Sports
Brashear, Childress, Gabelich, Ganassi, McClelland, Posey, Sweikert To Be Inducted Into Motorsports Hall Of Fame Of America On Wednesday Night
Published
10 years agoon
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – A monumental week for the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) is on tap, highlighted by Wednesday night’s 28th Annual MSHFA Induction Ceremony Presented by Bridgestone at The Shores Resort & Spa.
Wednesday will mark the first induction ceremony in Daytona Beach for the MSHFA, which has relocated to Daytona International Speedway (DIS) from Novi, Michigan. The new hall facility, located in the Speedway’s expansive Ticket and Tours Building, will host the annual “Heroes of Horsepower Reception” on Tuesday night; this year’s seven new inductees will be honored with the unveiling of their respective bronze busts to be displayed perpetually in the hall.
Also on Wednesday, the Inductee Lunch Hosted By Toyota will be held in the Toyota Injector area in the Speedway’s new motorsports stadium design resulting from the $400 million DAYTONA Rising renovation project completed prior to this racing season.
All three events have been sold out.
On Sunday, the MSHFA will open to the public for the first time, with hall visits included as part of all Daytona International Speedway fan tours.
The events are all part of the annual Independence Day weekend celebration in the community and at the Speedway that includes Saturday night’s tradition-rich NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race, the 58th annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola.
2016 MSHFA Induction Ceremony Presented By Bridgestone
The 230-person MSHFA inductee role honors all forms of motorsports: motorcycles, stock cars, sports cars, open-wheel, drag racing, land speed records, powerboating, off-road and aviation racing. This year’s class reflects that philosophy. The lineup:
· Everett Brashear – One of the top AMA dirt-track motorcycle racers of all-time, Brashear won a total of 15 AMA nationals between1952-1960. … After exiting from competition, Brashear immersed himself in other areas of the motorcycle industry, working for Harley-Davidson, Triumph, Yamaha and Kawasaki. … In all, he spent 47 years in the industry. … Brashear was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1988.
· Richard Childress – Childress’ remarkable career evolved from being a struggling stock car racer to becoming one of the premier owners in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, winning six championships with 2002 MSHFA inductee Dale Earnhardt (1986, ’87, ’90, ’91, ’93, ’94). … Has 14 championships in NASCAR national series competition, second-best all time. … His drivers have won the DAYTONA 500 twice and the Brickyard 400 three times.
· Gary Gabelich – Gabelich chased speed records on both land and water during a brief but mercurial competitive career for the former Apollo test astronaut. … In 1969, Gabelich established a quarter-mile Drag Boat record of 200.44 mph (323 km/h). … A year later, driving the “Blue Flame” he set FIA Land Speed Records of 622.407 mph (1,001.667 km/h) over a flying mile and 630.388 mph (1,014.511 km/h) over a flying kilometer at the Bonneville Salt Flats. … His competitive career ended after a 1972 accident in an experimental Funny Car. … He died in 1984 due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.
· Chip Ganassi – Ganassi is the only car owner to have won the DAYTONA 500, the Indianapolis 500, the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Brickyard 400. Between February 2010 and January 2011, his drivers swept those four events, giving him an unprecedented “Grand Slam” in America’s major auto races. … Overall, his teams have won 18 championships and more than 170 races. His open-wheel teams have amassed 11 championships and more than 100 victories – including five in the Indianapolis 500. His
NASCAR teams have 17 victories including a DAYTONA 500 victory, and have twice qualified for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. His sports car teams have a record six Rolex 24 At Daytona victories to complement their seven Rolex Sports Car Series championships. … Earlier this month, he added a LMGTE Pro class championship at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. … Before becoming one of the most successful team owners in American racing history, Ganassi raced himself, competing in the Indianapolis 500 five times with a best finish of eighth in 1983.
· Dave McClelland – Known as “The Voice of the NHRA”, McClelland is one of the most legendary voices in all of motorsports and certainly the most legendary in the history of drag racing. But his face is very recognizable, too, thanks to his years of NHRA-related work on ESPN, SPEED and The Nashville Network. … His background also includes a stint as a race track executive followed by a successful run as NHRA publicity and public relations director. … He has been recognized with a number of awards during his career including the 2013 Robert E. Petersen Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented annually to pioneers in the hot rod and restoration industry.
· Sam Posey – Posey has excelled both on the race track and in the broadcast booth, in the process becoming one of this country’s most recognizable and respected motorsports personalities. … Posey raced in Can-Am, Trans-Am, Indy Car, sports cars, Formula One and NASCAR competition. … He raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 10 times, finishing in the top 10 five times, with a best finish of third in 1971. … After leaving competition he became an ABC commentator in 1974 and now works for NBC Sports Network on Formula One coverage and has written numerous well-regarded books and magazine articles on motorsports subjects.
· Bob Sweikert – Los Angeles native Sweikert had a season for the ages in 1955, winning the Indianapolis 500, the AAA “Big Car” National Championship and the Midwest Sprint Car Championship, becoming the first driver to sweep all three honors in a single season. … Sweikert was the first driver to exceed 100 mph on a one-mile oval track. … His career was halted at the age of 30, his full potential unrealized, when he died in June 1956 after a Sprint Car accident at Salem (Indiana) Speedway. … He was inducted into the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in 1994 and the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1995.
You may like
Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games
Published
5 days agoon
October 1, 2026By
FNN SPORTSNew affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.
