Auto Racing
NASCAR meet and greet brings about changes
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NASCAR will require baseline concussion testing for its drivers starting next season.
NASCAR only had recommended the testing this season but indicated to drivers that a preseason baseline screening could become mandatory as early as 2014. The baseline test will be compared with test results taken after a driver has crashed to help diagnose a concussion.
Drivers were informed of the mandate during a Thursday meeting at the R&D Center in Concord with top NASCAR officials that lasted nearly two hours and covered a variety of topics concerning 2014 changes.
The baseline testing will be performed through the widely used neurocognitive assessment ImPACT test, which evaluates an athlete’s verbal and visual memory, processing speed and reaction time.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – NASCAR told its competitors Thursday it is considering eliminating single-car qualifying next season in an overhaul that likely would implement road-course style qualifying at all but two tracks.
Series officials outlined potential changes to qualifying procedures everywhere except Daytona and Talladega. NASCAR spokesman Kerry Tharp said the field likely would be set at Daytona and Talladega with an “open qualifying session” that would allow for a 60-minute drafting session.
NASCAR also informed drivers of a Dec. 9 test at Charlotte Motor Speedway to continue work on its intermediate track package, with Dec. 10 held as a rain date. NASCAR tested a variety of different packages Oct. 14 at Charlotte and discussed the results of those tests with drivers Thursday.
Cycling
Veteran Andreas Kloeden retires at 38 after 16 years
BERLIN – German cyclist Andreas Kloeden announced his retirement Thursday after a 16-year professional career that included two runner-up finishes in the Tour de France.
The 38-year-old Kloeden, who finished second in the Tour in 2004 and ’06, told the Weser-Kurier newspaper he wants to spend more time with his wife and two daughters.
Kloeden was the highest-finishing German, coming in 30th in his 12th Tour in July, when he raced for RadioShack. He told the DPA news agency that his failure to find a new team helped push him toward retirement.
The German rode alongside Jan Ullrich, Alberto Contador and Lance Armstrong, winning eight pro stage races including Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico, Tour of Romandie and the Tour of the Basque Country twice. He also won a bronze medal at the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000.
MLB
Indians ask fans for opinions on their ‘Chief Wahoo’ logo
CLEVELAND – The Indians are asking some fans for their opinions on the team’s “Chief Wahoo” logo.
As part of their annual postseason survey to gauge fan satisfaction, the team is asking fans for feedback on a variety of topics including in-game experience, uniforms and Cleveland’s smiling Indians logo, a caricature some of have labeled offensive.
The Indians’ review of their fans’ attitudes about the logos comes as the Washington Redskins are being pressured to change their nickname.
NFL
Favre, 44, to the Rams? Quarterback says no
ST. LOUIS – Brett Favre dismissed the possibility of returning to the NFL with St. Louis, and Rams coach Jeff Fisher declined to address reports he tried to lure the quarterback out of retirement to replace the injured Sam Bradford.
Favre told WSPZ he doesn’t feel physically able to compete and expressed fear that he has been affected by concussions.
Fisher changed the subject after practice, then said “nice try” when asked whether the 44-year-old Favre could be ready to play. Bradford is out for the season with a knee injury.
Associated Press
