When it comes to champions, Alex Pereira’s name is written in golden letters as one of the best to ever embrace the Octagon. Last year was a phenomenal “fire fest” for the light-heavyweight champion, as he defended his championship belt back-to-back, even breaking Ronda Rousey’s record. However, his next title defense could be his toughest yet, as he will be sharing the stage with Magomed Ankalaev. However, ‘Poatan’ appears to be taking his next challenge a bit lightly as he has decided to corner Sean Strickland in his clash against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312, and according to Daniel Cormier, this might be a risky move for Pereira.

While having a conversation with his audience on his YouTube handle, Daniel Cormier emphasized that Alex Pereira’s decision to corner Sean Strickland all the way in Australia might backfire against him as he is going to defend his belt at UFC 313, “Pereira feels that his relationship with Strickland is so strong that he’s willing to travel across the world to corner him. To me, it seems dangerous; it seems risky for Alex to go all the way to Australia, knowing everything that goes into a training camp and how hard that travel can be on your body when you’re preparing to defend your world championship.”

Magomed Ankalaev has been riding an 11-fight winning streak, defeating opponents across the board. His wrestling is his greatest strength, but defeating Alex Pereira is a monumental task. Regardless, Daniel Cormier emphasized that Ankalaev has what it takes to pull Pereira down and keep him there, thus limiting his striking abilities. If we were to analyze most of Pereira’s fights, we could witness that the light-heavyweight champion seldom takes the match to the ground as he likes to fight on his feet and this might be a worry for ‘Poatan.’

Cormier further added, “When you look at Ankalaev and the way those guys have been going back and forth, when you look at the fighting style or the ability, it all boils down to this: Alex Pereira could beat up Ania’s legs, as we saw Jan Błachowicz do, and him look like he could not stand. But Ania has that ability to take him down and hold him down.” 

Well, Daniel Cormier did have his opinions but what about Alex Pereira? What does the UFC light-heavyweight champion think about his opponent? Let’s find out.

Alex Pereira promises to make a fool out of Magomed Ankalaev

Magomed Ankalaev emphasized that he would be fighting Alex Pereira on his feet and would not attempt any takedowns. This promise has caught the attention of the entire MMA community, with many advising the contender not to take such a risk against Pereira, who is already a dangerous fighter. Well, in his most recent conversation, ‘Poatan’ has come forward to state that he will make a joke out of Ankalaev if he doesn’t stand by his words.

“If [Ankalaev] doesn’t back up what he says, people have already seen me making fun of my other opponents. Sometimes I joke and stuff, but this is the guy I’m really going to make fun of,” said Alex Pereira in his conversation with Ariel Helwani. Imagine being defeated by one of the best within the division and he takes the opportunity to laugh at you, that’s exactly what the UFC champ is planning to do.

Their anticipated clash will finally take place at UFC 313 at the T-Mobile Arena In Las Vegas, Nevada On March 8, 2025. Who do you think will be holding the belt at the end? State your picks in the comments below.

The post “It Seems Risky for Alex” – Daniel Cormier Warns Alex Pereira Ahead of Cornering Sean Strickland at UFC 312 appeared first on EssentiallySports.

The Los Angeles Angels have a big year ahead in 2025, and they are relying on Mike Trout in a big way. The first move of the offseason had fans buzzing as the Halos made a splash, snagging two-time World Series champ and former World Series MVP Jorge Soler from the Atlanta Braves. The power-hitting outfielder was the perfect fit for a team looking to add some serious pop to the lineup, but the Angels weren’t done there.

Just a week later, they added veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks, known for his pinpoint control and ability to eat up innings. A few days after that, the team turned their attention to fortifying their defense and bench, bringing in seasoned catcher Travis d’Arnaud—someone with both leadership and experience behind the plate. The following day? Boom. Infield depth was bolstered with Kevin Newman, a steady glove with a knack for getting on base.

The Angels are heavily reliant on their 33-year-old center-fielder 

And then, just when it seemed like the Halos were wrapping up their offseason shopping spree, they made the move that had everyone talking: a deal with southpaw Yusei Kikuchi. The former Blue Jay was added to the rotation, giving them an experienced arm with solid strikeout stuff and a much-needed lefty presence. But the real game changer can be a healthy Mike Trout. In a season marred by injuries once again, Trout was limited to just 29 games, leaving fans and analysts alike frustrated by what could have been.   

[BrooksGate] here is the active player with the most home runs vs every team
byu/TheTurtleShepard inbaseball

Still, even in such a short stretch, the future Hall of Famer showed glimpses of his elite self. His .283 average and an OPS of .999 were just a reminder that when Trout is healthy, he’s one of the most dangerous players in the game. Mike Trout’s dominance against his division rivals is no surprise—he’s made a career out of making AL West pitchers look overmatched. But what really stands out is his uncanny ability to crush home runs against teams that aren’t even in his division, like the Tampa Bay Rays. Fans have been baffled by seeing Mike Trout’s homer record and commenting hilarious things. 