The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.
“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.
$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs
The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.
The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.
Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.
Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7
The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.
Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.
“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.
Merchandise Deals Start at $15
The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.
Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.
SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation
The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.
According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.
Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans
Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.
“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.
Central Florida News
Buccaneers’ Todd Bowles Backs Jalon Daniels Ahead of First NFL Start Against Packers
Published
6 days agoon
October 1, 2026By
FNN SPORTSTAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles expressed confidence in quarterback Jalon Daniels after Wednesday’s practice, emphasizing preparation, improved pass protection and accountability as the team seeks its first victory of the season against the Green Bay Packers.
Daniels is preparing for his first NFL start, with Tampa Bay trying to avoid an 0-4 start. Bowles said the quarterback’s responsibility is to execute the offense while his teammates and coaches fulfill their own assignments.
“For us, it’s just trying to get a win,” Bowles said. “Everybody has to do their job.”
Daniels’ preparation and decision-making take priority
Bowles said film study and mental preparation will be central to Daniels’ readiness. He encouraged the quarterback to trust his experience and avoid trying to do too much.
The coaching staff is evaluating which elements of the game plan Daniels handles most comfortably. Bowles said veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield’s experience allows him to manage more checks, audibles and offensive adjustments.
“We’ve just got to make sure Jalon is comfortable with the things we give him,” Bowles said.
Although Daniels can extend plays outside the pocket, Bowles said his intelligence and pocket performance earned him a place on the roster.
“His intelligence and his pocket play is what got him on the team,” he said.
Bowles also dismissed the suggestion that entering the season with Daniels as the backup quarterback was a risk.
“He earned it, and he beat [the others] out fair and square,” Bowles said.
Pass protection needs improvement
Bowles said correcting pass protection requires contributions from both the offensive line and running backs. He identified communication, fundamentals and footwork as areas needing attention.
“The communication has got to be better,” he said.
Bowles confirmed that the team has adjusted aspects of its practice routine but declined to explain the changes.
He also said the coaching staff has discussed increasing running back Sean Tucker’s involvement.
“He definitely needs to run the ball a little bit more,” Bowles said.
Diaby, Bain among injury concerns
Bowles expressed optimism about outside linebacker Yaya Diaby, who is dealing with a calf injury, while saying outside linebacker Rueben Bain Jr.’s status remains uncertain.
“Yaya, we think, will be okay,” Bowles said. “Rueben, we’re still trying to decide, and we’ll see at the end of the week where he is.”
Bowles said Bain’s shoulder remains a concern.
Defensive lineman Rakeem Nuñez-Roches sustained a foot injury during stretching before putting on his uniform, according to Bowles.
Linebacker Josiah Trotter participated fully in Wednesday’s practice. Bowles said he would have a better assessment after Thursday’s practice in shoulder pads.
Packers present an explosive offensive challenge
Bowles praised Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love’s accuracy and command of the offense. He also highlighted tight end Tucker Kraft and the speed of receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden.
“Then, [Love] puts the ball on a dime,” Bowles said. “He knows how to get rid of it, and he understands the offense very well.”
Potential changes along Green Bay’s offensive line will require adjustments, Bowles said, but Tampa Bay’s defenders must remain focused on their assignments and technique.
Defense shows progress
Bowles said Tampa Bay’s defense performed significantly better against Minnesota than it did during the first two weeks.
He praised defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson’s leadership, energy and tenacity, and said linebacker Alex Anzalone played well against the Vikings.
Outside linebacker David Walker has earned additional defensive snaps, Bowles said. The coaching staff also is working to expand safety Antoine Winfield Jr.’s role.
“We haven’t put in everything to access all his talents, and we’re working on that right now,” Bowles said.
Veteran leadership essential to a turnaround
Bowles described Sunday’s game as critical and said overcoming a difficult start requires mental toughness, veteran leadership and unity.
“You have some veterans that step up, and you stay the course and you stay together and you don’t point fingers,” he said. “Those are the teams that come out of it.”
Central Florida News
USF Saves Its Best Work for the Fourth in 14-6 Win Over Bowling Green
Published
1 week agoon
September 29, 2026By
NISEY LOU S.The Bulls erase a six-point deficit and leave Ohio 4-0 for the first time since 2018.
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (FNN SPORTS) — The first three quarters belonged to a low-scoring game. The fourth belonged to South Florida.
Bowling Green entered the final quarter ahead 6-0, but USF’s defense had kept the margin small enough for one possession to change the direction of the game. Three quiet quarters did not decide this one. The final quarter did.
That opportunity came after a fourth-down stop near midfield.
D.J. Crowther helped move the Bulls downfield, and Luke Kromenhoek finished the possession with a two-yard touchdown run to put USF ahead 7-6.
Crowther was back at the center of the next scoring drive, ending a 72-yard possession with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the afternoon with 143 rushing yards on 23 carries.
Bowling Green’s final drive reached USF territory, but Asani Redwood recorded a late sack before the Falcons came up two yards short on fourth-and-16.
USF walked away with the 14-6 win and its first 4-0 start since 2018.
Trending
Central Florida News4 days agoOrange County Announces $28,200 Public Art Opportunity at Tangelo Park Community Center
Florida2 hours agoFNN Perspective: Black Leaders Back Byron Donalds for Governor. Will More Black and Hispanic Leaders Follow?
Central Florida News2 days agoTemple Hands USF First Loss, 17-13