Federal judge denies motion to recognize NASCAR teams as chartered organizations for next season

Federal judge denies motion to recognize NASCAR teams as chartered organizations for next season
Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row Motorsports, and Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, pose before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Oct. 6, 2024, in Talladega, Ala. (File/AP )
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Updated 09 November 2024
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Federal judge denies motion to recognize NASCAR teams as chartered organizations for next season

Federal judge denies motion to recognize NASCAR teams as chartered organizations for next season
  • The court decision came down just hours before Cup Series cars hit the track for the first practice session of championship weekend
  • Jeffrey Kessler, an antitrust attorney hired by the 23XI and Front Row Motorsports in the legal fight, indicated after Monday’s hearing in Charlotte that the plaintiffs can immediately appeal the ruling

AVONDALE: A federal judge on Friday denied a motion by two NASCAR teams — one of them owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan — to be recognized as chartered teams as they proceed with their antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series and chairman Jim France.

The motion was signed by federal Judge Frank Whitney of the US District Court of Western North Carolina in Charlotte at the exact same time NASCAR executives were giving their annual “State of the Sport” address at Phoenix Raceway.

NASCAR President Steve Phelps opened the address by noting that series officials have not publicly discussed negotiations over charters in the more than two-year process and would not start now.

“I know people are frustrated about that,” Phelps said. “We are not going to negotiate in the media about charters, ever. And we are very happy that 32 of the 36 charters were extended because those were race teams that where the deal that was put on the table for them, the primary big win for the race teams was money.

“I won’t go into what the money split looks like, but what I will say is that the amount of money, it now puts the race teams, starting in ‘25, as the single largest beneficiary of our media deal,” he added. “And we did that because the race teams were upside down financially.”

The court decision came down just hours before Cup Series cars hit the track for the first practice session of championship weekend. Tyler Reddick, who drives for Jordan-owned 23XI Racing, is one of four drivers in Sunday’s winner-take-all finale.

When the ruling came out and NASCAR was informed as executives sat on the stage at Phoenix Raceway, NASCAR chief operating officer Steve O’Donnell quipped: “You can’t make it up, for the timing” as he and Phelps declined comment.

Jeffrey Kessler, an antitrust attorney hired by the 23XI and Front Row Motorsports in the legal fight, indicated after Monday’s hearing in Charlotte that the plaintiffs can immediately appeal the ruling.

“We are pleased with the court’s decision to expedite discovery and fast track the schedule in our case against NASCAR,” Kessler said Friday. “Although we are disappointed that the preliminary injunction was denied without prejudice and as premature, which we intend to appeal, this denial has no bearing on the merits of our case. My clients will move forward to race in 2025 and fight for a more fair and equitable system in NASCAR that complies with antitrust laws.”

Both 23XI and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign a take-it-or-leave-it charter agreement presented to teams by NASCAR in September, just 48 hours before the playoffs began. The offers came after more than two years of negotiations and 13 of 15 teams signed the deal.

23XI Racing and Front Row accused NASCAR of being “monopolistic bullies” in forcing teams to into what is essentially a revenue-sharing agreement between the sanctioning body and its teams.

NASCAR has since rescinded the offers on charter extensions to 23XI and Front Row, whose current charters expire at the end of the year. The teams are free to operate as “open” teams but the lack of chartered protection denies them an equal share of revenue, a guaranteed spot in the field of 38 races and other provisions.

23XI and Front Row have asked for things to remain status quo as their antitrust case proceeds because the new charters prevent teams from suing NASCAR. Kessler asked that the teams be released from that clause for the duration of the lawsuit.

In his ruling, the judge found that Kessler failed to demonstrate that 23XI and Front Row “will face irreparable harm through several avenues.”

Kessler had argued the plaintiffs asserted they risk losing sponsors while competing as open teams because the sponsors “could abandon (them) if they ... do not qualify for all of their races.” For instance, Kessler said 23XI’s sponsorship agreements require that each sponsored car runs in every Cup Series race, so failure to qualify for a race could reduce the amount of sponsorship money it receives.

The plaintiffs also alleged they will risk the loss of their drivers if their cars are not chartered. Kessler said Reddick is permitted to terminate his contract with the team if there is no charter for his car — and he could leave as the reigning Cup champion should he win on Sunday.

Kessler also argued racing as open teams “could threaten (their) continued existence” as both teams alleged they will lose substantial amounts of revenue without charters.

