Sports

Porsche Reveling in GTP, GTD PRO Title Sweeps

Published

2 years ago

November 12, 2024

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (IMSA Wire Service) – Not long after the celebration subsided last month at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, the question arose.

When was the last time Porsche won manufacturer championships in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in the same year in different classes with a factory team and a customer team?

“It’s not often, that’s for sure,” joked Urs Kuratle, Porsche Motorsport’s director of Factory Racing LMDh.

The illustrious German automaker won the manufacturer championship last month in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class at the season-ending Motul Petit Le Mans on the strength of its two Porsche Penske Motorsport factory entries. At the same time, Porsche won the manufacturer championship in the Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO) class with the help of AO Racing, its top-performing customer team in GT classes.

The unusual accomplishment embodies Porsche’s wide-reaching influence and success in the history of endurance racing. The significance of the accomplishment didn’t hit Kuratle at the October finale until competitors began congratulating him.

“It took me a while to realize what we just achieved on the whole thing,” he said. “Sometimes you realize it only from the reaction of external people who congratulate you. … It takes everybody a while to realize something like this.”

The GTD PRO championship reflected Porsche’s rich history of customer racing and its other programs and ladder series, including Porsche Carrera Cup North America that competes under the IMSA umbrella.

“It’s becoming that big and that much a part of the history of Porsche that the marketing purpose still is clearly there,” said Volker Holzmeyer, president and CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America. “Porsche is a sports car manufacturer. The best way to prove that is to have success on the track. If your customers have success on the track, it’s an even better story.”

This unusual chapter in the company’s history began in 2022, when Porsche engineers began the task of sorting out the new LMDh car that would fill the GTP class in IMSA and the Hypercar class in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) for the 2023 season.

“We had experienced people on board, but we had to bring them together as a group,” Kuratle said. “We were working quite intensively throughout last year. Toward the end of last year, we already could see in IMSA as well as in WEC, some success on track.”

Almost immediately, reliability became the primary issue. The hybrid-based car was unlike anything Porsche had produced. It was fast when it wanted to be, but a pain when it didn’t.

“We were not famous for being the most reliable team or the most reliable car for a number of reasons,” Kuratle said of the ’23 season. “That was something we worked really hard at during the offseason. Then we won Daytona this year. I’m not saying we overcame all of the problems yet but the reliability was a huge step.”

The footings for that step showed in late 2023, when Porsche Penske Motorsport’s No. 6 and No. 7 cars finished first and second at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It was clear the new Porsche 963 had considerable speed, setting the path for this season.

“The biggest chunk of it was reliability and structural changes within the team,” Kuratle said. “The smallest part probably was performance, but it was there, as well.”

As Kuratle mentioned, Porsche came out of the gate strong in 2024, with the No. 7 entry winning the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. It kick-started a season that saw the No. 7 accomplish the rare feat of leading the team and driver championships from start to finish, adding one more win (Watkins Glen) and five additional podium results along the way. The No. 6 Porsche, with two wins of its own (WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Road America), placed second to its sister car in the GTP championship.

On the GTD PRO side, the challenge for 2024 was finding a new partner to replace Pfaff Motorsports, which went with McLaren for the 2024 season. Porsche, which had won GT class championships three of the previous four years, found a solid match with AO Racing.

Trouble is, it was facing some stout factory teams.

“That’s what makes us really proud,” Holzmeyer said. “With a factory effort, you put a little money in it and you control everything. I wouldn’t say it’s easier, but for a customer team to accomplish that, it really comes from the heart.”

AO put together a remarkable season with its No. 77 Porsche 911 GT3 R – three wins in 10 races, a team championship and driver championship by Laurin Heinrich – to secure the manufacturer championship for Porsche, which embraced the team’s keen dinosaur-themed liveries.

“It was a genius idea,” Holzmeyer said. “They’re getting the new generation excited about racing. This will help us – maybe not next year, but in the future. Everybody needs to thank them for that, even the competitors. If you saw the lines at the autograph sessions, it was all young kids and families.”

So, while the past – including the most recent part of it – is on everyone’s minds, the future is in Porsche’s immediate plans.

“We will always have customers who want to race the IMSA program with our products and stay within the product family,” Holzmeyer said. “For next year, I don’t see any reasons why the success story shouldn’t continue.”