Fans react to Mike Trout’s name against every team  

The fan comments reflected a mix of playful rivalry, respect, and a little bit of acceptance when it comes to Mike Trout’s legendary ability to crush home runs, particularly against the teams in the American League West. One comment read, “Trout isn’t even in our division what the f*ck?”, capturing the disbelief that comes when Trout, not even in the same division, still manages to dominate teams outside the AL West. It’s like, how does a guy from the Angels, a team not even directly competing for the same divisional crown, still get the better of you so frequently? 

“Fish hate stingrays, obviously,” another playful jab at the Rays read, playing off the fact that ‘Trout’ is, well, a fish, and that the Rays are “stingrays” – it’s a metaphorical rivalry, where even though they’re both “fish,” one clearly dominates the other in this matchup. And hey, it’s hard to argue against Trout owning the Rays in this playful exchange! Another user was in absolute awe of Mike Trout, who wrote, “Lol, I knew it was trout before I even saw it. The dude hits like a maniac against us (Rays)”

This comment spoke about the consistency and predictability of Trout’s success. Rays fans—or any fans, for that matter—see Mike Trout’s name in the lineup and know he’s going to cause problems. “Lol Mike Trout leading the whole AL West,” another commenter noted, which is funny because the Angels haven’t had the same level of success as other teams in the AL West like the Astros, but that doesn’t stop Trout from continuing to lead the division in home runs, WAR, OPS, and almost every offensive category. 

One comment refers to a possible funny scenario: “It’d be really funny if he got traded to the Astros / M’s / Rags and hit at least 29 against the Angels to have the record against the entire AL West,” tapping into the fantasy of seeing Trout in one of his division rivals’ uniforms, particularly the Astros, Mariners, or Rangers. If Trout ever were traded to one of those teams, he’d continue his home run barrage across the AL West—especially if he could set the record for most home runs against his former team, the Angels – can you Imagine that?  

These comments mix humor with admiration and just a touch of envy. Trout has earned this status of “dominant force” across the league, and even rivals like the Rays, Astros, Mariners, and Rangers know that when he steps into the box, anything can happen. Whether it’s for his team or against them, Mike Trout just does Mike Trout things—and that’s something every team has to respect, even if they’re secretly hoping for a bit less damage.

The post “Mike Trout Isn’t Even in Our Division”: Angels Star Baffles MLB World With His Hilarious Home Run Record appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Serena Williams is a name synonymous with women’s sports and it’s only natural that her husband Alexis Ohanian, venture capitalist and co-founder of Reddit, is a vocal advocate of women’s sports. The 41-year-old was recently seen attending a women’s basketball match between the Virginia Cavaliers and the Miami Hurricanes at the Watsco Center on January 30. He was accompanied by none other than his little munchkin: Olympia who enjoyed her first-ever basketball game. But she also made a friend.!

This game was extra special as Ohanian was rooting for his college, ‘The University of Virginia’. As he cheered them on, the 41-year-old shared a picture of the court and a humourous selfie with his daughter on X with the caption, “Let’s go HOOS.”

Let’s go HOOS @UVAWomensHoops pic.twitter.com/hGPhviRToE

— Alexis Ohanian (@alexisohanian) January 30, 2025

However, the Cavaliers lost the match by a close 77-74 margin against the Hurricanes. There was a silver lining for the Reddit-co founder as his daughter found a new best friend.

Kymora Johnson, an outstanding guard for the Cavaliers, spent some time off the court to bond with Olympia. The two even clicked a picture together with Johnson sharing the snap on her Instagram with the caption, “new bestie.” Ohanian then reshared the picture on his Instagram story as well.

Apart, from being an entrepreneur, investor, and husband, Ohanian is also a very dedicated father. The proud ‘girl dad’ of two daughters, is always updating his followers on his parenting journey. Actually, Olympia has been one of the reasons for many of his ventures into women’s sports. During the 2019 Women’s FIFA World Cup, Ohanian saw Olympia cheering loudly for her country which led him down this road.

The father-daughter duo are often seen cheering on women in different fields. But which sport does Olympia play? It’s not tennis like her mother Serena Williams. The seven-year-old is great at golf.  In a conversation with a follower on X, Ohanian was asked whether Olympia would be seen as a professional in the future. His reply was full of belief as he wrote, “If she wants it, she can be.”

And Ohanian has shown this belief in various other women excelling in sports.

