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O’Ward sees Arlington race as a test for the future of the IndyCar experience

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There are plenty of positives Arrow McLaren driver Pato O’Ward sees with the IndyCar Series returning to Texas in March 2026 with the inaugural Grand Prix of Arlington, but it’s also not without its concerns.

The event was announced by the series earlier this month, in partnership with the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys and REV Entertainment, the official entertainment partner of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers. The 2.73-mile temporary street circuit, will run around Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium and Rangers’ Globe Life Field, as well as through the sports and entertainment district that sells more than 1.6 million tickets to spectators for various events annually. So far, it has received plenty of praise, with several drivers in the paddock noting its similarities to something seen in Formula 1. 

The Lone Star State is familiar territory for O’Ward, who is a native of Monterrey, Mexico, but also grew up in San Antonio, Texas. He also won his first career IndyCar race at Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) in 2021. IndyCar competed at TMS from 1997-2023.

Overall, O’Ward is hoping the event will push the sport to new heights. 

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Arlington Grand Prix track map

Arlington Grand Prix track map

Photo by: Penske Entertainment

“I think that event is going to be a big test to what new markets and what we can ultimately reach in terms of a bit more upscale than some of the other tracks, other events that we have on the calendar,” O’Ward told Motorsport.com. 

“The venue looks really cool. Jerry Jones (Cowboys owner) is a very well-known name and he owns one of the most insane franchises in the NFL; one of the teams in the NFL that obviously draws a lot of eyes, a lot of public (interest). I don’t know, man. Until we do that first event, we’ll really see what that can ultimately bring to the series. Texas is a huge market. We were missing out on that market and I’m glad that it’s back on the calendar. I think it’ll be huge for the series but also a test on just having an idea on how much further we can go in terms of experiences, what are people willing to pay for that experience?”

And the cost factor is where O’Ward, who has seven career IndyCar victories, remains apprehensive.

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“I think there’s a lot of questions to be asked if that event is a massive success and I think that can ultimately elevate the series to a different level,” O’Ward said. “But, there’s always the possibility of having it the other way and that’s definitely something we don’t want. I’m a bit worried on the pricing of everything. I’ve spent thousands of dollars of my own money to create experiences for people and sometimes a lot of those do come out at a loss because in IndyCar’s market, people aren’t willing to pay over $1,000 for a paddock ticket. And there definitely is the market to do that because people pay $10,000 to $15,000 in Formula 1, but can we tap into that market? I don’t know.”

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MotoGP set to host finale in Barcelona after Valencia GP cancellation

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MotoGP is poised to replace the cancelled Valencia GP with a new race in Barcelona, Motorsport.com understands.

The Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is now set to stage the season finale on 17 November, having already hosted the sixth round of the championship back in May.

The development follows the decision to scrap the Valencia race on Friday due to devastating flooding in the region in recent days, with over 200 people having lost their lives according to the official figures.

Championship promoter Dorna previously stated that it will announce the venue and other details for the final round at a later date, as it scrambled to organise a replacement event.

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Motorport.com has learned that the preferred option in the run-up to the Malaysian GP is Barcelona, with the series sticking to the original date of 17 November.

Barcelona has emerged as the prime candidate in the race against Qatar, which was previously seen as the most likely alternative.

Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing

Jorge Martin, Pramac Racing

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Barcelona was the most popular choice in the paddock, as many teams, especially in Moto2 and Moto3, are tight on budget at this stage of the season. 

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Going back to Doha, where the season started eight months ago in March, would have been a considerable expense for a number of teams.

Although Qatar was seen as the least emotionally problematic situation given the distance to Spain, it would have meant making compromises on the logistical side. Added to that, the Losail circuit was also preparing to host its annual Formula 1 race on 1 December.

On the other hand, riders felt it was acceptable to race in Barcelona, which is located some 400km from Valencia

MotoGP spent Sunday morning hosting meetings with the Calalunya government to finalise the deal to race in Barcelona.

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With the agreement in place between two parties, Ezpeleta met the MotoGP teams’ association IRTA at half past nine to provide the latest update on the situation.

In the next few hours, a protocol will be established for those that bought tickets for the original Valencia race.