(Photo of Porsche Penske Motorsport team courtesy of Porsche Motorsport)

Central Florida News

USF Defeats UAB 30–10, Secures Fourth Consecutive Bowl-Eligible Season

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

C.J. Hicks (#1) USF defensive end lines up before the snap during the Bulls’ 30–10 victory over UAB at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on October 31, 2026. Photo by Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

Bulls overcome early deficit behind defensive touchdowns and a record-tying performance from C.J. Hicks.

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The University of South Florida (USF) secured its sixth victory of the season Saturday, October 31, defeating the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) 30–10 at Raymond James Stadium. The victory improved the Bulls’ record to 6–2 overall and 2–2 in American Conference play, making the program bowl-eligible for the fourth consecutive season.

Defense Turns the Game Around

UAB opened the game with a 10–0 first-quarter lead, but South Florida responded with 30 unanswered points, highlighted by two defensive touchdowns.

Defensive end C.J. Hicks delivered one of the game’s most significant performances, recording four sacks to tie the USF single-game record. Two of those sacks forced fumbles that resulted in touchdowns.

Late in the second quarter, Hicks forced a fumble by UAB quarterback Ryder Burton, allowing USF defender Asani Redwood to recover the football and return it six yards for a touchdown. The play gave South Florida a 17–10 halftime lead.

Asani Redwood and UAB #71 UAB defensive lineman #71 attempts to tackle USF’s Asani Redwood during the October 31, 2026, matchup at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Photo by Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

Hicks created another scoring opportunity in the fourth quarter, forcing a second fumble that linebacker Grayson Howard recovered and returned 13 yards for a touchdown, extending USF’s lead to 27–10.

South Florida’s defense finished with six sacks and 11 tackles for loss, limiting UAB to just 177 total offensive yards, including 17 rushing yards.

Offensive Adjustments Provide Momentum

Following an injury to starting quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr., sophomore Luke Kromenhoek entered the game and helped shift momentum in South Florida’s favor.

Luke Kromenhoek (#17) USF quarterback Luke Kromenhoek (#17) carries the football while facing pressure from a UAB defender during the Bulls’ 30–10 victory at Raymond James Stadium on October 31, 2026. Photo by Nisey Spruill / Florida National News

Kromenhoek finished with a career-high 92 rushing yards, including a 42-yard run that helped establish the Bulls’ offensive rhythm.

Running back Jason Collins Jr. added a six-yard rushing touchdown late in the second quarter to tie the game at 10–10.

Kicker Nico Gramatica contributed three field goals, connecting from 31, 30 and 33 yards to help secure the victory.

Bowl Eligibility Marks Another Program Milestone

With its sixth win, South Florida secured bowl eligibility for the fourth consecutive season, matching the second-longest such streak in program history.

The accomplishment allows USF to qualify for postseason bowl consideration, although an official bowl invitation and destination have yet to be determined.

The victory also kept the Bulls competitive in the American Conference standings, with four regular-season games remaining following the UAB matchup.

Looking Ahead

USF will return to conference competition Friday, November 6, traveling to face East Carolina as the Bulls continue their pursuit of a stronger conference finish and a postseason bowl invitation.

Final Score: USF 30, UAB 10

– 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

Jacksonville

Jaguars Continue to Dominate Colts in Duval

Published

4 days ago

November 1, 2026

Mike Brodsky

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence holds the football behind his blockers as Colts defenders rush toward him.

Photo credit: Arthur “Dell” Morgan/Florida National News

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – The Jacksonville Jaguars (5-2) beat the Indianapolis Colts (2-6) 42-7 at EverBank Stadium today. Today’s victory tied the second-longest home winning streak in stadium history, with seven straight wins. The Jaguars also tied the record held by two other teams by winning seven straight games at home scoring 34 or more points in each game. The Denver Broncos had seven such victories from Dec. 23, 2012 to Oct. 27, 2013, while the Los Angeles Chargers had a similar streak from Nov. 27, 1960 to Nov. 5, 1961. This was also the Jaguars 12th straight victory at home against the Colts, dating back to Dec. 13, 2015.

The Jaguars also introduced their Nike NFL “Rivalries” alternate uniform, nicknamed “Bold City,” with a teal helmet and leopard-print accents. The helmet includes the 904 area code on the front bumper and “DUUUVAL” on the back bumper. The inside of the back collar says “Bold City,” while the outside says “Since ‘95” (the Jaguars’ inaugural season). Hidden within the spots on the pants are the names of Jacksonville neighborhoods.