The judge was not persuaded by the argument. Whitney wrote that showing the “possibility of irreparable harm” was not sufficient to win an injunction and “the required irreparable harm must be neither remote nor speculative, but actual and imminent.”

“That is, although plaintiffs allege they are on the brink of irreparable harm, the 2025 racing season is months away — the stock cars remain in the garage,” the judge added. “Plaintiffs have not alleged that their business cannot survive without a preliminary injunction. Instead, they allege that their businesses may not survive without a preliminary injunction.”

Whitney said if circumstances change, the two teams can file a new motion for a preliminary injunction. The teams were given a deadline of Dec. 2 to respond.


Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson announced as Golf Saudi ambassador 

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson announced as Golf Saudi ambassador 
Updated 05 December 2024
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Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson announced as Golf Saudi ambassador 

Two-time major winner Dustin Johnson announced as Golf Saudi ambassador 
  • Role will involve ‘DJ’ leading year-round coaching for Saudi National Team golfers
  • American will also represent Golf Saudi brand globally

RIYADH: Double major winner Dustin Johnson was on Thursday announced as Golf Saudi’s newest high-profile ambassador as the sixth edition of the $5 million tournament entered its second day at Riyadh Golf Club.

In his ambassadorial role, American Johnson — who won Golf Saudi’s landmark men’s event in 2019 and 2021 and is competing in Riyadh this week — will help further drive the growth of golf in Saudi Arabia, working closely with the Kingdom’s national teams to deliver year-round lessons and coaching.

The world’s former No. 1 golfer — known as “DJ” — will continue to be a regular at golf events in Saudi Arabia and wear the Golf Saudi brand logo while competing around the world.

Dustin Johnson has been announced as a new Golf Saudi ambassador.(SUPPLIED)

Johnson said: “Golf Saudi is doing such a great job of promoting the game of golf and trying to get more people involved, here in Saudi Arabia and around the world. Me now being a Golf Saudi ambassador I’m very proud to be a part of that and I really want to help grow the game in Saudi.

“I won the first ever PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers at Royal Greens back in 2019. They do an amazing job of hosting all events out here — it doesn’t matter what kind of event or sport it is. I’ve always really enjoyed coming here and Golf Saudi put on an incredible event, which has gotten better every year — which is why I’ve come back and played every year since the first one.” Johnson also won the event in 2021.

Golf Saudi ambassador Dustin Johnson leads a coaching clinic at the Saudi International. (SUPPLIED)

Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, said: “We are honored to have Dustin taking on this role, which will be at the heart of our ambition to grow golf in Saudi Arabia and deliver our dream of seeing a Saudi champion in the future.

“Our Saudi pro-golfers — a record five of whom are competing in the PIF Saudi International this week — and our national development team will be learning year-round and hands-on from one of the very best to ever play the game. Off course, we’ll work with DJ to co-innovate on the future of golf, leaning on his unrivalled expertise and knowledge of the game to get more Saudis playing golf.

Johnson is a two-time Saudi International champion. (SUPPLIED)

“Dustin was our debut PIF Saudi International champion back in 2019 and has been a huge supporter of our goals in golf ever since. We are delighted to strengthen that relationship and look forward to backing DJ as he continues to compete for the biggest titles in golf.”

The PIF Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers is underway at Riyadh Golf Club, with play ending on Saturday, Dec. 7. Johnson is alongside Tyrell Hatton (England), defending champion Abraham Ancer (Mexico) and Cameron Smith (Australia) as one of the biggest names in the field. There are also five Saudi professionals competing, a record number.

All those who attend the event can sign-up on-site for Golf Saudi’s “Go Golf” world-first free-to-learn golf coaching scheme, which offers three months of free lessons for all new Saudi golfers.

 


Common sense needed to solve crisis at the ICC

Common sense needed to solve crisis at the ICC
Updated 05 December 2024
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Common sense needed to solve crisis at the ICC

Common sense needed to solve crisis at the ICC
  • Standfirst: Jay Shah has a full inbox after becoming chair of the International Cricket Council

Jay Shah’s tenure as chair of the International Cricket Council began officially on Dec. 1. His first public pronouncement focused on the vision to take advantage of cricket’s participation in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and accelerate the growth of women’s cricket.

Shah also referred to the game being “at a critical juncture with the coexistence of multiple formats.” He did not mention the biggest item occupying his in-box, the schedule for the 2025 Champions Trophy, that urgently requires resolution.