Alexis Ohanian invests in alma mater as women’s basketball was on his ‘radar’ 

Serena William’s husband has made significant contributions to women’s sports. The entrepreneur even has a startup ‘Athlos’, dedicated to bringing more attention and opportunity to women in track and field. The meet offers the biggest prize money in track and field.!He also invested in the Angel City FC, an American professional soccer team. And now he has also given his support to women’s basketball. What better than to support your own college?

In December 2024, Ohanian became the biggest donator to the Virginia Cavaliers. According to Sportico, the Reddit Co-founder made a whopping donation of $776,000 to the basketball team. His donation was also the largest in the history of the program. What does he have to say about it?

Speaking to ESPN, Ohanian said, “Starting Angel City and seeing the wave of investment in women’s sports really has been inspiring. Women’s basketball has popped up constantly on my radar, and lots of folks have been asking me about it.”

He further stated, “There was an under-investment in women’s sports, but also a mindset that it was not about excellence or business returns, it was about ‘charity. The curse of those low expectations really hampered the growth.”

With his investment, Ohanian aims to bring back the glory of the 90s for the Virginia Cavaliers, where Dawn Stanley led the way. The team hasn’t had a winning record since 2016-17. 

Alexis Ohanian isn’t just investing in women’s sports—he’s making sure the next generation, including his daughter, Olympia grows up seeing their value too. Can he help change the landscape of women’s sports? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post Serena Williams’ Husband Shares a Heartwarming Dad Moment as Olympia Makes a New Bestie Over Hoops appeared first on EssentiallySports.

It’s Super Bowl time. While the Eagles and Chiefs camps are steady, all other 30 teams are swinging. Staff, players, and everything else are on the discussion table. Free agency is not open yet. So, the player transfer is not happening. But the teams are evaluating and juggling their staff. While Andy Reid and co. have a steady base, Nick Sirianni’s ship may get rocked after the Super Bowl. At least, Kellen Moore might move to another franchise.

During the January 31 episode of The Rich Eisen Show, NFL insider Tom Pelissero discussed if the Eagles OC would leave them for the Saints’ head coaching job. The Saints owner Mickey Loomis interviewed several candidates, including Moore. They even met with him. Since then, the rumors of him leaving the Eagles are pretty strong.

While revealing the development, he said, “Kellen Moore has been setting up staff and figuring out who’s going to be coming with him. All indications are that he wants this job. Mickey Loomis, if he wanted to hire Mike Kafka or Anthony Weaver or Darren Rizzy, he could do that. Kellen Moore is the one guy who can’t be hired until after the Super Bowl. So, you have to connect the dots a tiny bit on this. I think it’s fair to say all indications are right now that Kellen Moore is the top candidate for that job.” This definitely rings a bell.

#Saints GM Mickey Loomis informed other candidates this morning that, while there has been no final decision, he plans to continue discussions with Kellen Moore. Moore has been working on staff; he can’t be officially hired until after the Super Bowl and another meeting awaits. https://t.co/s7lvV0z1vk

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 31, 2025

Talking about the candidates mentioned by Pelissero, NY Giants OC Mike Kafka was with the Chiefs from 2016 to 2021, working closely with Patrick Mahomes. In his 3 years with the Giants, he also became their assistant head coach in 2024. So, he is in the race to grab the top spot. Similarly, Anthony Weaver worked with the Texans and Ravens before becoming Dolphins DC in 2024.

There is a common link: both had interviews for head coaching positions with several franchises over the past two years but couldn’t secure a job. So, this will be their first assignment as the top leader. Talking about the Saints, their interim coach Darren Rizzi finished 2024 with a 3-5 win-loss record. This indicates their need to fill the HC spot.

Interestingly, Mickey Loomis has shown a bias towards Kellen Moore. Things are looking promising for the offensive coordinator. But it might be problematic for the Eagles.

Nick Sirianni might have to go through a familiar plan

Let’s go back 2 years. The Eagles lost the Super Bowl LVII to the Chiefs. But their defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, packed his bags and left for the Cardinals as their head coach. At first, it looked like a routine transfer.

However, reports later emerged that the DC had talked to the Cardinals after their NFC Championship win, during the impermissible conduct. It angered the Birds as they thought that they lost the Super Bowl because of their DC being distracted before the big game. And why not? Their defense failed to stop Harrison Butker‘s field goal in the final seconds, hence losing the game with just 3 points.

Though there are no reports of Mickey Loomis contacting Kellen Moore, such developments would reach him. The question here is, can Moore, who joined them in 2024 only, maintain his concentration amid the interview talks? The Eagles would need him in top gear. Undoubtedly, he empowered their offense. QB Jalen Hurts and RB Saquon Barkley bloomed under his wings. Particularly, Barkley had the best season of his career so far. For the first time since his debut, Barkley had 2005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

The next 10 days are very critical for the Iggles. They want to avenge their Super Bowl loss. But will it happen again? Just like Gannon stayed back in Arizona after Super Bowl 57, will Moore also do that? We will get our answers soon.

