been two years since Kasey Kahne has won a Sprint Cup race, and even he knows his time is running out at Hendrick Motorsports.

Three races to go before Chase, all eyes on Michigan's second aero test

Sunday's race will be the third test of a reduction in downforce that NASCAR wants to used in 2017. Here are the drivers who will put the changes to the test.

UFC fighter Nick Diaz involved in Las Vegas brawl, but reports are sketchy

News of the incident primarily come from one source, a celebrity gossip site.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. to remain sidelined at Michigan, Darlington

Alex Bowman and Jeff Gordon will drive the next two races for Dale Earnhardt Jr.

2016 U.S. Open begins Aug. 29; what you need to know before play begins

Seeds are set, the draw will be done on Aug. 26 and the year's final major tennis tournament will roar to life at the USTA facility in New York. Get ready.

Kyle Busch hit hardest in latest NASCAR penalties; blame laser inspections

Five Sprint Cup drivers receive warnings after their cars ran afoul of inspections at Bristol.

All eyes on Dale Earnhardt Jr., awaiting word on when he will drive next

Doctors got a look at Junior on Wednesday and will decide if he is healthy enough to return to his No. 88 car this weekend at Michigan.

Tony Stewart's evening at Bristol goes wrong with shaking car

Tony Stewart loses dozens of laps at Bristol with a wheel problem, and he's not one bit happy.

Bristol night race finally gets under way; full 500 laps appear possible

Saturday night's postponement and a long, wet wait on Sunday came to an end about 4:30 p.m. ET.

Bristol race postponement brings rain of TV coverage questions

CNBC gets the Sunday duty for Sprint Cup's race, while fans scramble to find it on their channel offerings and grouse about the swirl of changes.

When Bristol race resumes, Kyle Busch will start at head of field

NASCAR got 48 lap done before Saturday's postponement, but its restart at Thunder Valley was in jeopardy as rain continued.

Bristol update: With rain's end near, getting ready for night race after all

A day's delay by persistent rain leaves NASCAR fans and drivers turning to social media to let off steam. A night race is likely once Sprint Cup can restart.

NASCAR's wet 2016 continues at Bristol; damp if you do, damp it you don't

Week after week, Sprint Cup and other national series find weather problems making life miserable. Delays and postponements are too frequent.

Rain falls at Bristol ahead of night race, adding questions about track

A Saturday downpour only adds to questions ahead of the night's Sprint Cup race.

Rain delays Bristol qualifying, adds questions about track surface

Nearly 90 minutes are lost to showers ahead of Friday's qualifying sessions.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. posts active therapy images in latest injury update

What's it like to recover from a concussion? Dale Earnhardt Jr. gives a glimpse, and a smile that says he could be close to returning to NASCAR.

Hendrick-Byron deal creates buzz as Sprint Cup teams try to copy Gibbs success

Hendrick Motorsports plucks William Byron from burgeoning roster of prospects. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em ... or at least copy another team's success.

Hendrick Motorsports adds hot prospect William Byron to its driver roster

A five-time winner and points leader in the Truck Series, William Byron becomes Hendrick's top developmental driver. He is 18 and will race in the Xfinity Series next season.

Where's the love? Bristol shows off efforts to get its lower groove back

Track officials hope changes to the racing surface will bring back the good-old days of cussing, fussing, crashing and trashing.

If Dale Earnhardt Jr. returns for Michigan, Chase berth will require victory

Points alone won't get Junior into the 16-man championship competition. And we won't know whether he will drive at Michigan until next week.

NBC's outlandish couple provide more than just words to Olympic coverage.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. says words fans want to hear, but not when he will return

There is a future for NASCAR's most popular driver in Sprint Cup; we just don't know the particulars. But what Junior makes clear is his desire to continue racing.

Martin Truex Jr. gets his reward after proving he's one of NASCAR's best

The little team that could, and the driver with the talent to race with the best, will continue to make their presence felt.

Kurt Busch crew chief fined $10,000 for car body violation at Pocono

Along with the hefty fine, Tony Gibson is placed on probation. Check all the penalties issued after Pocono.

NASCAR would do well to reconsider its harsh lug nut penalties

Suspended crew chief Rodney Childers became a poster boy for lug nut penalty change as his sat out the second Pocono race.

Tony Stewart's final word on being fill-in driver: No (maybe)

At a media event to reveal his Bobby Allison-themed throwback car, Tony Stewart says it would take an emergency for him to be a replacement driver after he retires.

In-car audio from Pocono: Everyone can, and does, complain about weather

Rain, fog, wet track, you name it. Drivers and teams had plenty to say during the abbreviated Sprint Cup race at Pocono.

Like it or not, Chris Buescher deserves his Chase berth — if he earns it

Rules say a driver is eligible for the Chase for the Sprint Cup with a win and top-30 points finish. No matter if you think Chris Buescher's Pocono victory is tainted, he will be in pending one final requirement.

PGA Championship 2016: Uncivil behavior draws stinging response

Stupid can be ignored, but sometimes it deserves swift, sharp rebuke.

PGA Championship 2016: Jimmy Walker makes statement on back nine

Two great shots, two birdies: That's how Jimmy Walker answers challenges.

Scott holes out for eagle at PGA

Adam Scott one-hopped his approach shot on the par-4 eighth hole for an eagle.

Rain prevents scheduled Cup race at Pocono; now planned for Monday

It's the first time in Cup history a track has seen two races postponed in one year.

Tuesday announcement from Furniture Row likely word of second Cup team

Erik Jones is viewed as a possible driver if the one-car team allied to Joe Gibbs Racing adds a car for the 2017 season.

Death at obscure drag strip reminds of racing's dangers

A driver is dead and a man and his son are injured in a crash at a little-known track.

Pocono starting lineup: Pole-sitter Martin Truex Jr. leads Sunday's Toyota parade

Four Toyotas in the Joe Gibbs Racing alliance will start the Pennsylvania 400 from the top 10. Martin Truex Jr.'s successful season continues from pole position.

Rain at Pocono brings delay for Sprint Cup race; start pushed back one hour

Morning showers are expected to dissipate and allow the Pennsylvania 400 to be run on Sunday.

Martin Truex Jr., fastest at Pocono, trying to outrun rotten, stinking luck

Anything that can go wrong, will and has for Martin Truex Jr. and team this season. Now he prepares to run at Pocono as top qualifier. Good luck.