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CARBAHN PEREGRINE RACING POWERS THROUGH SEBRING TRIALS, EYES REDEMPTION AT LAGUNA SECA

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Sebring, Florida. (March 18, 2024) — Following an intense showdown at the Sebring International Raceway, CarBahn Peregrine Racing experienced another rollercoaster of emotions in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Alan Jay Automotive Network 120 race.

Starting from the 4th row after a strong qualifying performance that landed them in 8th place, the No. 39 Accel / Menlo BMW M4 GT4, driven by Sean McAlister and Jeff Westphal, showcased resilience and strategy throughout the race. With clean runs and impeccable pit stops, the team steadily climbed up the ranks, making their way to 4th place with only 2 laps remaining.

However, as the race entered its crucial final moments, the team faced a devastating setback. An ill-timed maneuver by the No. 69 Motorsports In Action McLaren Artura GT4, which incurred a subsequent penalty, saw it aggressively attempt to overtake Westphal’s No. 39 CarBahn Motorsports BMW M4 GT4 at Turn 3. This contact caused the No. 39 to spin out, dashing the team’s hopes of reaching the podium and resulting in a disappointing 9th place finish.

Despite the disappointment, Jeff Westphal’s stellar performance shone through with the second-best sector 1 time and the fastest time for sector 3, securing the team’s runner up spot in the ideal lap chart.

Looking ahead, CarBahn Peregrine Racing remains undeterred as they prepare for their next challenge. On May 11, the team will embark on a two-hour battle at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, eager to bounce back and reclaim their position at the forefront of the competition.

Jeff Westphal – driver of the No. 39 Accel / Menlo BMW M4 GT4

“A tough ending to an otherwise extremely positive day for the No. 39 Carbahn Peregrine Racing BMW M4. We had great pace on a single lap in the heat of the Florida sun, as well as a good long run average.

However some over zealous decisions by many of our competitors found our rear bumper in multiple ways and angles, one of which took me out of a fight for 2nd. I was able to get moving again in P10 and make it back up to P9 by the checkered, but a disappointment as a podium was within reach.

I would like to highlight the incredible job done by my team, and team mate this past weekend. We were firing on all cylinders as a group!”

Sean McAlister – driver of the No. 39 Accel / Menlo BMW M4 GT4

“Sebring was a tough one. We struggled with an unfavorable balance of power for the weekend which gave us more weight and less power compared to Daytona, while most of the other manufacturers got weight reduced and power increased. I did what I could in qualifying to put us in P8 to start the race.

The team gave Jeff and I an amazing race car to drive in order to be consistent, as that would be our only chances at doing well in the race. I was able to move the car up through the field a few positions while on track. After I handed it off to Jeff, he also did a great job moving the car through the field but unfortunately we got spun by a low percentage move while battling for a podium position with only a few laps to go, resulting in us finishing 9th.

Even though it wasn’t the result we wanted, it was important to get some points on the board for the championship. Can’t wait for Laguna Seca in a few weeks!”

Sameer Gandhi – team co-owner

“While Sebring brought moments of disappointment, it also showcased the incredible determination and skill of our drivers, Sean McAlister and Jeff Westphal. Despite facing setbacks beyond their control, they demonstrated unwavering commitment and resilience, pushing the No. 39 Accel / Menlo BMW M4 GT4 to its limits.

We acknowledge the outstanding effort put forth by every member of our team, from the drivers to the crew, whose dedication and hard work are the backbone of our success.

As we look forward to the upcoming race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, we remain focused and determined to bounce back stronger than ever. Our sights are set on reclaiming our position at the forefront of the competition, and I have full confidence in the ability of our team to rise to the challenge.”

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GM Brands Dominate Detroit as Cadillac and Corvette Capture IMSA Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic Wins

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DETROIT (FNN SPORTS) — Cadillac and Chevrolet celebrated a historic hometown sweep Saturday as both General Motors brands captured class victories in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Chevrolet Detroit Sports Car Classic.

Competing in the shadow of General Motors’ Renaissance Center headquarters along the Detroit Riverwalk, the No. 31 Cadillac Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber dominated the 100-minute race to secure the overall victory and Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class win.

In Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims powered the No. 3 Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports Corvette Z06 GT3.R to victory, giving Chevrolet a celebrated win on its home turf.

Cadillac Continues Detroit Dominance

The No. 31 Cadillac controlled the race from start to finish, executing a near-flawless performance in front of General Motors executives, employees, and supporters.

The victory marked Cadillac’s fifth IMSA triumph in Detroit, adding to previous wins in 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. The result also extended the No. 31 team’s streak to seven consecutive GTP podium finishes.

“To do it here at the home of GM and Cadillac with so many friends and family with us, my team absolutely nailed it,” Aitken said after the race.

The No. 25 BMW M Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 finished second in class, while the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R completed the GTP podium.

Meanwhile, the No. 93 Acura Meyer Shank Racing with Curb Agajanian Acura ARX-06 earned the IMSA Michelin Sustainability in Racing Award with its fourth-place finish.

Corvette Capitalizes on Late-Race Drama

While Cadillac’s victory was largely under control, the GTD PRO race featured significant late-race drama.