Following the grand prix, an official test will be held at the same venue on Tuesday, 19 November.

 “We thought it was important to tell the riders before they went out on track yesterday, especially those in contention for positions, to confirm that there would be another event on the calendar,” Ezpeleta said on Sunday morning.

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“It’s been a very challenging couple of days, much more so for the Community of Valencia of course, but we think that – given the situation the Championship is in, sporting wise, but also for fans across the world – we thought it was important to hold a final event of the season. We owe that to the paddock and our fans.

“We have been looking at all the possibilities we had, it’s very challenging to organise an event in two weeks, but during the last 48 hours we’ve looked at all possible alternatives and we think that Barcelona is the best possible place given the proximity to Valencia, given that a lot of people were already travelling through to get to the finale, and especially for fans – we think it’s the best possible place for them. We also know we will be able to help the Community of Valencia from that location as well.

“That’s why we’ve requested the Government of Catalunya to be able to hold the event there. They want to communicate and align themselves with both the Government of Spain and that of Valencia before confirming the event, and we hope that confirmation comes in the next 48 hours.

“But the urgency right now is Valencia – not confirming our GP. It’s something we can wait for and once it’s confirmed we’ll start working as hard as possible, as it’s definitely a challenge but we think there’s a lot of good we can do and we feel owe it to our fans.

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“We want to thank the entire MotoGP community, the riders, and the teams, for their proactiveness, help, and support.”

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Norris not proud of Brazil F1 sprint race victory after team orders

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Lando Norris says he cannot be proud of his win in the Brazilian GP sprint race after he was handed it on a plate by his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Piastri, who had taken pole, looked in command and nailed-on to take a routine win in Sao Paulo. However, in a reversal of the team instructions earlier in the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren asked Piastri to swap positions with Norris to boost the latter’s chances in the drivers’ championship.

The order came with just a few laps remaining with the looming threat of a safety car to recover Nico Hulkenberg’s stricken Haas, with Piastri pulling over to allow Norris to take the chequered flag.

Norris’ win cuts Max Verstappen’s lead in the championship to 45 points while Piastri was second, to claim a McLaren one-two finish.

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Norris said: “We’re fighting for a constructors’ Norris not proud of Brazil F1 sprint race victory after team orders and we’re fighting for our drivers’ [championships], and we want to help the whole team achieve both of these goals.

“Obviously, from a driver’s point of view, it puts us in a slightly different position.

“I’m not proud to win a race like I did today. It’s not how I want to…I’m not proud of it, basically. So I will work hard to go and do a better job in qualifying later and put myself in a better position for the race.

Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38, Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-24

Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL38, Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-24

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

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“We want to avoid it as much as we can. But at the same time we sign up for this.

“We have to work together as a team. We get told what to do. We have a boss, and we do the best we can to help each other out.”

Piastri delayed the chance to switch positions for as long as possible as he reluctantly obeyed the team orders, now known as “papaya rules” after the controversial switch at the Hungaroring.

Piastri was quizzed about giving up a victory and added: “I mean, it’s not as fun as winning but I know the position that we’re in.

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“We’ve been talking about this for months now, and this is really the first time that we’ve had to enforce it [team orders].

“So yes, I would have preferred to have won but again, it’s a sprint race. It’s the same points for the team. And being realistic, I don’t have much to fight for in the drivers’ standing so, we knew this is something that that could and probably would happen at some point. But, yeah, I was fine with it.”

Norris was asked about the time it took for Piastri to swap places and said he understood why the Aussie left it so long to do so.

He added: “We spoke through many different scenarios. It was tough to do it much earlier because the guys behind were pretty close.

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“I think there was one lap, but it’s always hard to suddenly plan that and execute it well.

“We did the best job we could. We want both cars up there, and, of course, the safety car put out a little bit of threat. There’s always those risks, so we plan for it, and we secured it.”

Photos from Brazilian GP Sprint

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Did Eckes just make a major misstep in his pursuit of a 2024 NASCAR Truck title?

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I truly believe Christian Eckes made a miscalculation during Friday night’s Martinsville cutoff race, and I’m not talking about the morality of the bump-and-run for the win, but the logic in it.