This has implications for the four-year broadcast deal awarded to Disney Star for TV and digital rights. The deal covers all ICC men’s and women’s events from 2024 to 2027 for the Indian market. A significant part of the income stream for Disney Star is based on matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events. The loss of one, possibly, two, such matches in the Champions Trophy will put a hole in the ICC’s financial model and media contracts.

In the medium and longer term, Shah is well aware of the immense potential that cricket has to engage with fans globally. It is a moot point how much of the globe cricket can appeal to — Russia is suspended from the ICC and the game has so far failed to gain much traction in China. It has a limited foothold in South America. However, there are encouraging signs in Africa, not least in Nigeria. It is easy to see why the 2028 Olympics are framed as a seminal event for cricket.    

The issue of multiple formats in co-existence is one that will only become more complex during Shah’s tenure. He has been quoted as saying that Test cricket “remains the pinnacle of the game. I am dedicated to preserving its stature while enhancing its appeal to fans.” It is not clear what the last phrase refers to. Does it mean, for example, fewer or more Test-playing nations, or ensuring that the best players are made available? They are being pulled in different directions at the same time, largely by money.

This week, all formats of cricket are being played internationally. In men’s Tests series, Australia is host to India, New Zealand to England, South Africa to Sri Lanka and the West Indies to Bangladesh. After the latter series, the teams will play three ODIs. In T20s, Zimbabwe is hosting Pakistan while, elsewhere in Africa, the T20 Africa Continental Cup is taking place in Kigali, Rwanda. This follows on from the T20 World Cup Sub Regional Africa Qualifier Group C held in Abuja. Nigeria and Botswana progressed to the regional final. In Argentina, the Americas Sub-regional T20 World Cup qualifier is being contested by nine teams. 

On Dec. 2, the final of the Abu Dhabi T10 league was played. It included some familiar names, including Jos Buttler and Nicholas Pooran. These two players, alone, provide ample indication of the opportunities and options available to top players. The England and Wales Cricket Board has taken a bold and, possibly, counter-productive step to address the issue.

In an effort to preserve the quality of its domestic cricket, the ECB is proposing to ban players from appearing in franchise leagues that clash with its domestic schedules, except the Indian Premier League. The first flashpoint is the Pakistan Super League, moved to April in 2025 to accommodate the Champions Trophy. Such a ban will jeopardise the income streams of some players, who may decide to forego English first-class cricket. Legal challenges are expected.

No such issue exists in the world from which Shah has just moved. Contracted Indian cricketers are forbidden from playing in any franchise league other than the IPL. These decisions are for individual boards, not the ICC. Those boards whose players are in greatest demand are faced with a growing dilemma. There are now about 20 franchise leagues and the number is growing — Nepal being the latest. The issue for Shah and the ICC is how his vow to preserve Test cricket can withstand this challenge.

Conversely, Shah’s ambition to accelerate the development of women’s cricket is probably pushing at an open door. Prior to his succession, the quickening of pace was already in train. On Nov. 4, the ICC released the Women’s Future Tours Programme for the 2025-2029 cycle. This involves 11 of the 12 ICC full members. Afghanistan’s women’s cricketers are currently in exile — another matter lurking in Shah’s inbox. 

An ICC women’s event is scheduled for every year. After the ODI World Cup in India closes the previous cycle, there will be a T20 World Cup in 2026 in England, a six-team Champions Trophy in 2027 and a T20 World Cup in 2028. The lineup for the 2029 World Cup will be based on 132 ODIs played over the cycle in 44 series of three matches each, teams playing four series at home and away. There are 210 T20s scheduled, a 30 percent increase on the previous cycle.

There is also an increase in Test matches, from seven to 15. These will feature Australia, England, India, South Africa and the West Indies, who last played a Test in 2004. This increase will probably not satisfy those players who view Test cricket as the pinnacle. Preparation for it is essential and occasional matches do not facilitate a buildup of experience. Shah’s predecessor poured cold water on the prospects of more opportunities for women’s Tests. It remains to be seen if Shah’s positive statements regarding women’s cricket extend to Tests.

Given his opening remarks, Shah’s focus is more likely to be fixed on opportunities offered by the July 2028 Olympics and the short format. This fits with a desire to engage and expand globally.

Yet, all of this is overshadowed by the crisis surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy. ICC income is based on sales of media rights and tournament revenue. These depend on viewers and are highly sensitive to interruption. Lower income means lower disbursement of funds to members. This would hit ICC associate members badly and dent their growth prospects. The neutrality required constitutionally of an ICC chair faces an early Test.


