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Larson Captures Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway

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Kyle Larson wins the Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Photo: NASCAR.
Kyle Larson wins the Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Photo: NASCAR.

MIAMI, Fla. (Oct. 23, 2022) – Kyle Larson has led a lot of laps and come awfully close to hoisting a trophy at Homestead-Miami Speedway. On Sunday he finally did both, winning the Dixie Vodka 400 NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race in dominant form.

 

Larson swept both Stage wins and led 199 of the race’s 267 laps in the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to pull away to a 1.261-second victory over Florida native Ross Chastain in the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevy.

 

Kaulig Racing’s A.J. Allmendinger was third with Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon and Roush-Fenway-Keselowski Racing’s Brad Keselowski rounding out the top five. It is the 2012 series champion Keselowski’s first Top-five finish since becoming co-owner of the organization this season.

 

The win was 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Larson’s third of the year and 19th of his career – but the first at the 1.5-mile Homestead oval after a pair of previous near-misses. He led a race best 132 laps in 2016, but finished runner-up. He led 145 laps in 2017 and finished third.

 

“No matter what team I’ve been with, things haven’t worked out on my end to get a win, so glad to get one today,’’ Larson said.

 

“Definitely the best run we’ve had all year long,’’ he added. “We’ve been capable of it I feel like many weekends, we just hadn’t quite put it all together. [Crew chief] Cliff [Daniels] gave a great speech this morning and got us all ready to go and focused.

 

“Amazing race car,’’ he noted with a smile.

 

The 30-year-old Californian was eliminated from the Playoffs in the last round, so Chastain was the top-finishing championship contender with only one race – next week at Martinsville, Va. – to set the four driver Championship field for the Nov. 6 season finale at Phoenix.

 

Only two Playoff drivers finished in the Top-10 Sunday at Homestead: Chastain and Denny Hamlin, who was seventh in the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota.

 

Playoff drivers Christopher Bell (finished 11th), Sunday’s polesitter William Byron (12th), Chase Elliott (14th), Ryan Blaney (17th) and Joey Logano (18th) were still running on the lead lap at the checkered flag. The eighth Playoff-eligible driver, Chase Briscoe, finished last (36th) after making contact with the wall on lap 160.

 

Hamlin (four laps), Bell (four laps) and Byron (33 laps) all spent time leading the field before various setbacks.

 

Team Penske’s Logano is the only Playoff driver who has already earned his position in the Championship race thanks to a victory at Las Vegas a week ago. Chastain, Elliott and Byron now complete the Top-four driver ranking.

 

Hamlin sits in fifth place, five points below Byron. Blaney is 18 points below the cutline, Bell, 33 back and Briscoe now essentially in a must-win situation, trailing by 44 points.

 

With his victory, Larson’s No. 5 Hendrick Chevrolet is eligible for the owner’s title.

 

While Larson dominated the laps-led category and even paced the field by more than 9-seconds at one point late in the race, he had to earn this trophy after a late-race caution flag.

 

Martin Truex Jr. had taken the lead after a caution period with 46 laps remaining and pulled away to a nearly 2-second lead when the final yellow flag flew again with 23 laps remaining.

 

As the field pitted, Larson’s Chevy was right behind Truex’s Toyota and it appeared Truex was going to miss his pit box when Larson’s car bumped Truex’s car from behind. The contact spun Truex, whose team was still able to service the car, but he fell outside the Top-10 initially before racing back up to a sixth-place finish.

 

“I was just going behind him and he had a hard left and was hard on the brakes at the same time and I got into the back of him, ‘’ Larson explained of the incident. “My team said he was late getting into his stall. I don’t know. If it was my fault I’m sorry, but I don’t think it was. It’s hard to see on this pit road. . hate that happened. He was definitely the one I was going to have to beat.”

 

Truex, who is still racing for his first victory of 2022, was obviously disappointed in the outcome, but could only shake his head at the circumstances.

 

“It’s really hard to see through these windshields with the sun like that and all the stuff covering it,’’ Truex said. “I did see my box late for sure, so I slowed down before I turned out of the way of the 5 (Larson) there.

 

“Partly on me, I didn’t expect to get turned around and glad nobody got hurt there. Overall, just tough, just disappointing to have a good day going like that and have a shot at winning and couldn’t close the deal. I hate it for my team.

 

“It’s been one of those years.”

 

The final race to set the Championship 4 is next Sunday at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, the Xfinity 500 (2 p.m. ET, NBC, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Playoffs driver Byron won at Martinsville earlier this season.

Next year’s Dixie Vodka 400 is set for Oct. 22, 2023. For more information on all events at Homestead-Miami Speedway, please visit www.homesteadmiamispeedway.com

 

Fans can also receive updates about upcoming events and races at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as the NASCAR Tracks App for the latest speedway news.

