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Porsche Reveling in GTP, GTD PRO Title Sweeps

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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)

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Business

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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