The post NFL Insider Makes Bold Prediction About Kellen Moore’s Next Gig as Mickey Loomis Threatens to Open Nick Sirianni’s Old Wounds appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Okay, let me ask you a simple question: what do you think tennis and soccer have in common? If your response is ‘loads of cash’, I’d counter with ‘Royalty’! And my examples? Roger Federer and Thierry Henry. One reached the historic milestone of 20 Grand Slam titles, while the other dominated European and MLS soccer while winning the Champions League and the World Cup, and a ‘Golden’ Premier League title, an attainment that lets him proudly call himself an ‘Invincible’. And, their camaraderie once again lit up the sporting diligence when cameras captured the Swiss GOAT, alongside his beloved wife Mirka, celebrating the birthday bash of Andrea Rajacic, Henry’s longtime girlfriend.

The close relationship between Roger and Henry is based on mutual companionship. Remember Roger’s 2024 documentary “Federer: Twelve Final Days”? In it, Roger’s twin boys, Leo and Lenny, were spotted wearing a retro Gooner jersey. Later, The Swiss revealed that the kits were gifted by none other than Henry himself. But that’s not all! The 8 time Wimbledon champion also shared the story behind the jerseys and how much joy they brought to his kids, despite them being hardcore FC Basel fanatics.

“The boys are coming back from soccer practice or football practice, and they walk through the elevator and I look at them and then they were in the Arsenal jerseys. I think I say in the film, like, ‘Where’s the FC Basel shirt?’ You know that’s what my favourite club is. The Arsenal jerseys, they had just received shortly before from Thierry Henry who is a good friend of mine, we’ve been on vacation together. He’s a really good friend of ours,” Roger remarked. And he showed up fashionably with her significant other to enjoy the birthday of Titi’s love yesterday.

 

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On the night of 31st January eve, the soccer legend Henry shared a carousel of pictures in his Instagram profile where he was celebrating his girlfriend Andrea Rajacic’s birthday bash, quoting, “Such a fun night celebrating @andrearajacic birthday with the crew.” The photograph depicts Roger and Mirka in glamorous attire; the Swiss GOAT is wearing a burgundy velvet suit and crisp white shirt. Conversely, Mirka captivated the audience with her elegant pink and silver sequined dress, enhanced by softly waved hair.

Other than the group photo of four, the snapshots also caught another soccer icon and Inter Miami’s owner David Beckham, film director Guy Ritchie, and legend from the field of judo, Teddy Riner. 

However, this was not the first time that Federer and Henry have caught the attention of fans from both sports.

Federer Enjoys a Dinner Meetup with Henry in Croatia

Soon after his QF loss at the 2021 Wimbledon, Federer withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics due to a knee injury. To take a break, he flew to Mali Lošinj, Croatia, with his wife, Mirka, and then-coach Ivan Ljubičić. While there, the Swiss GOAT crossed paths with Henry once again, who was also visiting Croatia at the same time. The stars enjoyed lunch together, joined by Roger’s wife, Mirka, and his coach.

Interestingly, this wasn’t their first collaboration as who could forget the iconic Gillette commercial that aired in 2018?

Henry has often been spotted courtside, cheering on Roger many times. One of the most notable examples was at the ATP World Tour Finals in London in 2011, where the Frenchman sat alongside another Arsenal legend, Andrey Arshavin, and Spaniard Rafael Nadal as Roger defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the opening match of his title defense.

Since retiring in 2022, Roger is now enjoying time with his family and close associates and maintains a limited presence on ATP tours. Will we see him in charity matches anytime soon though?

The post Roger Federer and Wife Mirka Light Up a Star-Studded Night as Soccer Legend Throws a Grand Bash for His Girlfriend appeared first on EssentiallySports.

As tough as Alex Pereira is inside the Octagon, he’s quite the entertainer outside of it. The light heavyweight champion, who’s scheduled to defend his belt against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, recently caught the fans’ attention but not because of his fighting skills. Instead, it was a video clip of Pereira showcasing his dance moves that got fans to react on social media.

When he first arrived at the scene, Alex Pereira showcased a rather stone-cold personality as he destroyed one opponent after the other. But over time, as his fanbase grew significantly, ‘Poatan’ started showing the funnier side of him, which included showing his dance moves. Just last year, Pereira received a huge welcome in South Korea as he and the female K-pop group ‘tripleS’ shared a video of them dancing together and it won the heart of the internet.

But recently, it was his translator-cum-coach Plinio Cruz who joined the light heavyweight champion for a small TikTok dance session. A viral clip on social media shows Alex Pereira and Cruz dancing to the song ‘Os Patos de Vovô’ by Cachorrao and showing some really good moves, including a form of the chicken dance.