UAE-based motorsport talent set for Formula 4 Middle East debuts at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

UAE-based motorsport talent set for Formula 4 Middle East debuts at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Updated 05 December 2024
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UAE-based motorsport talent set for Formula 4 Middle East debuts at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

UAE-based motorsport talent set for Formula 4 Middle East debuts at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
  • Adam Al-Azhari and August Raber will make their debut for Yas Heat Racing at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend

ABU DHABI: The Formula 4 Middle East Trophy Round returns to Yas Marina Circuit as part of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 this weekend. 

Abu Dhabi’s own Yas Heat Racing Formula 4 Middle East team features an exciting line-up of promising young talent, with 15-year-old future motorsport stars Adam Al-Azhari and August Raber both driving for the outfit.

Al-Azhari, who made waves in Formula 4 Spain last season, is eager to build on that experience and develop his race-craft as he represents Yas Heat Racing for the first time at his home track. Joining him is teammate August Raber, whose rise through the karting ranks has made him a talent to watch as he makes his official racing debut at his home circuit.

Meanwhile Emirati racing sensations Amna and Hamda Al-Qubaisi will compete in the Formula 1 Academy finale as Yas Heat Racing ambassadors. Hamda, driving for Red Bull Racing, returns to her home track after a remarkable second F1 Academy season that sees her currently in P6 in the championship standings. Amna, for Visa Cash App RB, continues to blaze a trail for Emirati women in motorsport.

Francesca Pardini of Yas Heat Racing said: “This season marks a new chapter for Yas Heat Racing, with a mix of experienced drivers and emerging talent ready to take on the challenge. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offers an unparalleled platform to showcase their skills and their development plan in front of the world’s best racers, setting the tone for a successful year ahead.”

Following the non-point scoring Trophy Round at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the F4 Middle East season will officially begin at Kuwait Motor Town on Jan. 17, with rounds confirmed at both Yas Marina Circuit and Dubai Autodrome. The venue for the season finale is still to be announced.


Local stars in the mix after first round of Saudi International

Local stars in the mix after first round of Saudi International
Updated 05 December 2024
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Local stars in the mix after first round of Saudi International

Local stars in the mix after first round of Saudi International
  • Khalid Attieh hit a sensational 4-under 67 to sit just three shots off the lead set by Chinese Taipei’s Chang Wei-lun

RIYADH:  Saudi Arabia’s local golfing talent put on a strong showing as the season-ending PIF Saudi International presented by SoftBank Investment Advisers got underway at Riyadh Golf Club on Wednesday.

Khalid Attieh, who recently turned professional, celebrated his new status with a sensational four-under 67 made up of five birdies and one bogey, leaving him just three shots off the lead set by Chinese Taipei’s Chang Wei-lun and Sadom Kaewkanjana of Thailand.

His compatriot, Saud Al-Sharif, finished a shot further behind after five birdies and two bogeys for his 68.

Attieh was delighted to put on such a good show on home turf. He said: “It was a good round. Hit the ball pretty good, putted good as well. The course is playing great. They have done a great job in setting it up such in a short time with all the events coming up.

“Greens are rolling really nicely. If you hit your lines here, you are definitely going to make some putts. Looking forward to tomorrow and hopefully keep it going. This is my home course, so I know how the greens are a little bit.”

The International Series is committed to developing the game, offering promising players a chance to play with some of the biggest names in the world. Attieh took full advantage earlier this season, making history by becoming the first Saudi amateur to make the cut in a pro tournament at International Series Oman. He followed that up by making the Black Mountain Championship in Thailand and the BNI Indonesian Masters.

He was understandably delighted to put on a good first-round display as a pro in front of home fans. He said: “It’s great to have them out here. You don’t get a lot of weeks where you have got home support. It has been a long journey traveling around Asia. With the home support, I think it’s very helpful and acts as a motivation for me.”

Reflecting on the learning curve that Saudi players are experiencing this week, he added: “It’s a great opportunity for us. Some great players here, so I am learning a lot. Just watching yesterday a few guys chip, you learn so much. And even playing with all the players today, they have a lot more experience, so it is nice to see how they compose themselves on and off the golf course. I thank Golf Saudi and the Federation for supporting us through this journey.”

Al-Sharif has not yet made a cut all season, and he was delighted with his first round in Riyadh — an excellent display on a very special day.

