The big strategy question hanging over McLaren’s season

The big strategy question hanging over McLaren’s season

McLaren found itself in a tough spot at the Hungarian Grand Prix when Lando Norris’s one-stop strategy helped him beat teammate Oscar Piastri, even though both drivers were meant to have equal chances. The team had initially committed Piastri to an early stop to challenge Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, unaware that a one-stop would later become the winning move. Team boss Andrea Stella admitted it’s difficult to treat both drivers equally while also letting them make different strategic choices mid-race. Moving forward, McLaren plans to keep discussing strategy rules with Norris and Piastri to make sure both know what to expect and feel they’re being treated fairly.

Click here to read the full article by Jon Noble (the-race.com)

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Bristol races against time for NASCAR return

After hosting Tennessee’s first Major League Baseball game, which drew over 90,000 fans and was delayed by rain, Bristol Motor Speedway now faces a tight schedule to prepare for NASCAR’s return on Sept. 11-13. The baseball setup, including the field, seating, press box, and clubhouses, took seven weeks to build and must now be fully dismantled within two weeks, according to MLB consultant Murray Cook. Key challenges include rebuilding the Goodyear building, reinstalling SAFER barriers, pouring new concrete walls, and restoring lighting and signage, all of which were removed or altered for the baseball event. Despite the tight turnaround, Speedway officials remain confident the facility will be ready in time for all three top-tier NASCAR series.

Click here to read the full article by David McGee (heraldcourier.com)

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IMSA keeps CUPRA TCR cars on grid despite delay

IMSA will keep the CUPRA Leon VZ TCR eligible for the Michelin Pilot Challenge, despite CUPRA postponing its planned U.S. road car launch. The brand, owned by Volkswagen, had aimed to enter the U.S. market by 2030 but announced a delay during its financial report. IMSA said it remains committed to supporting its teams and honoring the investments already made in CUPRA race cars. Gou Racing debuted the car at Daytona, and Victor Gonzalez Racing Team followed with its debut at Road America last weekend.

Click here to read the full article by John Dagys (sportscar365.com)

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Ferrari adds two young talents to Driver Academy

Ferrari has announced that Niccolò Maccagnani and Alba Larsen will join its Driver Academy starting January 1, 2026. Larsen, a 16-year-old Danish driver, impressed the team with her strong performances in F1 Academy and British F4, as well as her success in the FIA’s Girls On Track – Rising Star program. Maccagnani, an Italian teenager, earned his spot after excelling in private tests and ranking fastest in a 37-driver Formula 4 test at Vallelunga. Ferrari will confirm their 2026 racing plans later, while also continuing to support karting talents Noah Baglin and Filippo Sala.

Click here to read the full article by Henry Valantine (planetf1.com)

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Off-road legend Walker Evans passes away at 86

Walker Evans, a Hall of Fame off-road racing legend and former NASCAR driver, passed away at the age of 86 after a prolonged battle with health issues. He earned 142 wins and 21 championships in desert and short-course racing and also competed in 41 NASCAR Truck Series races after helping launch the series in 1995. Evans was inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Off-Road Motorsports Hall of Fame, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and the West Coast Stock Car Hall of Fame. Score International called him a pioneer, champion, and true icon whose legacy will continue to inspire racers for generations.

Click here to read the full article by Matt Connolly (pennlive.com)