 

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A post shared by FULL SEND MMA (@fullsend_mma)

As expected, fans were quick to share their reactions to the video clip, but not all of them enjoyed what they saw. So, without any further ado, let’s see what the fans had to say about Alex Pereira’s dance moves.

Alex Pereira looks ‘unathletic’, fans claim

Having witnessed Alex Pereira sending his opponents to the shadow realm with his unmatched and powerful knockouts, a fan commented, “Imagine being able to render any man alive unconscious and tiktok dance all at the same time,” claiming that seeing ‘Poatan’ dance is nothing less than unusual. Moreover, despite having fun and showing his moves, fans believe that he looked like he was ready to fight in the clip. “Even when he’s dancing it looks like the left hook is being set up.”

When it comes to his fighting skills, Alex Pereira has shown to be quite athletic, but when it comes to dancing, an Instagram user claimed that things are totally the opposite. In that regard, the fan added, “He always looks so awkward and unathletic when he’s not fighting.” Meanwhile, one fan added a comment with a little nod to Pereira’s catchphrase. “Chama Doing Chama Things.” With the complete 180-degree shift – from fighting with an intense look on his face to showcasing the funnier side of him – one fan claims there is no other personality like the UFC light heavyweight champion. “This guys is another thing,” that fan commented.

Some fans also believe that just like he did at UFC 300, Alex Pereira could also replicate this TikTok dance if he knocks out Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313, which is something that the UFC community may not be ready for. “If Alex does this I’ll die.” Finally, there was one fan who drew a comparison between Pereira and his arch-rival Israel Adesanya, against whom he has a 3-1 record (kickboxing UFC fights included), claiming that ‘Izzy’ is a much better dancer than the Brazilian native. “Whew! at least we know he’ll never catch Izzy in dancing!”

Well, Alex Pereira might be dancing now, but he will get into the serious mode as he inches closer to his fourth title defense. Many people believe that Magomedov Ankalaev could be ‘Poatan’s kryptonite, but it remains to be seen how things pan out when UFC 313 hits the calendar.

The post “Looks So Awkward”- Alex Pereira’s TikTok Dance Leaves UFC Fans Divided appeared first on EssentiallySports.

Expect to see a very different Huskers squad from the 2025 season onward. Since 2000, John Cook has transformed the volleyball program of Nebraska, taking it to unforeseen heights with his wisdom. However, the 4x NCAA winning coach announced his retirement earlier this week with Louisville’s head coach Dani Busboom Kelly en route to taking over the reins. But this won’t be the first time that Kelly will be headed to the Lincoln campus.

Dani is a Huskers alum herself, who flourished as a tactical coach later in her career. In the 2024 NCAA D1 Volleyball Championship, under Busboom’s coaching, Louisville reached the finals before being defeated by Penn State. However, by taking an ACC squad to its third NCAA Final Four appearance in program history, Kelly showed her worth as a proficient coach, making her a logical choice to be Coach Coo’s successor. And her family members can hardly hide the glee about her homecoming.

Dani Busboom Kelly has triggered festivities in her family

An article by Huskers Illustrated from January 31 shared Dani’s mother Bonnie Busboom’s ecstatic feeling to see her daughter returning to her alma mater. Acknowledging that it was difficult to stay so far away from Dani, her mother said that seeing her popularity in Louisville made things easier. “…we’ve always said, if your kids are happy, you’re happy. They were very happy in Louisville. I mean, she’s kind of like a mini John Cook in Louisville,” Bonnie was quoted saying in the article.

And yet, homecomings are always special, and the Busboom household is livid. When Dani Busboom Kelly was announced as the next head coach for the Huskers’ volleyball program, it was understandably emotional for her mother. “I just cried,” she said. “I’m like, ‘Are you kidding me? This is finally real?’ “It’s real, mom,’ I said, ‘OMG.’ I’ve been in tears, off and on, the whole time. Of course, happy tears, not sad tears,” Kelly’s mom revealed how elated she was to learn that Dani was indeed returning home. And how!

Busboom Kelly will take her new job at almost double the salary from her previous role. “Nebraska volleyball’s new head coach Dani Busboom Kelly will start at a base salary of $700,000 in her six-year contract with the Huskers,” Huskers Online revealed via social media yesterday. But considering the big shoes Dani will have to fill at Nebraska, the high wage could be the incentive to keep her motivated.

John Cook’s legacy will be the benchmark for the new HC

When John Cook took over the coaching responsibilities for the Huskers from Terry Pettit, the program had only one national title under its belt. But things changed quickly. In his first year at the helm, John guided the Huskers to a stunning 34-0 record, winning the AVCA National Coach of The Year award, and lifting the NCAA title in the process. That’s one way to start your new job with a bang! But Cook wasn’t going to be a one-hit-wonder by any means.