He said: “It was a good day today. I had the pleasure and the privilege to be playing with two awesome players, Brendan Steele and Scott Vincent. So I enjoyed my day. Obviously turning 25 today, it is my birthday too, so that’s icing on the cake.

“It is a bonus to play well. Feels nice obviously to play well on the home course. Looking forward to keeping the form up.”

Al-Sharif said he was delighted with the home support that turned out to cheer on the five home hopes and some of the best players in world golf.

“It’s awesome,” he said. “Obviously, that is our main objective here with the players, to get more people into golf. It is awesome to see — it’s awesome to see those teammates get the chance to play in events like this.”

Promising Moroccan amateur Adam Bresnu, who made the weekend last time out at International Series Qatar, continued his fine form with a five-under round of 66. Bresnu recently won the Pan Arab Golf Championship at Al-Zorah Golf & Yacht Club in Ajman. 


Heat embarrass Lakers, Hawks end Bucks’ winning streak

Heat embarrass Lakers, Hawks end Bucks’ winning streak
Updated 05 December 2024
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Heat embarrass Lakers, Hawks end Bucks’ winning streak

Heat embarrass Lakers, Hawks end Bucks’ winning streak
  • Herro scored 21 of his 31 points in the third quarter and finished with nine of the Heat’s franchise record-equalling 24 three-pointers
  • Boston Celtics shrugged off the absence of superstar Jayson Tatum, leading by as many as 20 points in a 130-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons

LOS ANGELES: Miami guard Tyler Herro starred as the Heat humbled LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers 134-93 on Wednesday, leaving the Lakers looking for answers after their biggest defeat of the NBA season.

Herro scored 21 of his 31 points in the third quarter and finished with nine of the Heat’s franchise record-equalling 24 three-pointers.

Jimmy Butler added 17 points and Bam Adebayo had 14 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for the Heat, who set a franchise record with 42 assists as they kept their offense firing against the lethargic Lakers.

The Heat were already up by 17 at halftime, but Herro erupted in the third quarter, draining seven three-pointers to match the Heat record for most in a period.

“This past road trip, we let two slip, and it was the energy ... it was just our energy was off,” Adebayo said. “We came into this game with great energy, and you see what happened.”

The Lakers, coming off a 29-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday, looked listless on both ends of the floor.

“I’m embarrassed, we’re all embarrassed,” Lakers first-year coach JJ Redick said. “It’s not a game where we had the right fight, the right professionalism.

“There has to be some ownership,” he added. “I own this, but there’s going to have to be some ownership on the court.”

There were encouraging signs for James, who came in mired in a shooting slump and scored a team-high 29 points on efficient 12 of 18 shooting.

The league’s all-time leading scorer also ended his streak of four straight games without a three-pointer, making one of his four attempts from beyond the arc.

That trey was the 2,451st of his career, passing Kyle Korver for seventh on the league’s all-time list.

That will be little consolation now that the Lakers have lost six of their last eight games.

A frustrated James said it wasn’t a matter of the game plan.

“If you don’t want to come to compete ... that’s other issues,” he said. “It’s definitely embarrassing for sure.”

On Friday the Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks, who snapped the Bucks’ seven-game winning streak with a 119-104 victory in Milwaukee.

Jalen Johnson scored 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for Atlanta and De’Andre Hunter added 20 points off the bench as the Hawks notched their fifth straight victory.

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 31 points and teammate Damian Lillard added 21, but Milwaukee couldn’t build on an early 10-point advantage.

The Hawks took the lead late in the first quarter and never trailed again.

The NBA champion Boston Celtics shrugged off the absence of superstar Jayson Tatum, leading by as many as 20 points in a 130-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

With Tatum and Jrue Holiday sidelined with knee injuries, Jaylen Brown stepped up and led the Celtics with 28 points and nine assists.

Brown scored 23 points in the first half to put Boston on the road to victory, and the Celtics weathered a late Pistons surge to complete the wire-to-wire victory.

Kristaps Porzingis, still getting back to top form after returning in November from ankle surgery, scored 26 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked two shots for Boston.

Cade Cunningham had a near triple-double of 27 points, nine rebounds and 14 assists and Tobias Harris added another 27 points for Detroit.

The Orlando Magic bounced back from a blowout loss to the New York Knicks with a 106-102 victory over the injury-depleted 76ers in Philadelphia.

The Sixers, with Paul George and star center Joel Embiid both sidelined, cut a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to one with 22.3 seconds remaining, but the Magic closed it out with free throws from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs.