NASCAR - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Ryan Blaney faces uphill battle to make Cup Series final four

Ryan Blaney found inspiration from what some might consider an unlikely source.

By JENNA FRYER / The Associated Press October 19, 2025

AP file photo by Matt Kelley / Team Penske driver Ryan Blaney likely needs a win in one of the next two NASCAR Cup Series playoff races at Talladega and Martinsville to be one of the four title-eligible drivers in the No. 2 season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

Max Verstappen puts more pressure on McLaren drivers in F1 title chase

Four-time reigning F1 champion Max Verstappen cruised to an easy victory Saturday in a crash-filled sprint race at the Circuit of the Americas.

By JIM VERTUNO / The Associated Press October 19, 2025

AP photo by John Locher / Red Bull driver Max Verstappen sits in his car before a Formula 1 practice session Friday at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Apple TV lands Formula 1’s broadcast rights in US for next five years

Formula 1 announced a five-year deal Friday with Apple, which will be the global motorsports series' broadcast partner in the U.S. starting next season.

By JENNA FRYER / The Associated Press October 18, 2025

AP photo by Eric Gay / From left, Apple executive Eddy Cue, Formula 1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali and Liberty Media CEO Derek Chang speak during a news conference Friday at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Apple TV and F1 announced a five-year partnership to televise the series in the United States starting in 2026.

Mercedes sticking with same drivers for Formula 1’s 2026 season

Formula 1 veteran George Russell and rookie driver Kimi Antonelli will stay with Mercedes next year after the team finally concluded a drawn-out contract renewal process.

By The Associated Press October 15, 2025

AP photo by Darko Bandic / From left, Mercedes drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell wave to fans before Formula 1's Austrian Grand Prix on June 29 in Spielberg.

How Denny Hamlin’s emotional win at Las Vegas has him back in title contention

Denny Hamlin has been NASCAR's main character this season, from his lawsuit against NASCAR and his weekly, opinion-laden podcasts to the defining role he played in setting the final eight drivers in the playoff field.

By JENNA FRYER / AP Auto Racing Writer October 13, 2025

Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Steve Marcus)

Denny Hamlin’s 60th Cup Series career win secures shot at elusive title

With tears in his eyes and needing a moment to compose himself, Denny Hamlin collected his sixth checkered flag of the season and reflected on all it meant.

By JENNA FRYER / The Associated Press October 12, 2025

AP photo by Steve Marcus / Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane at Las Vegas Motor Speedway after winning Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series playoff race and clinching a title-eligible spot in the Nov. 2 season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

Denny Hamlin’s decision in Roval race still being debated

Denny Hamlin made it clear he wished he would have known not to pass Ross Chastain on the final lap of last weekend's NASCAR Cup Series playoff race.

By JENNA FRYER / The Associated Press October 11, 2025

AP photo by Matt Kelley / Denny Hamlin in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 11 Toyota and Ross Chastain in the Trackhouse Racing No. 1 Chevrolet come to a stop on the front stretch during last Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series playoff race on the road-and-oval course at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

NASCAR seeks new mediator in antitrust suit as Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing pushes back

NASCAR has asked a federal court for a judicial settlement conference so that an independent judge can mediate the antitrust suit filed by Michael Jordan-owned 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.

By JENNA FRYER / AP Auto Racing Writer October 7, 2025

FILE - Team owner Michael Jordan looks on during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Darlington Raceway, Aug. 31, 2025, in Darlington, S.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley, File)

NASCAR teams urge settlement as trial looms for Michael Jordan’s antitrust suit against series

Michael Jordan stood on the steps outside a federal courthouse and acknowledged he was willing to settle an antitrust suit against NASCAR.

By JENNA FRYER / AP Auto Racing Writer October 6, 2025

Joey Logano stays in Cup Series playoffs after tense day at Charlotte

Joey Logano was never part of the conversation about potential elimination from this year's playoffs. At least not until Sunday's race.

By JENNA FRYER / The Associated Press October 5, 2025

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