Just two years later, teaming up with Sarah Pavan and future Olympic gold medalist Jordan Larson, Cook won his second NCAA trophy as the Nebraska HC in 2006. That season, the squad lost only once in the regular season and firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the collegiate circuit. In 2015 and 2017 too, John Cook led his girls all the way to the top of the country. Coach Cook exits Nebraska with numerous All-American honors, 4 NCAA team titles, and five Big 10 titles, the last of which came in 2024.

But Cook firmly believes that Dani Busboom Kelly has what it takes to maintain the momentum he helped to generate. He called Kelly the “right person” to be his successor during his retirement presser. He also admitted his sadness about retiring, saying, “Am I going to miss it? Hell yeah. Yeah, I’m going to miss it, but I’m going to be the biggest cheerleader,” making it clear that Busboom Kelly can always have a guide to talk to when things get murky. So how do you think Dani will be able to match up the Coach Cook’s towering reputation? Tell us!

The post Amid Dani Busboom Kelly’s Nebraska Move, Family Member Makes Louisville Confession: “I Just Cried” appeared first on EssentiallySports.

NASCAR’s return to Bowman Gray Stadium for the 2025 Clash has resulted in a wave of nostalgia and excitement from core fans and drivers alike. The historic quarter-mile bullring, nestled in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is where legends were made, rivalries were born, and history was written. It’s the track where Richard Petty, “The King” himself, clinched his 100th career win in 1969—a milestone that set the stage for his eventual 200 victories. However, Kyle Petty recently revealed that Bowman Gray is also home to one of the most bizarre stories in NASCAR history: a race that, for 53 years, officially had no winner.

In a candid video, Kyle Petty took fans on a journey through the storied past of Bowman Gray, sharing memories of his father’s triumphs and the track’s unique place in NASCAR lore. But the real gem of his storytelling was the tale of the 1971 Myers Brothers Memorial 250—a race that ended in confusion, controversy, and a winner who wasn’t officially recognized, until now.

The infamous race that never had a winner

Kyle Petty’s connection to Bowman Gray runs deep. “Somewhere in this area,” he said, gesturing to the grandstands, “is where I was sitting with my mom and sisters when my dad won his 100th race. That was 1969. But the history of this track goes beyond that. In 1971, they had a race here. Richard Petty sat on the pole, Bobby Allison won the race, but Bobby didn’t get credit for it. Neither did my dad, who finished second. So, in all the history of NASCAR, Bowman Gray’s very last race had no official winner. Just a guy who went home with a trophy but no credit.”

The 1971 race was a “combination event,” a common practice at the time, where NASCAR allowed Grand American Series cars—lighter, more nimble pony cars like Ford Mustangs and Chevrolet Camaros—to compete alongside the heavier Cup Series machines. Bobby Allison dominated the day, leading 138 of 250 laps in his Mel Joseph-owned No. 49 Mustang. He crossed the finish line three seconds ahead of Richard Petty, took home the trophy, and pocketed the $1,000 prize. But because he was driving a Grand American car, NASCAR didn’t count it as a Cup Series win.

 

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A post shared by Kyle Petty (@kylepetty)

The decision baffled Allison for decades. “I got the money and the trophy,” he once said. “I’ve been told the race was in the record book for a year or two, then it wasn’t. If NASCAR is a major sport, then Bowman Gray was a major race. How can you have a major race without a winner?”

Justice delayed, but not denied

For 53 years, the Myers Brothers Memorial 250 stood as the only NASCAR Cup Series race without an official winner. That changed on October 23, 2024, when NASCAR CEO Jim France and senior advisor Mike Helton visited Bobby Allison to deliver long-overdue news: he was now officially the winner of the 1971 race.

The decision wasn’t just about righting a wrong; it was about honoring a true legend of the sport. Allison, now 86 and in declining health, had long argued that his victory should count. His case gained traction as historians revisited combination races from that era. With Bowman Gray’s Clash on the horizon, another question crosses the mind. Tiny Lund’s wins in similar events at Hickory and North Wilkesboro had been credited as Cup victories. Why not Allison’s?

“For 53 years, the Myers Brothers Memorial 250 was the only race run by NASCAR that did not have an official winner,” France said in the announcement. “As we began preparations for the upcoming Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, the topic of that August 6, 1971 race returned to the forefront. We felt it was the right thing to officially recognize Bobby’s win and honor him as an 85-time NASCAR Cup Series winner.”

The correction moves Allison into sole possession of fourth place on NASCAR’s all-time wins list, ahead of Darrell Waltrip. It also adds another layer to the Petty-Allison rivalry as Richard Petty’s official win total remains at 200 (although let’s be real, neither probably cares anymore). Had the Bowman Gray race been counted differently, Kyle Petty’s 1984 Firecracker 400 victory—celebrated as his 200th win—would have been his 201st.