Jaguars’ RB Bhayshul Tuten scores twice in new “Bold City” uniform. Photo credit: Arthur “Dell” Morgan, Florida National News

Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence threw a 12 yard touchdown pass to WR Brian Thomas Jr., followed by K Cam Little’s extra point to put the first points on the scoreboard. The score remained 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Jaguars DE Bryan Thomas Jr. recovered a fumble by Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, but the Jags lost DT DaVon Hamilton to a knee injury on that play, and he had to be taken off the field in a golf cart. But Jacksonville’s drive ended four plays later with a 31 yard touchdown pass by Trevor Lawrence to TE Nate Boerkircher, with Little adding the XP. On the Jags’ next drive, RB Bhayshul Tuten ran 39 yards for a touchdown, followed by another Little extra point. Late in the quarter, Jaguars S Rayuan Lane III intercepted a QB Daniel Jones pass intended for TE Tyler Warren and returned it 92 yards for a touchdown, and after Little’s XP, the Jaguars were up 28-0 at halftime.

DT DaVon Hamilton had to be taken off the field in a golf cart after a knee injury. Photo credit: Mike Brodsky, Florida National News

RB Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran for a 28 yard touchdown, with another Little extra point for the first points of the third quarter, extending the Jaguars lead to 35-0. But the Colts did manage to score their first points of the game as Daniel Jones threw to WR Josh Downs for a 6 yard touchdown pass, with an extra point by K Spencer Shrader. But Lawrence threw a 25 yard touchdown pass to Bhayshul Tuten, and Little’s XP put the Jaguars ahead 42-7 at the end of the third quarter, which remained the score at the end of the game.

Trevor Lawrence finished with 210 passing yards and 3 TDs. Bhayshul Tuten led the Jaguars’ rushing with 104 yards and 1 TD. Tuten was also the leading receiver with 55 yards and 1 TD. To hear Bhayshul Tuten discuss the factors that led to his success in today’s game, click here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1WgGP3j5FA/?mibextid=wwXIfr

The Jaguars will be on the road for the next three games. They face the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, November 5th at 8:15 p.m., the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, November 15th at 1:00 p.m., and the New York Giants on Sunday, November 22nd at 1:00 p.m. The Jags return to The ‘Bank on Sunday, November 29th at 1:00 p.m., when they host the Titans in an AFC South matchup. Be sure to follow www.FloridaNationalNews.com for more.

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Fall to 0-2 Under Sean Sweeney After 115-93 Loss to Timberwolves

Published

2 weeks ago

October 24, 2026

FNN NEWS

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero, wearing a white No. 5 jersey, dribbles while Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards defends in a blue uniform.

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93, dropping the Magic to 0-2. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Shooting struggles and a costly third quarter leave Orlando winless through two games under first-year coach Sean Sweeney
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — A new coaching era has opened with consecutive losses for the Orlando Magic, who fell 115-93 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night at Kia Center.

Orlando dropped to 0-2 under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney as shooting struggles again slowed its offense. The Magic also struggled with turnovers and missed free throws, repeating problems from their season-opening loss to Atlanta. Yahoo Sports

Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards holds the basketball while airborne as Orlando’s Paolo Banchero contests behind him and another Magic defender raises both arms.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards handles the ball as Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero contests the play at Kia Center in Orlando on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. Minnesota defeated Orlando 115-93. Photo by Harry Castiblanco / Florida National News.

Third-quarter struggles prove costly

Minnesota led 57-45 at halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Timberwolves closed the period with a 17-3 run, building an 86-60 advantage heading into the fourth. Orlando could not recover from the 26-point deficit. reuters.com

Carter leads Orlando

Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 20 points and nine rebounds to lead the Magic. Franz Wagner scored 18 points before fouling out, while Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs added 14 apiece.

Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each scored 15 points for Minnesota, which improved to 2-0. Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and nine rebounds. Reuters

Perimeter shooting remains a concern

Orlando made just eight of its 39 attempts from 3-point range, shooting 20.5%. Minnesota connected on 37.8% of its attempts from beyond the arc. reuters.com

Two games offer a limited measure of Sweeney’s tenure, but the early results identify an immediate challenge: improving offensive execution and preventing difficult stretches from becoming decisive runs.