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FNN News Expands National Event Coverage With Los Angeles, Atlanta and Las Vegas Plans

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Florida National News invites businesses and brands to explore partnership opportunities as FNN Sports Zone prepares special programming and on-location coverage

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida National News is expanding its national news and sports presence with plans for special event coverage from Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029, creating new opportunities for businesses and organizations to connect with FNN audiences across multiple platforms.

The multiyear initiative will focus on coverage surrounding one of the biggest weeks in American sports, with FNN journalists and content teams covering stories beyond the field, including sports, entertainment, travel and tourism, business, culture and community impact.

The expansion is part of FNN’s broader strategy to grow from its Florida-based reporting operation into a digital news network with an increased presence at major events and media markets across the country.

FNN Sports Zone Goes National

A major component of the initiative will be the FNN Sports Zone Podcast Show Live, featuring special programming, interviews, analysis, digital content and planned on-location coverage.

FNN Sports Zone’s national event programming is designed to provide audiences with coverage throughout major sports weeks, including conversations with athletes, sports personalities, business leaders, community representatives and other newsmakers when available.

The programming will be distributed across FNN’s digital and social media platforms as the network continues expanding its sports audience and original video content.

Opportunities for Businesses and Brands

Florida National News is also inviting businesses, brands, organizations and community partners to explore opportunities to support FNN’s independent national news and sports coverage.

Potential opportunities include FNN program sponsorships, brand partnerships, digital and social media campaigns, content collaborations, community partnerships and authorized on-site activations.

The initiative is centered on a simple message:

“Your Brand. Three Cities. One National Platform.”

Rather than limiting coverage to what happens on the field, FNN plans to highlight the economic and cultural activity surrounding major sports events — from hospitality and tourism to entertainment, local businesses and community stories.

Three Major Markets

The national coverage initiative is scheduled to spotlight Los Angeles in 2027, Atlanta in 2028 and Las Vegas in 2029.

Each market provides FNN with opportunities to produce original reporting and programming while developing relationships with businesses, tourism organizations, community leaders, sports professionals and other potential news sources.

The initiative also supports FNN’s long-term expansion of its national reporting footprint while maintaining its Florida news operations.

Partner With FNN News

Businesses and organizations interested in learning more about FNN News national coverage and partnership opportunities can contact:

Social@FloridaNationalNews.com

FloridaNationalNews.com | FNNNews.com

REAL NEWS. REAL PEOPLE. REAL FLORIDA. REAL IMPACT.

Florida National News/FNN News is an independent news organization. FNN is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the National Football League, its member clubs or event venues. On-site activities and coverage are subject to applicable credentials, permissions and venue or event requirements.

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Central Florida News

Buccaneers Stunned by Browns 23-19 in Home Opener, Fall to 0-2

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ampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) lines up behind the offense during game action against the Cleveland Browns in Tampa. Photo: Florida National News / FNN Sports

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ home opener ended in disappointment Sunday as the Cleveland Browns handed Tampa Bay a 23-19 loss, dropping the Buccaneers to 0-2 to start the season.

The Buccaneers had opportunities to take control but were hurt by penalties, missed tackles and an inability to consistently finish drives in the end zone. A weather delay late in the game added another challenge, but Tampa Bay players and coaches refused to use the conditions as an excuse.

Bowles: ‘Nobody Is Coming to Save Us’

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles pointed directly to Tampa Bay’s mistakes after the loss.

“Too many penalties, offensively. Too many missed tackles in the second half, defensively,” Bowles said. “Nobody is coming to save us. We have to fix ourselves and we have to fix it in a hurry.”

Bowles repeated that message when discussing the team’s 0-2 start, saying the Buccaneers have faced adversity before but now must respond quickly.

“We’ve dealt with adversity before. This is an adverse situation again,” Bowles said. “We’re 0-2 right now and we have to pull ourselves up by our boots, and we’ve got to win.”

Defensively, Bowles said missed tackles contributed to Cleveland’s success, including a touchdown by Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston after two Tampa Bay defenders collided and failed to make the tackle.

Mayfield Frustrated by Missed Opportunities

Quarterback Baker Mayfield said Tampa Bay’s inability to convert opportunities in the red zone proved costly. The Buccaneers settled for field goals instead of touchdowns and struggled with negative plays.

Mayfield said the frustration comes from knowing how close the offense is to producing better results.

“I’m frustrated because it’s close. You can feel it. You can see it,” Mayfield said. “We’re moving the ball at times, and then just shooting ourselves in the foot.”

He added that the Buccaneers must become more self-critical and stop repeating the same mistakes.

