Sports

Pitbull To Perform DAYTONA 500 Pre-Race Show

Published

3 years ago

January 26, 2024

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 26, 2024) – He knows you want to have a good time. And if you’re going to be at the 66^th running of the DAYTONA 500 you’ll get it, as Daytona International Speedway today announced that Armando Christian Pérez, Pitbull, will kick-off the Great American Race on Sunday, Feb. 18 by performing the pre-race show on the ballfield.

“There’s no better way to get the energy flowing than with Pitbull performing our pre-race concert for the Daytona 500,” said Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “Pitbull has continued to release major hits for over a decade and has shown tremendous longevity as an artist over the years. He’ll bring all the South Florida vibes and culture up here to put on quite the show for the 66^th running of The Great American Race.”

Pitbull announced the next iteration of the “TRACKHOUSE” album series, set for release in February. The lyrics and cover of the EP titled “TRACKHOUSE: Daytona 500 Edition” reflect key elements of NASCAR’s biggest race. Pitbull joined Trackhouse Racing as a co-owner in 2021, connecting the world of music and racing to unite and inspire fans globally.

“It’s an honor to once again be part of the Great American Race, this time performing at the Daytona 500,” said Trackhouse team co-owner Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull).

“So Everyone start your engines, Get Ready and Dale!”

“Mr. Worldwide” has earned 46 total awards throughout his career, sold 25 million studio albums, has over 40 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and passed 18 billion YouTube views. Most recently his Billboard Hot 100 global hit “Give Me Everything,” featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer surpassed 1 Billion streams on Spotify, his third record to join Spotify’s billion streams club.

He’ll continue touring with fellow artists Enrique Iglesias and Ricky Martin on The Trilogy Tour during the first part of 2024.

Pitbull has collaborated with numerous famed artists including Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Enrique Iglesias, Kesha, Christina Aguilera, Ne-Yo and many more. Some of his most notable songs include “On the Floor,” “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love,” “I Like It,” “Timber,” “Feel This Moment,” and “Give Me Everything.” At the 2016 Grammy Awards, Pitbull’s second Spanish album Dale won the award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album.

Pitbull’s concert serves as just one of the many highlights during Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth.

It all starts on Wednesday, Feb. 14, with DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented by Busch Light determining the front row for the DAYTONA 500. That’s followed up on Thursday, Feb. 15, with the Bluegreen Vacations Duel, where drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series battle it out for the chance to race on Sunday.

Friday, Feb. 16 sees the return of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in the Fresh From Florida 250. Then, the racing continues with a doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 17, with the ARCA Menards Series Race, followed by the NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 300.

Then, on Sunday, Feb. 18 directly following Pitbull’s performance, drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series will make their 2024 season debut in the 66^th running of the DAYTONA 500 at 2:30 p.m. ET. The concert will take place on pit road, visible from the grandstands, but fans with a Hard Rock Bet Fanzone Pass can watch Pitbull’s set up-close. Fans can still purchase the Infield Admission and Hard Rock Bet Fanzone Access Package, even without grandstand admission, which also grants access to driver and VIP appearances, a glimpse into the NASCAR Cup Series garages, up-close access to driver introductions and more. Fans who have already purchased a grandstand admission to The Great American Race can upgrade to include Hard Rock Bet Fanzone access to their experience.

Fans are encouraged to reserve their place in history during Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth by logging onto DAYTONA500.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP. Additionally, fans can buy or sell reserved seats for the DAYTONA 500 by visiting SeatGeek, the Official Ticket Marketplace of NASCAR.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway via www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as the NASCAR Tracks App, for the latest speedway news.

Central Florida News

Osceola Magic Set Franchise Steals Record in 97-89 Season-Opening Win

Published

3 days ago

November 11, 2026

FNN NEWS

Osceola Magic guard JD Davison, No. 4, dribbles between Oklahoma City Blue defenders as Magic teammate No. 22 looks on.

Osceola Magic guard JD Davison (4) drives between Oklahoma City Blue defenders during opening-night action in Kissimmee, Fla. Photo by Bernie Walls / Florida National News.

Davison scores 26 points, Branham adds 23 and Osceola records 23 steals to open its season with a victory at Silver Spurs Arena.

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Osceola Magic opened their season with a record-setting defensive performance, collecting 23 steals and forcing 35 turnovers in a 97-89 victory over the Oklahoma City Blue on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Silver Spurs Arena.

