Sports

Porsche Reveling in GTP, GTD PRO Title Sweeps

Published

1 year 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)

Sports

Dolphins Announce Free 2026 NFL Draft Watch Parties in Fort Lauderdale and Miami

Published

2 weeks ago

April 16, 2026

FNN SPORTS

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Dolphins will host their 2026 NFL Draft Party presented by Bud Light on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. ET, offering fans two locations across South Florida to watch the first round of the NFL Draft.

The free events will take place at The Wharf Fort Lauderdale and Regatta Grove, providing fans in Broward and Miami-Dade counties an opportunity to gather and celebrate as the draft unfolds.

DRAFT PARTY DETAILS AND FAN EXPERIENCE

Te events are free and open to the public, with fans encouraged to reserve their spots in advance due to limited capacity. Activities will include interactive games, giveaways, photo opportunities, and appearances by the Dolphins mascot and cheerleaders.

Both venues will also feature live panel discussions with current players and team alumni, offering insight, analysis and personal stories related to the draft.

Season ticket members will receive select complimentary food and beverage offerings during the event.

DOLPHINS’ STRONG DRAFT POSITION

Miami enters the 2026 NFL Draft with significant capital, holding 11 total selections, including two first-round picks at Nos. 11 and 30.

The team also holds a second-round pick (No. 43), four third-round selections (Nos. 75, 87, 90 and 94), a fourth-round pick (No. 130), a fifth-round pick (No. 151) and two seventh-round picks (Nos. 227 and 238).

With seven selections in the top 100, this marks one of the franchise’s most anticipated drafts in recent years.

COUNTDOWN TO THE NFL DRAFT

The draft party marks the start of the team’s one-week countdown to the 2026 NFL Draft, as fans prepare to see how Miami builds its roster for the upcoming season.

The dual-location format is designed to expand fan access and engagement across South Florida, bringing together supporters for a shared viewing experience.

Sports

Las Vegas to Host Super Bowl LXIII at Allegiant Stadium in 2029, NFL Announces

Published

1 month ago

March 30, 2026

Willie David

NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The National Football League announced that Las Vegas will host Super Bowl LXIII in 2029 at Allegiant Stadium, marking the second time the city will stage the league’s championship game.

The announcement was made during the NFL’s Annual Meeting in Phoenix, following a review by the league’s Fan Engagement & Major Events Committee and a vote by NFL team owners.

“We’re excited to bring the Super Bowl back to Las Vegas and provide our fans another incredible experience in one of America’s greatest sports and entertainment destinations,” said Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL. “Super Bowl LVIII demonstrated the scale, energy and hospitality the city brings to global events, and we look forward to working alongside the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, the Raiders and the community to deliver an even greater experience this time around.”

LAS VEGAS RETURNS AS SUPER BOWL HOST

The 2029 championship will mark the second Super Bowl hosted in Las Vegas. The city debuted as a Super Bowl host in 2024 with Super Bowl LVIII, which attracted more than 330,000 visitors and generated over $1 billion in economic impact, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

“We’re proud the NFL has selected Las Vegas to host Super Bowl LXIII,” said Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA. “Our first Super Bowl showcased the unique energy and scale only this destination can offer, bringing together world-class sports, entertainment and hospitality in one place. Las Vegas was built for moments like this, and we look forward to delivering another exceptional experience for fans in 2029.”

RAIDERS, COMMUNITY PREPARE FOR GLOBAL EVENT

Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis said the return of the Super Bowl reflects the success of the city’s first hosting effort and the collaboration between the NFL, local leaders and the community.

“It’s a testament to the Raiders, the LVCVA, civic leaders, the community and the NFL working together,” Davis said. “Super Bowl LVIII set a high bar, and for Super Bowl LXIII we are committed to raising it even further.”

FAN EXPERIENCES AND HOSPITALITY PROGRAMS

In the lead-up to Super Bowl LXIII, Las Vegas will host a series of major events across the metropolitan area, including NFL Honors, Super Bowl Experience, and Super Bowl Opening Night, along with community initiatives such as NFL Source, the league’s procurement program supporting local and underrepresented businesses.

Meanwhile, On Location, the NFL’s official hospitality partner, has launched its Priority Access deposit program for Super Bowl LXIII hospitality packages. The program offers fans early access to premium seating, exclusive entertainment, luxury hospitality experiences and other curated game-day packages.

Central Florida News

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas

Published

1 month ago

March 29, 2026

Willie David

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas Inspires Through Leadership, Sports and Advocacy

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.

Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.

Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)

Commander, United States Army (Retired)

Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.

During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.

Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.

As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.

Her responsibilities included:

Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit

“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”

She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.

Crewing Coordinator at ESPN

Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.

In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.

Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.

Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.

Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.

Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.

Advocate for Women’s Sports

Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.

Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:

She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season

Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.

Author and Motivational Speaker

Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.

She has delivered presentations for organizations including:

Collegiate Sports Management Group
ESPN Wide World of Sports
Military Influencer Conference
The Mayweather brand
Streaming platform Twitch

Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.

Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:

“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”

Impact on Women and Future Leaders

Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.

Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.

Key Achievements and Milestones

20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
Three combat deployments
Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
Mother to Legend Thomas (8)

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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series

Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.