Garcia nearly lost the lead when Jack Hawksworth attempted a pass entering Turn 1 in the No. 14 Vasser Sullivan Racing Lexus RC F GT3. Contact between the two cars triggered a penalty against Hawksworth, whose Lexus received a drive-through penalty for incident responsibility.

Despite the pressure, Garcia maintained control on the final restart to secure his first IMSA victory in Detroit and the 32nd IMSA win of his career.

“Super happy to be in victory lane in Chevrolet land,” Garcia said. “I think all the big bosses will be very happy, as we are. It was a fantastic drive by Alex, who put the car on pole and opened a big gap early.”

The late-race chaos opened the door for the No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Temerario GT3 driven by Andrea Caldarelli and Sandy Mitchell to earn the new car’s first podium finish in second place.

The No. 65 Ford Mustang GT3 driven by Christopher Mies and Frederic Vervisch rounded out the GTD PRO podium in third.

Championship Battle Tightens Heading to Watkins Glen

Both class winners started from the Motul Pole Award position and successfully converted pole into victory despite two late caution periods that reshuffled the field and intensified competition during the closing laps.

The victory unofficially moves Aitken into the lead of the GTP championship standings, while the No. 4 Corvette pairing of Nicky Catsburg and Tommy Milner maintains the GTD PRO points lead, though by a reduced margin.

The IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns June 28 for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen at Watkins Glen International, one of the premier endurance races on the North American sports car calendar.

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Dolphins Announce Free 2026 NFL Draft Watch Parties in Fort Lauderdale and Miami

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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Dolphins will host their 2026 NFL Draft Party presented by Bud Light on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. ET, offering fans two locations across South Florida to watch the first round of the NFL Draft.

The free events will take place at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale and Regatta Grove, providing fans in Broward and Miami-Dade counties an opportunity to gather and celebrate as the draft unfolds.

DRAFT PARTY DETAILS AND FAN EXPERIENCE

Te events are free and open to the public, with fans encouraged to reserve their spots in advance due to limited capacity. Activities will include interactive games, giveaways, photo opportunities, and appearances by the Dolphins mascot and cheerleaders.

Both venues will also feature live panel discussions with current players and team alumni, offering insight, analysis and personal stories related to the draft.

Season ticket members will receive select complimentary food and beverage offerings during the event.

DOLPHINS’ STRONG DRAFT POSITION

Miami enters the 2026 NFL Draft with significant capital, holding 11 total selections, including two first-round picks at Nos. 11 and 30.

The team also holds a second-round pick (No. 43), four third-round selections (Nos. 75, 87, 90 and 94), a fourth-round pick (No. 130), a fifth-round pick (No. 151) and two seventh-round picks (Nos. 227 and 238).

With seven selections in the top 100, this marks one of the franchise’s most anticipated drafts in recent years.

COUNTDOWN TO THE NFL DRAFT

The draft party marks the start of the team’s one-week countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft, as fans prepare to see how Miami builds its roster for the upcoming season.

The dual-location format is designed to expand fan access and engagement across South Florida, bringing together supporters for a shared viewing experience.

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Las Vegas to Host Super Bowl LXIII at Allegiant Stadium in 2029, NFL Announces

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NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The National Football League announced that Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium, marking the second time the city will stage the league’s championship game.

The announcement was made during the NFL’s Annual Meeting in Phoenix, following a review by the league’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by NFL team owners.

“We’re excited to bring the Super Bowl back to Las Vegas and provide our fans another incredible experience in one of America’s greatest sports and entertainment destinations,” said Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL. “Super Bowl LVIII demonstrated the scale, energy and hospitality the city brings to global events, and we look forward to working alongside the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Raiders and the community to deliver an even greater experience this time around.”

LAS VEGAS RETURNS AS SUPER BOWL HOST

The 2029 championship will mark the second Super Bowl hosted in Las Vegas. The city debuted as a Super Bowl host in 2024 with Super Bowl LVIII, which attracted more than 330,000 visitors and generated over $1 billion in economic impact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

“We’re proud the NFL has selected Las Vegas to host Super Bowl LXIII,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “Our first Super Bowl showcased the unique energy and scale only this destination can offer, bringing together world-class sports, entertainment and hospitality in one place. Las Vegas was built for moments like this, and we look forward to delivering another exceptional experience for fans in 2029.”

RAIDERS, COMMUNITY PREPARE FOR GLOBAL EVENT

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said the return of the Super Bowl reflects the success of the city’s first hosting effort and the collaboration between the NFL, local leaders and the community.

“It’s a testament to the Raiders, the LVCVA, civic leaders, the community and the NFL working together,” Davis said. “Super Bowl LVIII set a high bar, and for Super Bowl LXIII we are committed to raising it even further.”

FAN EXPERIENCES AND HOSPITALITY PROGRAMS

In the lead-up to Super Bowl LXIII, Las Vegas will host a series of major events across the metropolitan area, including NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience, and Super Bowl Opening Night, along with community initiatives such as NFL Source, the league’s procurement program supporting local and underrepresented businesses.

Meanwhile, On Location, the NFL’s official hospitality partner, has launched its Priority Access deposit program for Super Bowl LXIII hospitality packages. The program offers fans early access to premium seating, exclusive entertainment, luxury hospitality experiences and other curated game-day packages.

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