JD Davison scored a game-high 26 points and Malaki Branham added 23 as Osceola established a franchise record for steals and matched its record for opponent turnovers. Osceola Magic

Defense drives the comeback

Oklahoma City led 31-22 after the first quarter and 44-43 at halftime. Osceola pulled even at 70 entering the fourth quarter, then outscored the Blue 27-19 over the final period.

The victory gave Osceola a 1-0 start and dropped Oklahoma City to 0-2. Zhaire Smith led the Blue with 19 points, while Christoph Tilly contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds. gleague.nba.com

Osceola’s defensive pressure helped offset Oklahoma City’s early advantage. The Blue finished just 5 of 29 from 3-point range, shooting 17.2%.

Six Magic players recorded multiple steals, led by Johnell Davis’ career-high six — one short of the franchise record. Davison collected four, Jarron Cumberland had three, and Ace Baldwin Jr., Branham and Mike Sharavjamts each added two.

Osceola Magic’s Malaki Branham, wearing a black No. 22 jersey, dribbles low while driving alongside an Oklahoma City Blue defender.

Malaki Branham leans into his drive while keeping his dribble low as an Oklahoma City Blue defender guards him during the Osceola Magic’s season opener. Photo by Bernie Walls / Florida National News.

Davison and Branham lead the offense

Davison and Branham combined for 49 points, accounting for more than half of Osceola’s scoring.

Au’Diese Toney contributed 14 points in his return to Osceola, including a late 3-pointer that helped secure the victory.

Davis provided another boost off the bench with 11 points and a career-best-tying four assists, complementing his disruptive defensive performance.

Sharavjamts makes professional debut

Sharavjamts posted a team-best plus-12 rating in 24 minutes during his professional debut. Osceola outscored Oklahoma City by 12 points while he was on the floor. Osceola Magic

What’s next for the Osceola Magic?

Following a scheduled road matchup with the Memphis Hustle on Tuesday, Nov. 10, Osceola returns to Silver Spurs Arena to host the Mexico City Capitanes on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 7 p.m. Eastern. Member News

The Magic’s challenge will be to sustain the defensive pressure that helped them overcome an early nine-point deficit in the opener.

Sports

LIV Golf to begin winding down operations Nov. 9 after five years, $5 billion spent

Published

7 days ago

November 7, 2026

FNN SPORTS

LIV Golf sign in a landscaped setting in Orlando, Florida. Photo by Florida National News

NEW YORK CITY, NY (FNN SPORTS) – LIV Golf plans to begin winding down operations Monday, Nov. 9, following five years and more than $5 billion in spending.

Attorney Matthew Williams outlined the league’s plans during a bankruptcy court hearing Thursday, Nov. 5, in New Jersey. The process includes selling its remaining assets.

“We believe the wind down path is the best path,” Williams told the court.

LIV Golf confirmed the decision after a proposed restructuring deal fell through. The league said it will continue considering alternatives during the shutdown process.

Basketball

USF Women’s Basketball Opens Season With 80–54 Victory Over Furman

Published

1 week ago

November 5, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — On Monday November 2, at the Yuengling Center, the South Florida women’s basketball team opened with a successful debut undernew head coach Kristy Curry.

The Bulls established control early with a 9–0 opening run, taking a 27–12 lead after the first quarter. Furman narrowed the margin before halftime, but South Florida maintained a 46–32 advantage heading into the break.

A dominant third quarter proved decisive, as USF outscored Furman 23–9 to extend its lead to 69–41 entering the fourth.

Balanced Scoring Leads the Bulls

Stefanie Ingram led South Florida with 15 points, followed by Hannah Kohn with 13 and Kendall Puryear with 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Bulls placed six players in double figures, shot 51.6 percent from the field and controlled the boards with a 48–25 rebounding advantage.

A Winning Debut for Kristy Curry

The victory marked Curry’s first win leading South Florida after arriving from Alabama.

Ahead of the season opener, Curry expressed confidence in the program’s potential:

“I’m so excited to be here. I truly think the sky’s the limit at USF.”

— Kristy Curry, USF Head Coach, in pregame remarks published by USF Athletics.

South Florida (1–0) will face Belmont on Friday, November 6, in Nashville, Tennessee.

– 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