Sports

Acura’s Van der Zande to Start Rolex 24 at Daytona From Pole

Published

1 week ago

January 22, 2026

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Renger van der Zande will lead the field to the green flag for the 64th Rolex 24 At Daytona after a post-qualifying penalty reshuffled the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) grid, promoting the No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 to the pole position.

The Dutch driver originally qualified second, just 0.102 seconds behind Jack Aitken, during the 15-minute GTP qualifying session that set the grid for the 2026 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season opener.

Post-Qualifying Penalty Reshapes GTP Grid

Following technical inspection, the No. 31 GTP entry was moved to the rear of the GTP class after officials determined the friction area of the car’s rear skid block exceeded the permitted tolerance. The infraction elevated van der Zande and Acura to the top starting position.

Van der Zande will share the No. 93 Acura with full-season co-driver Nick Yelloly, four-time and reigning IndyCar Series champion Alex Palou, and sophomore standout Kaku Ohta.

Strong Acura Momentum Continues

The No. 93 Acura was a frequent Motul Pole Award contender in 2025, earning three consecutive poles from Detroit in May through Road America in August. Yelloly claimed two of those poles, with van der Zande securing the most recent at Watkins Glen in June.

Van der Zande’s fastest qualifying lap of 1 minute, 34.041 seconds (136.281 mph) was just 0.028 seconds quicker than the next-closest competitor, underscoring the tight competition at the front of the field.

With the updated grid, three of the five manufacturers competing in GTP now occupy the top three starting positions.

Cadillac, Porsche Move Up as Field Sets

The No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R advances to second on the grid. The car was qualified by Louis Deletraz and will be co-driven by former Rolex 24 winners Jordan Taylor and Colton Herta.

Porsche Penske Motorsport’s No. 7 Porsche 963, driven by Felipe Nasr, will start third as Nasr and teammates Julien Andlauer and Laurin Heinrich aim for a third consecutive Rolex 24 victory together.

The sister No. 60 Acura Meyer Shank Racing entry — featuring past Rolex 24 winners Tom Blomqvist, Colin Braun, Scott Dixon, and AJ Allmendinger — will start fourth, followed by the No. 6 Porsche Penske Motorsport Porsche 963 with a new full-season pairing of Kevin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor, joined by reigning GTP champion Matt Campbell.

Further down the order, both BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 entries outqualified the Aston Martin Valkyrie, with the WRT team overcoming a hybrid issue on its No. 25 chassis encountered earlier in practice.

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Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride Launch New Pop-Up Bar for 2026 Kickoff to Soccer Events

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

FNN SPORTS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride today announced the launch of The Final Whistle at Thornton Park Pub, a first‑of‑its‑kind pop‑up bar and fan gathering space that will serve as the centerpiece of the Club’s 2026 Kickoff to Soccer celebrations. Presented by Heineken and located at 808 E. Washington St., the fully branded venue will open on Saturday, January 31 and operate exclusively in the weeks leading up to each team’s season opener, offering marquee events, special appearances, exclusive merchandise drops and interactive fan experiences.

Bringing fans closer to the Club than ever before, The Final Whistle will feature rare memorabilia from both teams, such as iconic kits, match‑worn items and historic moments that tell the story of how Orlando became one of the most passionate soccer cities in the country. Beyond its historic displays, the space delivers a fully immersive matchday‑meets‑night‑out experience, complete with a team‑inspired food and drink menu crafted specifically for City and Pride fans.

“The Final Whistle represents everything that makes soccer in Orlando special,” said Jarrod Dillon, President of Business Operations for Orlando City and Orlando Pride. “It’s a space built for our fans where history, culture and passion come together. Whether you’re joining us for the kit launch, testing your club knowledge at trivia night or simply reliving some of our most iconic moments, we want this to feel like home. This is the most immersive preseason experience we’ve ever created, and it’s only the beginning of what promises to be a special year for both City and Pride.”

Throughout February, The Final Whistle will host several fan events, including the highly anticipated unveiling of Orlando City’s 2026‑27 Community Kit, presented by Orlando Health, along with appearances from players, alumni and club personalities, and surprise moments available only inside the pub. The Club will also host additional events at Inter&Co Stadium, including the annual Purple Pride 5K and a Season Ticket Member exclusive Orlando City match against the Colorado Rapids, which will round out the slate of preseason celebrations.

A list of confirmed Kickoff to Soccer events is below. The Orlando Pride’s schedule of preseason programming, including player appearances and fan events, will be announced at a later date ahead of the team’s 2026 NWSL campaign, which kicks off on March 15. Fans can view The Final Whistle’s hours of operation and full schedule of events at OrlandoCitySC.com/TheFinalWhistle.

2026 Kickoff to Soccer Events:

The Final Whistle Grand Opening Event
Saturday, January 31 | 12 p.m. ET | Thornton Park Pub, 808 E. Washington St.

The new Orlando City and Orlando Pride pop‑up bar opens its doors with giveaways, drink specials and appearances from club personalities.

Purple Pride 5K, presented by Once Upon A Coconut
Saturday, Feb. 7 | 8 a.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium

A fan-favorite tradition, the Purple Pride 5K, presented by Once Upon A Coconut and supported by Orlando Health, Heineken, Pepsi, and Publix, returns for its 11th year.

The annual run kicks off on Church Street before finishing on the pitch inside Inter&Co Stadium. After completing the race, the celebration continues at the Fan Zone outside Gate B with a festival featuring food trucks, live music, beer, interactive games and more.

Orlando City Jersey Launch, presented by Orlando Health
Tuesday, Feb. 10 | 6–9 p.m. ET | The Final Whistle

The new 2026‑27 Community Kit makes its debut with a backyard‑style party featuring live music, activations, giveaways, player drop‑ins and an appearance from Kingston. Attendees will have early access to purchase the kit along with a special collectible that’s part of a season-long series.

Preseason Friendly: Orlando City SC vs. Colorado Rapids
Saturday, Feb. 14 | 7 p.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium

A Season Ticket Member‑exclusive chance to see the Lions in their final tune-up before the 2026 MLS season kicks off. Members will receive an email to RSVP for the match from their Member Experience Specialist.

Lagers with the Lions, presented by Heineken
Monday, Feb. 16 | 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. ET | The Final Whistle

Raise a glass with Orlando City players during a one‑night‑only experience where forward Tyrese Spicer and goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau will step behind the counter to serve drinks and interact with supporters. The evening will feature signature drink specials, a live DJ, an appearance by Kingston, exclusive giveaways and memorable photo opportunities. Prizes will include autographed items, match tickets and more.

Home Opener, Presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute: Orlando City SC vs. Red Bull New York
Saturday, Feb. 21 | 7:30 p.m. ET | Inter&Co Stadium

Orlando City’s 12th MLS campaign will kick off at Inter&Co Stadium against Red Bull New York.

North Florida News

Jaguars Add Mathieu Araujo, Brian Picucci to Coaching Staff for 2026 Season

Published

2 days ago

January 28, 2026

FNN SPORTS

JACKSONVILLE (FNN) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced two additions to their coaching staff for the 2026 season, naming Mathieu Araujo as defensive pass game coordinator and Brian Picucci as run game coordinator.

Araujo Joins Jaguars After Success with Dolphins

Araujo (uh-ROO-joh) comes to Jacksonville following four seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2022–25), serving as cornerbacks coach from 2024–25 and assistant defensive backs coach from 2022–23.

In 2024, Araujo helped guide Miami to its first top-five finish in total defense since 2006, as the Dolphins allowed just 314.4 yards per game, ranking fourth in the NFL. The Dolphins also posted a top-10 defensive finish in 2023 for the first time since 2010, allowing 318.3 yards per game.

Before entering the NFL, Araujo spent seven seasons in the collegiate ranks, including three years at Yale (2019–21) as defensive backs coach and recruiting coordinator. A native of East Freetown, Massachusetts, Araujo was a four-year letterman at Bridgewater State, playing defensive back.

Picucci Brings Run Game Experience from Tampa Bay

Picucci (pi-COO-chee) joins the Jaguars after two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, serving as offensive line coach in 2025 and assistant offensive line coach in 2024.

During his time with Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers ranked among the NFL’s top 10 in several rushing categories, including yards per rush (4.7, fifth), rushing first downs (252, tied for sixth), and rushing yards per game (131.9, seventh).

In 2024, Picucci worked with a Buccaneers offense led by current Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen that ranked in the top five leaguewide in points per game (29.5), total yards (399.6), passing yards (250.4), rushing yards (149.2), first downs (23.2), and third-down conversion rate (50.9 percent).

Extensive Coaching Background

Prior to his tenure in Tampa Bay, Picucci served as an offensive quality control coach at the University of Kentucky in 2023, where he again worked with Coen. The two previously coached together at UMass from 2005–08.

Picucci’s 31-year coaching career also includes stops at Florida International University, the Detroit Lions, the University of Maine, Becker College, Widener University, Central Connecticut State, Northeastern University, Southern Connecticut State, and multiple stints at UMass.

Sports

NFL Releases Media Details for 2026 Scouting Combine in Indianapolis

Published

7 days ago

January 23, 2026

Willie David

INDIANAPOLIS (FNN SPORTS) — The NFL has announced media availability details for the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, which will feature top prospects eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft along with select NFL head coaches and general managers.

Media availability will take place at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.

Event Overview

The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine will bring together the league’s top draft-eligible prospects as they undergo evaluations by NFL personnel. Select head coaches and general managers will also be available to the media during designated windows throughout the week.

Media Location Information

Media availability will be held in Hall J of the Indiana Convention Center. Media should enter through the Capitol Avenue entrance, located at Capitol Avenue and Georgia Street, or via the Indianapolis SkyWalk.

The NFL Media Workroom will be located in the Sagamore Ballroom on the second floor of the Indiana Convention Center.

Coach and Executive Availability

Select NFL head coaches and general managers will be available during the following times:

Tuesday, Feb. 24: 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, Feb. 25: 1–6:30 p.m. ET

Prospect Media Availability Schedule

Draft prospects will be available to the media based on their assigned position groups from Wednesday, Feb. 25, through Saturday, Feb. 28. Prospects will rotate through the media room during designated one-hour windows and will not be present for the full hour.

Wednesday, Feb. 25