Asked how surprised he was to see Tampa Bay begin the season with consecutive losses, Mayfield did not hide his reaction.

“Pretty shocked,” Mayfield said. “But, that’s where we’re at, so [we have to] fight our way out.”

Late Weather Delay Adds to Dramatic Finish

The game was also disrupted by a late weather delay. Bowles said both teams faced the same circumstances and rejected the delay as an excuse for Tampa Bay’s performance.

“They were doing the same thing. That’s not an excuse,” Bowles said. “We were ready to play.”

Left tackle Tristan Wirfs was more critical of the timing. He said players worked to stay loose, warm and hydrated during the interruption.

“I thought it was ridiculous with two minutes left in the game to call a lightning delay from ten miles away,” Wirfs said. “But, I don’t make the rules.”

Buccaneers Say They Beat Themselves

Wide receiver Ted Hurst III said Cleveland did not do anything defensively that made Tampa Bay incapable of moving the football.

“I feel like nobody can stop our offense — it’s just self-evaluating, doing your job and doing it to the best of your ability,” Hurst said.

Asked directly whether it felt like the Buccaneers beat themselves, Hurst responded, “Yeah, I would say that.”

Linebacker Alex Anzalone offered a similarly direct assessment of the Buccaneers’ position after two games.

“We’re in a bit of a hole. We’ve gotta dig ourselves out of it,” Anzalone said. He said the process begins with Wednesday’s practice and correcting the mistakes that have contributed to Tampa Bay’s winless start.

Irving: ‘We Are Going to Get This Thing Fixed’

Running back Bucky Irving urged the Buccaneers to follow the NFL’s traditional 24-hour approach — evaluate the loss, learn from it and move forward.

Irving said he is not concerned about outside criticism and views the early struggles as adversity the team can learn from.

“Let’s just learn from this game and move on to the [Minnesota] Vikings,” Irving said. “We are going to get this thing fixed in no time.”

The Buccaneers now face an early-season test: correct the penalties, improve tackling, finish drives with touchdowns and find a way out of an 0-2 hole.

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Central Florida News

USF Pulls Away From Delaware State in 59-17 Win

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USF Bulls football player No. 5 holds the football and celebrates on the field at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) carries the ball into end zone for a bulls touch down. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.

D.J. Crowther scores three rushing touchdowns as South Florida turns a four-point first-half game into a convincing home victory.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida improved to 3-0 Saturday night with a 59-17 victory over Delaware State at Raymond James Stadium, but the final score did not tell the story of the first half.

Delaware State stayed within striking distance and cut USF’s lead to 21-17 late in the second quarter before the Bulls scored 38 unanswered points to put the game away.

Delaware State made USF work early. The Bulls created separation when the game moved into the second half.

Delaware State Keeps It Close Early

USF struck first, but Delaware State quarterback Ui Ale answered with a 90-yard touchdown pass to Nathan Stewart to tie the game at 7.

The Hornets continued to respond and pulled within four when Ale connected with Jaylin Terzado for a touchdown with 1:18 remaining before halftime.

South Florida answered before the break, with Luke Kromenhoek scoring from one yard out as time expired to send USF into halftime leading 28-17.

Luke Kromenhoek (17) celebrates with teammates after scoring on a one-yard touchdown run as time expired in the first half against Delaware State. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

What looked like a potential four-point halftime game quickly became an 11-point cushion for South Florida.

Crowther Sparks Second-Half Separation

D.J. Crowther led USF’s ground attack, finishing with 101 yards on eight carries and three touchdowns.

His 39-yard touchdown early in the third quarter helped open the game up as the Bulls held Delaware State scoreless throughout the second half.

USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) carries the ball into end zone for a bulls touch down. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.

Michael Van Buren Jr. completed 23 of 32 passes for 300 yards and a touchdown, while Joshua Porter led USF with eight catches for 106 yards.

The Bulls finished with 611 total yards, including 290 on the ground.

Michael Van Buren Jr. (3) surveys the field from the pocket as offensive linemen Ethan Green (79) and Caleb Cook (78) work in protection against Delaware State. Photo Credit: Nisey Spruill / Florida National News.

After surviving Delaware State’s early push, USF leaned on its depth and rushing attack to take control.

Bulls Move to 3-0

The win gives South Florida its first 3-0 start since 2018 under first-year head coach Brian Hartline.

Delaware State fell to 2-2 despite Ale throwing for 249 yards and two touchdowns without an interception.

For USF, the win followed a dramatic comeback victory over Army one week earlier — this time with far less late-game drama.

Up Next

USF travels to Bowling Green on Sept. 26, while Delaware State returns home to face Towson.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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