Darlington Raceway’s next NASCAR throwback weekend going back to racing’s roots
Sabalenka beats Gauff, will meet Zheng in Australian Open final
MELBOURNE, Australia – Aryna Sabalenka avenged a U.S. Open final loss to Coco Gauff and will take a 13-match Australian Open winning streak into Saturday’s championship decider against firsttime finalist Zheng Qinwen.
Defending champion Sabalenka attacked Gauff’s serve with her powerful returns and unloaded 33 winners in the 7-6 (2), 6-4 semifinal victory on Thursday night.
No. 12-seeded Zheng had a 6-4, 6-4 win over No. 93-ranked Dayana Yastremska, ending the Ukrainian player’s bid to become the second qualifier to reach a Grand Slam final in the Open era after 2021 U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu.
Zheng lost in the U.S. Open quarterfinals to Sabalenka last year in her best previous run at a major. She’s into the final a decade after Chinese star Li Na won the Australian title.
Ravens CB Humphrey returns to practice; Andrews was a full participant
OWINGS MILLS, Md. – Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey was back at practice Wednesday after missing last weekend’s divisional playoff game with a calf injury.
The Ravens listed Humphrey as a limited participant. It was a pretty encouraging injury report, with Sunday’s AFC championship game against Kansas City coming up. Tight end Mark Andrews, who is still on injured reserve because of an ankle injury, was a full participant.
Guard Kevin Zeitler had the day off to rest. The only player to miss practice because of an injury was receiver Tylan Wallace, who was out with knee issues.
Humphrey also missed seven games in the regular season. The 10 games he did play were the fewest of his seven-year career.
Wes Unseld Jr. out as Wizards coach, transferring to front office advisory role
WASHINGTON – Wes Unseld Jr. is out as coach of the Washington Wizards midway through his third season with the team, which has the second-fewest wins in the NBA.
President Michael Winger announced Thursday that Unseld would be transitioning to a front office advisory role. The Wizards said they will name an interim coach later in the day and hold a search for a full-time replacement in the offseason.
“After several thoughtful conversations with Wes, we determined together that a change was needed for the benefit of the team,” Winger said. “Wes embodies the characteristics we value in our organization, and his vast basketball experience will be an asset to the front office as we progress toward our long-term goals. We are thankful that he will continue his contributions to our organization and community.”
Washington at 7-36 is in 14th place out of 15 teams in the Eastern Conference. The Wizards have lost five in a row and 11 of their past 12 games and host the Utah Jazz on Thursday night.
Source: Browns to interview former Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson for vacancy
CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Browns are interviewing former Philadelphia offensive coordinator Brian Johnson to help bring out the best in quarterback Deshaun Watson, a person familiar with the team’s plans told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Johnson, who was fired by Eagles coach Nick Sirianni on Tuesday, has a meeting with the Browns to be their coordinator, said the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the team is not announcing any moves until coach Kevin Stefanski fills out his staff.
Stefanski fired offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt last week as part of an offensive shakeup.
DARLINGTON, S.C. – Darlington Raceway is going back to racing’s roots for its latest NASCAR throwback next May.
The track announced Thursday that the latest edition to celebrate NASCAR history will focus on the roots of racing and origin stories of drivers who began their journey to the national series through grassroots/local track racing.
The weekend – think of it as a NASCAR old timer’s day – is from May 10-12 and will include races from NASCAR’s three main series, ending with the Goodyear 400 on May 12.
The celebration has been a popular time for racers and NASCAR teams, whose cars feature unique paint schemes and drivers and crews often dress up in outfits of racing’s past.
The theme is called, “Celebrate our Roots through Grassroots Racing.”
Darlington president Josh Harris called grassroots racing “the lifeblood of our sport” and the weekend acknowledges the importance it has played in NASCAR.
— Wire reports