NASCAR GOES FOR FIRST RIDE THROUGH THE DIRT AT BRISTOL
It only took one session in the dirt for Kevin Harvick to change his mind about NASCAR’s latest experiment.
Harvick was one of the loudest detractors headed into the first Cup Series race on a dirt track since 1970. He had been dreading Sunday’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway from the moment NASCAR put this harbinger on the schedule. After 51 laps of practice Friday — in a truck, no less — Harvick had done an about-face.
“This has been a weekend that I had big X’s through, and honestly, that’s as much fun as I’ve had in a race car in a long time,” Harvick said.
Harvick is one of seven Cup regulars entered in Saturday night’s
Truck Series race so they could get some experience on dirt.
Cunningham, who boosted Cards at bat and as exec, dies.
ST. LO U IS» Joe Cunningham, who got off to a smashing start with the St. Louis Cardinals and later became a minor league manager, major league coach, key figure in their front office and team ambassador, has died. He was 89. Popularly called as “Smokey” Joe, he died Thursday in St. Louis.
Wie West misses cut; Park holds 1-shot lead.
CARLSBAD, CALIF. » Michelle Wie West missed the cut Friday in her first tournament in nearly two years while Inbee Park headed into the weekend still holding a one-stroke lead in the Kia Classic. Wie West shot a 2-over 74 at Aviara, an improvement of seven strokes from her openinground 81 to finish at 11-over 155.
Sabres trade Staal to Canadiens.
BUFFALO, N .Y. » The Buffalo Sabres’ overhaul has begun, with the spiraling team trading veteran center Eric Staal to the Montreal Canadiens on Friday. Buffalo acquired the Canadiens’ third and fifth-round selections in the 2021 draft. The Sabres also agreed to retain $1,625,000.
Canada OKs reduced quarantine
for NHL players. TORONTO» The Canadian government waived its mandatory 14-day quarantine period for players acquired by Canadian NHL teams from U.S. clubs ahead of the league’s April 12 trade deadline. The Canadian Press reported Friday, citing two unidentified people with knowledge of the decision, that players will now observe a seven-day quarantine upon arrival.
Cavaliers buy out C Drummond. CLEV EL A ND» Center Andre Drummond is now a free agent and can sign with a contending team after reaching a buyout with the Cavaliers. He is expected to draw interest from several teams, including the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers.
Correa turned down $120M, 6-year deal, says deadline stands.
WEST PA LM B E ACH , FLA.» Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa says he turned down a $120 million, six-year contract covering 2022-27 and is not sure whether there will be a deal before his deadline of opening day.
McCullers, Astros finalize deal. WEST PA LM B E ACH , FLA.» Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and the Houston Astros finalized an $85 million, five-year contract covering 2022-26 on Friday.
Reds release former NL batting champ Strange-Gordon.
GOODYEAR, ARIZ.» The Cincinnati Reds on Friday released Dee Strange-Gordon. The 32-year-old former All-Star was a non-roster invitee to spring training.
Hornets GM: Ball could return this season.
CH A RLOTTE , N . C . » Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak rookie point guard LaMelo Ball will be reevaluated in “four or five weeks” after fracturing his right wrist March 20.
Twins coach Mike Bell, brother of Reds manager, dies at 46.
FORT MYERS, FLA.» Minnesota Twins bench coach Mike Bell, the younger brother of Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell, died Friday of kidney cancer. He was 46.