Sports

Mike Rockenfeller Secures GTD PRO Pole at Rolex 24 After 19 Years

Published

2 years ago

January 24, 2025

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Sports car veteran Mike Rockenfeller delivered a stunning performance during Thursday’s qualifying session for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, earning his first IMSA pole position in nearly two decades. Rockenfeller’s pole-winning lap in the No. 64 Ford Multimatic Motorsports Mustang GT3 clocked at 1 minute, 45.523 seconds (121.452 mph), leading to a Ford front-row sweep in the GTD PRO class.

This marks Rockenfeller’s second career Motul Pole Award and first since 2006, when he claimed the honor in a Daytona Prototype at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Competing under cool and misty conditions on Daytona International Speedway’s 3.56-mile road course, his lap was 0.332 seconds faster than teammate Frederic Vervisch in the No. 63 Ford Mustang GT3.

“This is the biggest race of the year, and we want to make sure Ford is proud,” Rockenfeller said, emphasizing the competitiveness of the 15-car GTD PRO field. He noted the importance of the front-row sweep but acknowledged the grueling nature of the 24-hour race, especially with the team’s focus on tire degradation. “We are clearly good for one lap, but we struggle a bit more over a stint with our tire degradation. Keep the wheels turning, that’s the key,” he added with a smile.

While Thursday marked the first time Ford topped the speed charts this week, Dan Harper’s No. 48 Paul Miller Racing BMW M4 GT3 EVO and Alexander Sims in the No. 3 Corvette Z06 GT3.R followed closely, with Andrea Caldarelli’s Pfaff Motorsports Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 rounding out the top five.

Skeer Clinches Maiden GTD Pole

In the GTD class, Elliott Skeer delivered a career-first pole with a time of 1 minute, 46.634 seconds (120.187 mph) in the No. 120 Wright Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 R. The razor-thin margin of 0.018 seconds over defending GTD champion Philip Ellis in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 underscored the intensity of the session.

Skeer and co-driver Adam Adelson come into the Rolex 24 with momentum, having achieved their first IMSA victory at Indianapolis in 2024. Adelson also dominated the new GTDX class at last weekend’s IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge.

“With the new rules separating GTD and GTD PRO for starts and restarts, this year’s race dynamics will be very different,” Skeer explained. “Clean air is critical in qualifying, but battling in traffic during a 24-hour race is another challenge altogether.”

Other top GTD qualifiers included Trent Hindman in the No. 45 Wayne Taylor Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2, Parker Thompson in the No. 12 Vasser Sullivan Lexus RC F GT3, and Franck Perera in the No. 78 Forte Racing Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2.

What’s Next?

The 63rd running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona kicks off Saturday at 1:40 p.m. ET. The race will begin with one hour of live coverage on NBC, shift to USA Network for four hours, and return to NBC for the finish. Fans can enjoy flag-to-flag coverage on Peacock.

Highlights:

Mike Rockenfeller claims GTD PRO pole after 19 years.
Elliott Skeer earns first GTD pole with Wright Motorsports Porsche.
Ford Mustang GT3 sweeps the front row in GTD PRO.
GTD and GTD PRO classes to start separately under new rules.

______________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Miss America Abbie Stockard Adds Glamour to Rolex 24 At DAYTONA as Honorary Event Official

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Sports

Jaguars Place Two Offensive Linemen on Active/PUP List Ahead of Training Camp

Published

1 day ago

July 27, 2026

FNN SPORTS

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Sunday that offensive linemen Garrett DiGiorgio and Cole Van Lanen have been placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list as the team continues preparations for training camp.

Players on the Active/PUP list count against the 90-man offseason roster but are unable to participate in practice until they are medically cleared. Once cleared, they may return to practice at any time during training camp.

The Jaguars did not disclose the nature of the injuries or provide a timetable for either player’s return.

DiGiorgio and Van Lanen are among the offensive line depth pieces competing for roster spots as Jacksonville prepares for the 2026 NFL season. Their availability during training camp could impact competition along the offensive front as coaches evaluate the roster ahead of preseason play.

The Jaguars continue training camp preparations with veterans and rookies working toward the start of the 2026 season.

Sports

Marta Makes History as Orlando Pride Defeat Kansas City Current 3-0

Published

2 weeks ago

July 11, 2026

FNN SPORTS

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Pride extended their home dominance Friday night, defeating the Kansas City Current 3-0 at Inter&Co Stadium behind a historic performance from Marta, another goal from Barbra Banda, and a standout effort from goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse.

The victory improves Orlando to 6-6-2 (20 points), while Kansas City falls to 8-6-0 (24 points). The win marks the Pride’s fourth consecutive home victory and hands the Current its first loss in its last five visits to Orlando.

Scoreless First Half Sets Stage for Offensive Explosion

Both clubs created scoring opportunities during an evenly contested first half, but neither side was able to break through before halftime.

Orlando’s defense withstood constant pressure from Kansas City, setting the stage for a dominant second-half performance.

Marta Becomes First Pride Player to Reach 50 Goals

The Pride wasted little time after the break.

Just four minutes into the second half, Marta collected a pass from Jacquie Ovalle before curling a spectacular left-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the back of the net.

The goal gave Orlando a 1-0 lead and marked a historic milestone for the club.

Marta became the first player in Orlando Pride history to score 50 goals across all competitions.

Ovalle recorded her team-leading third assist of the season on the play.

Anderson Doubles Orlando’s Lead

The Pride struck again in the 57th minute.

Midfielder Ally Lemos delivered a perfectly placed corner kick that defender Hannah Anderson headed into the net for a 2-0 advantage.

The goal was Anderson’s second of the season, while Lemos earned her second assist of the 2026 campaign.

Barbra Banda Adds League-Leading 12th Goal

Substitute Barbra Banda put the match out of reach in the 85th minute.

After Kansas City’s goalkeeper misplayed a clearance outside the penalty area, Banda capitalized by calmly finishing into an open net.

The goal was Banda’s NWSL-leading 12th goal of the season and the first she has scored as a substitute in her professional career.

Moorhouse Records Milestone Appearance

Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse anchored Orlando’s defense with a season-high nine saves, preserving the club’s fifth clean sheet of the season.

Friday’s match also marked Moorhouse’s 100th appearance across all competitions for the Pride, making her just the fifth player in club history to reach the milestone.

Orlando’s five shutouts rank third in the National Women’s Soccer League this season.

Seb Hines Praises Complete Team Performance

Head coach Seb Hines credited his team’s disciplined approach and collective effort.

“Really pleased with the result. I think it was quite even in the first half. We had some half-chances, and we tried to stop their key players from having a big influence on the game. I thought the players implemented the game plan very well.”

Hines continued:

“We had some really outstanding performances. It was a really big collective effort from everyone. It was nice to get some goals and a clean sheet at the end of it.”

Match Highlights

49′ — Orlando 1, Kansas City 0: Marta (assist: Jacquie Ovalle)
57′ — Orlando 2, Kansas City 0: Hannah Anderson (assist: Ally Lemos)
85′ — Orlando 3, Kansas City 0: Barbra Banda (unassisted)

Match Notes

Marta scored her second goal of the 2026 season and 50th career goal for the Pride.
Banda extended her league lead with 12 goals this season.
Orlando earned its fifth clean sheet, tied for the third-most in the NWSL.
Hannah Anderson scored her second career NWSL goal, both coming this season.
Ally Lemos recorded her second assist of the year.
Jacquie Ovalle collected her team-leading third assist.
Zara Chavoshi made her first start of the 2026 season.
Anna Moorhouse made her 100th appearance for Orlando.
Orlando has now scored in seven consecutive home league matches.
The Pride have scored five goals in the opening 15 minutes of the second half this season, the second-most in the NWSL.

By the Numbers

Final Score

Orlando Pride 3
Kansas City Current 0

Attendance: 8,058

Team Statistics

Category	Orlando	Kansas City
Possession	45%	55%
Shots	11	20
Shots on Goal	5	9
Saves	9	2
Corners	1	4
Fouls	5	3

Heineken Star of the Match: Marta

Up Next

The Pride remain at Inter&Co Stadium on Wednesday, July 15, when they host Boston Legacy FC. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the match streaming on NWSL+.

Sports

Miami Heat Acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bobby Portis Jr. in Blockbuster Trade with Bucks

Published

3 weeks ago

July 6, 2026

FNN SPORTS

MIAMI (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat have acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. from the Milwaukee Bucks in a blockbuster trade that reshapes the franchise’s championship aspirations.

In exchange, Miami sent Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Kel’el Ware to Milwaukee, along with first-round draft picks in 2026, 2031 and 2033, a 2030 first-round pick swap, and a 2033 second-round pick.

Pat Riley: ‘One of the Great Trades in HEAT History’

HEAT President Pat Riley called the acquisition one of the most significant moves in franchise history.

“The announcement of today’s trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the great trades in HEAT history,” Riley said. “In my opinion, Giannis is one of the top five players in the league, and Bobby is one of the best power forwards. The difficult part is trading Tyler, Kasparas, Jaime and Kel’el, who have given so much to this organization. We wish them nothing but the best. We also thank the Arison family for their continued commitment to pursuing another championship.”

Antetokounmpo Brings MVP Pedigree to Miami

Antetokounmpo arrives in Miami as one of the NBA’s most accomplished players.

His résumé includes:

2021 NBA Champion
Two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020)
2021 NBA Finals MVP
2020 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
10-time NBA All-Star
Seven All-NBA First Team selections
Member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team

Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists while shooting a career-best 62.4% from the field. He became the first player in NBA history to average at least 25 points while shooting better than 60% from the field in three consecutive seasons.

He also enters Miami as the Milwaukee Bucks’ all-time franchise leader in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, field goals, free throws, triple-doubles, minutes played and games played.

Antetokounmpo will wear No. 34 with the Heat.

Portis Adds Championship Experience

Portis, an NBA champion with Milwaukee, averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 67 games last season while shooting 48.8% from the field and 45.6% from three-point range.

The 11-year veteran has established himself as one of the league’s top reserve forwards, recording a Bucks franchise-record 61 double-doubles off the bench. He also received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for his work in mentorship and community outreach.

Portis will wear No. 95 in Miami.

Heat Part Ways with Core Players

The trade ends the Miami careers of several key contributors.

Herro, selected 13th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft, spent seven seasons with the Heat, earning 2022 NBA Sixth Man of the Year honors and a 2024 NBA All-Star selection. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 394 regular-season games.

Jaquez Jr., a 2023 first-round pick, averaged 12.1 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists over three seasons with Miami.

Jakučionis, selected in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, averaged 6.2 points during his rookie season.

Ware, the 15th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, averaged 10.3 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks over two seasons.

Championship Expectations Rise

The acquisition of Antetokounmpo gives the Heat one of the NBA’s premier superstars and significantly strengthens Miami’s pursuit of another NBA championship. The addition of Portis further bolsters the team’s frontcourt with championship experience, scoring and rebounding.