Auto Racing
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — NASCAR is unveiling its rules package for next season, changes designed to reduce downforce and give drivers more control of the race.
Vice president of competition Scott Miller said the package is similar to one Sprint Cup drivers ran at Michigan, just with a rear spoiler that will be reduced in height.
There will also be a reduction in the restrictor plate, among other design changes, and teams will be allotted fewer tires at some tracks where NASCAR determined there was typically a surplus.
Cycling
AIGLE, Switzerland — Cycling’s governing body has implemented a new and revised constitution that reduces the president’s maximum time in office to three terms.
The International Cycling Union set out what it calls “a new democratic process” that was accepted at a UCI congress.
The amended constitution includes at least two members of each continental confederation on the UCI management committee.
Also, an external notary or lawyer will oversee the election of a three-member panel for the ethics commission. If any irregularities are noted, the panel has the right to cancel or reschedule an election.
UCI president Brian Cookson says the revised measures are “in line with international best practice and will help to reinforce the UCI’s credibility.”
Golf
NAPA, Calif. — Bill Haas faced a 10-shot deficit before hitting his first shot of the new PGA Tour season. He has done enough in two days to make up ground in the Safeway Open.
Haas endured a rough, rainy start at Silverado and turned in a 2-under 70 that at least got him into the mix. Because of the 2 hour, 36-minute delay Friday, the second round could not be completed.
Haas was 8-under 136, one shot better than rookie J.J. Spaun (67). Phil Mickelson (69) was at 6-under 138.
NBA
CLEVELAND — A person with direct knowledge of the negotiations says free agent guard J.R. Smith has agreed to a contract offer to return to the defending NBA champions.
Smith has been waiting out of training camp with the Cavs but now has a deal in place, said the person who spoke to The Associated Press on Friday night on condition of anonymity because the package has not been finalized.
ESPN.com reported Smith will sign a four-year, $57 million deal.
Soccer
ZURICH — North America became a stronger favorite to host an expanded 2026 World Cup after FIFA all but barred European bidders.
FIFA says its ruling council agreed UEFA and Asian confederation members should not bid because Russia hosts the 2018 World Cup and Qatar in 2022.
Europe would be on standby if “none of the received bids fulfil the strict technical and financial requirements.”
That’s unlikely if United States bids as expected, either alone or with Canada and Mexico.
FIFA Council member Sunil Gulati, the U.S. Soccer Federation president, says the decision “changed the landscape” of the 2026 contest.
FIFA favors co-hosting among regional neighbors, and a three-way bid could be popular if the tournament grows to 40 or 48 teams.
FIFA set the decision for Jan. 9.
Associated Press
