Mustangs coming to NASCAR in 2019
Two years ago, it was the new Toyota Camry. Then it was the new Chevy Camaro this season.
Now it’s Ford’s turn to debut a new model for the NASCAR Cup Series.
Ford announced Tuesday that the Mustang will be the manufacturer’s new body for the 2019 Cup season. It will be the first time the Mustang races in the Cup Series, as Ford’s three prior bodies were the Thunderbird, the Taurus and currently the Fusion.
“Mustang is a car that is woven into the fabric of our country, and it’s only right that we put it on the track in NASCAR’s most visible series,” said Edsel B. Ford II, a member of Ford Motor Company’s board of directors. “I can’t wait.”
Thirteen teams — including Penske, Wood Brothers and Stewart-Haas Racing — drive Fords.
Gymnastics
WIEBER FILES LAWSUIT >> Olympic gold medalist Jordyn Wieber is the latest gymnast to sue Michigan State, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee over former sports doctor Larry Nassar’s sexual abuse.
Wieber was on the “Fierce Five” team that won gold in 2012. She filed a lawsuit in California, alleging MSU and former USA Gymnastics leaders hid Nassar’s conduct from the public and law enforcement. She said the abuse spanned from 2006 and 2012, her medical records were destroyed, and she and her teammates “were not protected.” Those being sued have denied cover-up allegations.
More than 250 women and girls say Nassar sexually assaulting them under the guise of treatment. He’s now in prison.
Soccer
TOP EUROPEAN CLUBS TO MEET IN SANTA CLARA >> The International Champions Cup is returning to Levi’s Stadium this summer with another blockbuster soccer matchup: A.C. Milan vs. Barcelona.
The star-studded European clubs are scheduled to meet Aug. 4 as part of an expanded summer exhibition tournament that includes the biggest teams in soccer. The tournament begins July 20, five days after the World Cup final.
The International Champions League tournament features Manchester United, Manchester City, Real Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.
WORLD CUP HOST CHARGED WITH RACISM >> FIFA charged World Cup host Russia with fan racism less than two months before the tournament begins.
Monkey chants were aimed at black French players, including Paul Pogba, during France’s 3-1 friendly win over Russia in St. Petersburg last month.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich, who is overseeing World Cup preparations, said Russia is cracking down on racist fans.
“We’ll do anything so there are no discrimination cases,” he said. “But if that happens ... there should be zero tolerance for these people.”
NFL
MANGOLD RETIRING >> ExNew York Jets center Nick Mangold retired after an 11-year career. The 34-yearold Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowl pick, announced on Twitter that he will sign a one-day contract with the Jets to retire as a member of the team. Mangold didn’t play last season after he was released by New York in February 2017. ANSAH SIGNS DEAL >> Defensive end Ezekiel Ansah signed his franchise tag, signaling his return to the Detroit Lions. Ansah has 44 sacks in five seasons with the Lions