But back to the point of Kyle’s video. The Bowman Gray Stadium is a living museum of NASCAR history. Built-in 1937 as a public works project during the Great Depression, the stadium has hosted everything from college football to stock car racing. It was here that NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. launched weekly racing in 1949, and where legends like Lee Petty, Ralph Earnhardt, and Richie Evans cut their teeth.

The track’s tight quarters and high banks earned it the nickname “The Madhouse,” and for good reason. Races often devolved into bumper-car battles, with tempers flaring and rivalries boiling over. It’s where Richard Petty won his 100th race, where Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Clint Bowyer tested the Next Gen car in 2021, and where NASCAR will kick off its 2025 season with the Cook Out Clash.

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Michael King’s 2024 season was no short of remarkable. After being in the shadows for several years, King burst onto the scene as one of the most dominant pitchers in the MLB. His abilities made him a key starter in the San Diego Padres rotation, raising his stakes and also the complexities of his contract. When the deadline to finalize a deal for 2025 came close, the Padres and King found themselves in a tug-of-war. Both parties were at different ends, with the $1.5 million gap in salary proposals; a potential arbitration was on the cards, but then, things took a turn.

The Padres offered $7.325 million, whereas Michael King proposed a counter of $8.8 million, thus birthing the situation of a possible uncomfortable arbitration case. Fortunately, the Padres agreed on terms with King proposing an $8 million contract, avoiding their first arbitration case since 2014! However, the deal, which may seem simple, had several intriguing elements: King’s base salary is guaranteed at $7.75 million, which includes a $3.75 million buyout if the mutual option isn’t exercised, with the potential to add incentives that could push his total earnings up to $8 million.

The Dodgers aren’t the only team that can do a little accounting sleight-of-hand. Saves the Padres some money on the front end and the luxury tax, but still takes care of Michael King on the back-end. And AJ Preller maintains his perfect no-arbitration record. https://t.co/PNuy53QP9H

— Ben Higgins (@BenHigginsSD) January 31, 2025

This contract benefits King on personal terms as well, given he will save more than $300,000 in taxes since Florida doesn’t impose state income tax. Additionally, King has bonuses tied to his starts next season: $50,000 for 20 starts, $100,000 for 25, and another $100,000 for 28 starts. For the Padres, this deal allows them to not only avoid the arbitration but also keep the tax burden manageable.

This behind-the-scenes trade mathematics has earned them praise and a cheeky comparison to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ well-known financial tactics. The Padres somewhat mirrored the Dodgers, who have mastered the art of managing contract structure in such a way that helps them navigate taxes and benefit their players. All in all, with King’s contract, the San Diego Padres have ensured a win-win situation for both sides. Also, it serves as a masterclass in creative negotiation, offering a glimpse into how negotiations can be both fair and tactically beneficial for both parties.

Michael King signing: what it means for the Padres

The San Diego Padres, aiming for an even better 2025 season, have made a significant move by signing Michael King, who earned his 7th position in the CY Young Award and a starter role in the rotation. Last season, posting a 2.95 ERA and a WHIP of 1.19 with more than 200 strikeouts to his name, King established himself as a reliable arm. His impressive 173⅔ innings pitched in 2024 also show he’s durable and capable of eating innings, an important trait for the team looking to compete for a postseason spot.

His high strikeout rate coupled with his solid command over pitching has made him a strong option in high-stakes situations. King offers the Padres the much-needed boost in their roster for the next season. His reliability as a starter eases the pressure and offers them an extra layer of added depth to contend for a title. Having a starter like King who embraces the big moments can be a difference-maker when it comes to key games throughout the year, especially in a division as competitive as the National League West and the opportunity for serious contention for the NL West title.

In conclusion, this signing is a significant step for the Padres, as they aim to solidify their chances to make it big next season. His presence in the rotation will be a key component for the team’s aspirations, transforming Michael King into one of the Padres’ cornerstones.

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For decades, NASCAR has amazed audiences with its track action, drama, intense rivalries, and deep-rooted connection to American culture. From its humble beginnings in the world of moonshining to becoming a billion-dollar sport, the rise of NASCAR is an example of passion materializing in the audience. By the early 2000s, NASCAR had reached its peak in television viewership, drawing an average of 9 million viewers per race.

The 2006 Daytona 500, for instance, pulled in 19.4 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched editions in its history. However, none of this would have been possible without a critical moment in 1960, the first-ever live television broadcast of a NASCAR race. On January 31, 1960, CBS aired a 10-lap Daytona 500 qualifying race, marking the first time millions of Americans got to experience stock car racing from their living rooms. That moment, featuring Walter Cronkite as the announcer and Cotton Owens taking the win, changed the trajectory of NASCAR forever.

The race that launched the Golden Era for NASCAR

In the late 1940s, stock car racing had begun organizing itself under Bill France Sr.’s vision for a structured championship. NASCAR was officially founded in 1948, and by the late 1950s, it had developed into a thriving motorsport, yet it was still regional in popularity. France saw television as an untapped opportunity to introduce NASCAR to a broader audience.

The 1960 Daytona 500 was already shaping up to be a major event, following the success of the inaugural race in 1959, where Lee Petty won after a controversial photo finish. However, a key moment leading up to it was the 10-lap qualifying race, which CBS decided to broadcast live on January 31, 1960. This decision marked a historic first in NASCAR history, as an estimated 17 million viewers tuned in to watch the action in real time.

The broadcast was led by Walter Cronkite, a legendary journalist who was more associated with news than sports at the time. Despite his limited knowledge of racing, his commentary gave credibility to NASCAR as a mainstream sport. The race itself was won by Cotton Owens, who executed a perfect slingshot pass on the final lap to secure the pole position for the Daytona 500.

January 31, 1960: The FIRST live TV broadcast of a NASCAR race

From Daytona, aired on CBS with Walter Cronkite as announcer, Cotton Owens won a 10 lap qualifying race with a last lap slingshot pass to give him the pole for the Daytona 500

An estimated 17 million people watched pic.twitter.com/7Y1stRLjl7

— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) January 31, 2025

NASCAR and CBS marketed the event as a ‘never seen before’ experience, capitalizing on the growing popularity of television as a medium for live sports. This broadcast provided NASCAR with an opportunity to reach an audience far beyond the traditional south-Eastern Coast fan base. The success of the first live NASCAR broadcast gave the sport momentum. NASCAR quickly realized the power of television and began negotiating more broadcast deals, ensuring that future races would be aired nationwide

The successful pilot run of the qualification gave CBS the confidence to air the first-ever Daytona 500 on Valentine’s Day of 1960. The race called by Bud Palmer became an instant hit, which confirmed NASCAR’s inception in the sports market. Although they didn’t get to televise the race in 1961, this exposure increased fan interest and eventually caught the attention of major sponsors looking to advertise their brands to NASCAR’s rapidly growing audience.

During the 1970s, NASCAR experienced a boom in popularity, thanks in part to television, but also due to the rise of legendary drivers such as Richard Petty, David Pearson, and Cale Yarborough. Petty, in particular, became NASCAR’s first true superstar, winning 7 cups and bringing a new level of recognition to the sport.

Sponsorships began pouring in, helping teams and the sport grow financially. R.J. Reynolds’ Winston brand became the title sponsor of NASCAR’s top series in 1971, renaming it the Winston Cup Series. This sponsorship injected millions of dollars into NASCAR, allowing it to expand beyond the Southeast and into new markets across the United States. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, NASCAR had become a staple of American sports culture.

TV ratings also skyrocketed. The 1979 Daytona 500, became the first flag-to-flag live broadcast of the race, reaching an estimated 16 million viewers. That race, which ended in a dramatic last-lap crash between Donnie Allison and Cale Yarborough, was followed by an on-track fistfight that cemented NASCAR’s place in mainstream entertainment.

Merchandise sales grew exponentially as well, with companies like STP, Wrangler, and Coca-Cola using NASCAR’s appeal to market their products. The rise of NASCAR in the 1970s and 1980s was directly linked to the visibility television provided, and all of it traced back to that first live broadcast in 1960. But, there was a sport that battled NASCAR for viewership.

The Super Bowl and the battle for America’s flagship event

Ironically, NASCAR’s major step into live television broadcasting predated the Super Bowl by seven years. The first Super Bowl was held in 1967, featuring a matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite its now iconic status, the inaugural Super Bowl drew around 51 million viewers, significantly less than modern-day numbers.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Super Bowl grew into the single biggest sporting event in America. The combination of elite football, halftime shows, and massive advertising campaigns helped turn it into a cultural phenomenon.

However, for years, the Daytona 500 served as NASCAR’s version of the Super Bowl, drawing enormous TV audiences and making its race winners household names. For example, in 2006, the Daytona 500 attracted 19.4 million viewers, which wasn’t far off from Super Bowl XLI’s 93 million viewers in terms of addressable market. NASCAR even scheduled the Daytona 500 as the first race of the season, giving it a sort of Super Bowl anticipation factor.

As the Super Bowl became the definitive American sports event, NASCAR found ways to align itself with its success. The sport capitalized on cross-promotions with NFL stars, securing commercial spots during the big game, and even collaborating on marketing efforts with major networks like Fox, which broadcasted both events.

While NASCAR may no longer compete directly with the Super Bowl in terms of viewership, the early connection between stock car racing and live television helped pave the way for today’s sports media landscape. Without that January 31, 1960 broadcast, NASCAR might never have become the billion-dollar industry it is today.

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