Colapinto crash disrupts Alpine's 2026 tire test

Colapinto crash disrupts Alpine's 2026 tire test

Franco Colapinto crashed Alpine’s Formula 1 car during a tire test at the Hungaroring, but he was checked by medical staff and is okay. The test was part of Pirelli’s plan to develop new tires for the 2026 season, which will be smaller and narrower. Colapinto’s crash adds to a difficult season where he hasn’t finished higher than 12th and has been outqualified 7-2 by teammate Pierre Gasly. His future with Alpine is uncertain, as he’s only on a race-by-race deal and can be dropped at any time.

Click here to read the full article by Ben Vinel (motorsport.com)

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NASCAR grants Xfinity Series Playoffs waiver to Austin Hill

Austin Hill will still be allowed to compete for the NASCAR Xfinity Series title after receiving a playoff waiver, despite being suspended one race for intentionally crashing Aric Almirola at Indianapolis. As part of the penalty, Hill lost all of his 21 playoff points earned from three wins and stage victories, which was a more significant blow than missing the Iowa race. Although the waiver was expected, many see it as a sign that NASCAR’s playoff system is too complicated, especially when a suspended driver is still granted postseason eligibility. Critics argue that NASCAR should revise its rules to avoid needing waivers in disciplinary cases and focus on clearer, more consistent playoff requirements.

Click here to read the full article by Nick Bromberg (sports.yahoo.com)

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The one title Palou still has to fight for

Alex Palou is close to winning the 2025 IndyCar championship and just needs to stay 108 points ahead of Pato O’Ward after the Portland race. He has already won eight races this season, while O’Ward has won only two. Palou is also fighting O’Ward for the oval championship and is only one point behind with two oval races left. After years of struggling on ovals, Palou proved himself with big wins at the Indy 500 and Iowa, and now he hopes to finish strong at Milwaukee and Nashville.

Click here to read the full article by Asher Fair (beyondtheflag.com)

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Suárez could land at Spire after Trackhouse exit

Daniel Suárez will not return to Trackhouse Racing next season and is now a free agent in a market with few open Cup Series seats. One possible option is Spire Motorsports, where Justin Haley’s future is uncertain, but the team hasn’t decided if Suárez would be a clear upgrade. Suárez wants a multi-year deal, while Spire may prefer to keep its options open for the 2026 free agent class. If he can’t secure a Cup seat, Suárez may return to the Xfinity Series, where JR Motorsports could offer him a competitive ride and a shot at rebuilding his Cup career.

Click here to read the full article by Matt Johnson (sportsnaut.com)

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IMSA expands LMP3 Racing for 2026

IMSA will expand the LMP3 class in 2026 by allowing third-generation cars to compete in both the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge and four new two-hour endurance races at Sebring, COTA, VIR, and Road America. These third-gen LMP3 cars, powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo Toyota V6 engine, will race alongside second-gen cars with no performance adjustments. The new endurance races will require two drivers per car, with at least one Bronze or Silver-rated driver, while Platinum drivers will not be allowed. IMSA has also extended its exclusive LMP3 rights in North America through 2032 as part of its alliance with the ACO.

Click here to read the full article at performanceracing.com