He may have just chosen a race win over a championship when we end up looking back on this season:”My kingdom for a ‘clock’,” to use the words of doomed king Richard III. Eckes went home with a Martinsville clock after Friday’s race, but it could cost him a much bigger prize in the long run.

Eckes was safe! He was advancing into the Championship 4 on points! He didn’t need to bump Taylor Gray! Looking at the 2024 season, no driver has more top-fives, top-tens, or laps led than Eckes. Alongside Corey Heim, he has bee dominating most of the year, but did he just throw away his chances of winning the 2024 NASCAR Truck Series title?

There are a few reasons why I think he did.

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Taylor Gray drove a solid race, but he was only in that position because of a clever call to put on tires late. He had not won a race yet this year, or ever in in his young career. Wouldn’t Eckes have preferred him in the final four over a consistent contender Ty Majeski?

History says beware

But beyond that, there’s a much more pressing issue. Eckes had just made an enemy when he 100% did not need to. It’s reminiscent of Joey Logano in 2015. He was unreal in the playoffs and won all three races in the Round of 12. However, it came at a massive cost. While chasing Matt Kenseth for the win at Kansas, he got into the back of him and spun him out. Logano was already advancing into the next round based on his win one week prior while Kenseth was ultimately eliminated after losing the victory. He didn’t need to get that aggressive, and he certainly paid the price.

Logano was dominating once again in the Round of 8 opener at Martinsville. A win there would have solidified his place in the Championship 4, but while leading the race, Kenseth appeared while multiple laps down and sent the both of them careening into the wall. Logano was eliminated two weeks later. A eye-for-an-eye on full display.

“I was expecting to get moved – I wasn’t expecting to get moved to the fence,” said Gray after the Truck race. “Especially, with how I raced him, and he is locked into the final four, so I don’t know. The only thing he did was put a target on his back, and unfortunately, and this day and age I can’t go to Phoenix and do anything about to him, because I’m going to go get a $20,000 fine, so he gets away with that crap and doesn’t get any repercussion.”

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Race winner Christian Eckes, McAnally Hilgemann Racing, Gates Hydraulics Chevrolet Silverado

Race winner Christian Eckes, McAnally Hilgemann Racing, Gates Hydraulics Chevrolet Silverado

Photo by: Rusty Jarrett / NKP / Motorsport Images

Gray makes a valid point there, as NASCAR doesn’t take kindly to premeditated wrecks of title contenders. Kenseth was suspended for his move in 2015. But Gray doesn’t need to flat-out wreck Eckes at Phoenix and he’s certainly not going to announce anything else he might have in his mind. And in my mind, there is no doubt that he will do everything in his power to make Eckes’ life miserable during that race. Simply holding him up and being in the way could be enough to deny him the championship.

Also, it didn’t help that when Gray approached Eckes after the race and mentioned the many opportunities he had to dump the race winner at Martinsville, Eckes replied: “You should have, I guess.”

That will only incite Gray to revenge even more than before. And remember, the other drivers saw this as well. His title rivals are very clear on what he was willing to do for a race win he didn’t need and that will play into how things unfold when they face-off against him for the title at Phoenix.

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Or perhaps it will be like 2022 when the entire world was against Ty Gibbs but he won the Xfinity title anyway. Maybe nothing will happen, but the fact that it’s even a possibility is because of what Eckes chose to do when a must-win driver passed him cleanly on Friday night seems like a significant error.

“I guess the only thing I could have done is wreck him like he wrecked me,” concluded Gray. In 2024 NASCAR, that appears to be the case more often than not.

Watch: Christian Eckes defends late-race moves in Martinsville victory

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F1 Brazilian GP qualifying postponed due to heavy rain

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Qualifying for the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix has been postponed to Sunday due to a deluge of rain that hit the Interlagos circuit.

Rain began to fall half an hour before the qualifying session for Sunday’s grand prix was due to begin at 1500 local time.

The sprint race had run on Saturday morning in dry conditions, with McLaren’s Lando Norris winning ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri.

But between the sessions it began raining heavily over Sao Paulo, with the downpour accompanied by a large thunderstorm prompting race control to delay the start of qualifying indefinitely.

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Some 20 minutes after the original start time of qualifying, the FIA sent out the medical car to probe the conditions while marshals were trying to clear water off the track, but there was still too much standing water to allow action to begin.

At 16:15 local time the rain began to intensify again, with the provisional start time of qualifying continuously assessed and pushed back with 15 minute intervals.

Marshals sweep water from the track

Marshals sweep water from the track

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

The latest update from the FIA pushed the start of qualifying at 17:00 local time if conditions were suitable, but Sao Paulo’s sunset time of 18:21 worked against the organisers’ efforts to get a qualifying session in the books, as it was the latest time the FIA was comfortable having cars running on-track.

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At 16:45 local time race control finally decided to postpone the session, with the FIA now deciding on when it can organise a qualifying session on Sunday morning.

“The decision was taken due to the lack of visibility caused by the level of rain we have experienced in the past few hours,”said a statement from the governing body. “There is a lot of standing water on parts of the circuit which renders conditions unsafe.

“As much as we would all like to see competition on track, the safety of drivers, team members, volunteers, officials and spectators is our main priority.

“A decision on a start time for qualifying tomorrow morning will be taken as soon as possible.”

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If no session is able to take place on Sunday morning, it’s unclear at this stage how the grid would be set, which could be done by times set in FP1, Sprint qualifying or the Sprint race.

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What Brazil’s Rained Off Qualifying Means for Sundays Race – F1 Saturday Reaction

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McLaren’s Lando Norris won the sprint race in Brazil, while team orders and Max Verstappen’s penalty were much discussed. One of the main topics of the day was the watercooled tyre story. While these were being discussed, the qualifying scheduled for the afternoon were postponed due to heavy rain. So how will the grid be set for Sunday’s Grand Prix or when will qualifying be organised? Jon Noble and Filip Cleeren reporting from the Interlagos Circuit.

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Almirola wins Martinsville Xfinity race; Smith punches Custer after the finish

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Aric Almirola held off all challengers to win the pivotal cutoff race, denying Sammy Smith in second and Chandler Smith in third as they were attempting to win their way into the title-decider.

Almirola, who competes part-time in the Xfinity Series with Joe Gibbs Racing, now has three wins this year and seven in his career. S. Smith was within half a second of him at the very end, but just could not get close enough to make a real lunge.

“What an amazing race car,” smiled Almirola, who locked the No. 2 JGR Toyota into the owner’s Championship 4 via his race win.

For C. Smith, he was left fuming with season-long rival Cole Custer, who did advance and will have a shot to defend his 2023 Xfinity title. He had run down Custer and bumped him out of the way for the second position with about 30 laps left to go in the race. Just as Custer was preparing to return the favor, Brandon Jones went spinning and the caution flag flew. On the restart, Custer did ultimately move Smith in an aggressive bump-and-run that cost both drivers several spots.

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Smith was able to rebound back to third, but it simply was not enough. Afterwards, he immediately confronted Custer on pit road. After a heated exchange, Smith attempted to punch Custer and the crews quickly intervened.

 

“Obviously he’s not happy but at the end of the day, he’s put us in the wall a few times this year and his mistakes caught up with him,” said Custer. “He used the bumper on me, I used the bumper on him. What comes around goes around.”

Speaking about the ‘punch,’ Custer had this reaction: “I can’t even tell if he really punched me in the face. It was so soft.”

While Custer is returning to the Cup Series in 2025, Smith has no ride at any level of the sport. This may have been his last shot at this level of the sport. He told The CW about the issues with Custer: “I was planning to do a lot more than that (punch him), to be completely frank. I was extremely pissed off. I gave him five laps before that caution came out, beat his bumper off. Never shipped him or anything like that.”

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But with Smith facing a must-win and time running out, he decided that time was up. “I finally pushed him up the track and went on our way. But I gave him a chance for five laps before that. Well, I think he was the first guy all day that chose the outside lane from third place so that’s very interesting. He didn’t even give me a chance to make the corner once we got to Turn 1.”

Custer believes the two are now even, but Smith obviously disagrees. “He can think we’re even and all, but he’s got the one that has more stakes than I do next weekend as well.”

The two Smiths were eliminated alongside Sam Mayer and Jesse Love. Custer will battle A.J. Allmendinger, Austin Hill, and Justin Allgaier for the championship at Phoenix.

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