NASCAR pins hopes on new president

NASCAR promoted Steve Phelps to president Thursday in the latest leadership change for the slumping motor sports series. Phelps will replace Brent Dewar on Oct. 1. Dewar is stepping down and transitioning to an advisory role next year.

“As a lifelong fan of NASCAR, the opportunity to provide league-wide leadership is something I am looking forward to,” Phelps said. “I am confident that the strong team of leaders here at NASCAR and across the industry will accelerate the necessary changes to grow the sport and engage our passionate fans.”

NASCAR is trying to steady itself during a prolonged downturn. Attendance and television ratings have dropped, and teams are struggling to find high-dollar sponsorship.

ODDS AND ENDS

MLB: Pirates starting pitcher Chad Kuhl underwent reconstructive surgery on his right elbow and will miss the entire 2019 season. Kuhl, 26, went 5-5 with a 4.55 ERA in 16 starts for Pittsburgh this season.

■ Mets infielder Wilmer Flores will miss the rest of the season because of soreness in both knees. Manager Mickey Callaway said Flores has early onset arthritis.

College football: Ohio State All-American defensive end Nick Bosa will be out indefinitely after having surgery for a lower-abdomen injury, coach Urban Meyer said.

Golf: Sergio Garcia shot a 5-under 66 and was three strokes off the first-round lead at the Portugal Masters as the Spaniard looks to find some form in his final event before next week’s Ryder Cup. Lucas Herbert of Australia led after a bogey-free 63 at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course in Vilamoura.

Soccer: In a concession to women’s soccer, FIFA said total prize money will “significantly increase” for next year’s Women’s World Cup from the $15 million shared among 24 teams at the 2015 tournament.