Connect with us

Sports

Daytona Duels 2021: Austin Dillon wins Duel 2 at Daytona after downpour delay

Published

on

As racing continued at Daytona International Speedway following a two-hour-in addition to rain postpone Thursday night, there was a complete need to keep moving in the field for the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 2 at Daytona as the clock passed 12 PM.

While the Toyota contingent of Martin Truex Jr., Bubba Wallace and Kyle Busch pushed to the front on the restart with two laps staying in additional time, it was Austin Dillon – with an all around planned push from previous colleague Kevin Harvick – who mobilized to the front. Dillon dropped low on Wallace and afterward won the drag race to the checkered flag for his first career Duel victory – a simple .057-seconds over Wallace.

Dillon won leading the only two laps on the night, lap 33 and afterward the last lap (63). It was like what he did in winning the 2018 Daytona 500 in the popular Richard Childress Racing No. 3 Chevrolet when he drove just the last lap – completing a quarter-second in front of Wallace at that point, as well.

“I was talking to our spotter before the restart and he was like, ‘We’ve got the 4 (Harvick) behind us and he’s been pushing well all night.’ He had the 12 (Ryan Blaney in a Ford, like Harvick) so I knew the manufacturer thing was going to be tough,” Dillon said.

“I made a decent block on the backstretch and just a heckuva push through three and four. I knew Bubba was going to try and block, but I just whipped the wheel and it worked out well.”

The race denoted the presentation of Wallace’s 23XI Racing group, the No. 23 Toyota co-possessed by three-time Daytona 500 champ Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan. Wallace was fourth quickest in shaft qualifying and wrapped sprinter up in the 2018 Daytona 500 – this is a setting where he is especially idealistic about conveying for the new activity.

“A lot of mistakes,” Wallace said after climbing out of his Toyota. “Good debut but nothing to be really happy about for myself. It’s OK for drivers to be hard on themselves, that’s how we motivate ourselves to go out there and be better.

“Hats off to my guys at 23XI for a great DoorDash Toyota Camry. I tried to do all I could to help (Martin) Truex there get Toyota a win. I appreciate Kyle (Busch) for cutting me a lot of breaks.

“I know I have a lot to learn here, but all in all it was a good night. I’ve got some learning to do.”

A five-car accident with four laps of regulation staying forced the extra time period. Garrett Smithley – who expected to race his way into the Daytona 500 field – connected with previous NASCAR Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski, setting off a chain-reaction accident.

Outside pole-sitter William Byron, who drove a race best 35 of the 63 laps, was additionally trapped in the scuffle and his Hendrick Motorsports group should utilize a back-up variant of his No. 24 Chevrolet in Sunday’s Daytona 500.

Harvick, a previous arrangement champion who won an arrangement high nine races a year ago, helped push his previous RCR partner Dillon to the front. He completed third, trailed by Joe Gibbs Racing driver Kyle Busch and ruling NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott.

Veteran David Ragan completed eighth – best among the Open vehicles, expecting to procure a situation in the Daytona 500 field. Kaz Grala completed fourteenth and took the last vacant situation in the 40-vehicle field.

The NASCAR Cup Series will have two additional practices preceding the Daytona 500 – a couple of meetings on Saturday. The Daytona 500 is set for Sunday (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Multiple times already a victor from the Duel qualifying race has proceeded to win the Daytona 500. Denny Hamlin is attempting to win a record third continuous Daytona 500.

NASCAR Cup Series Race — Bluegreen Vacations Duel 2

Daytona International Speedway

Daytona Beach, Florida

Thursday, February 11, 2021

  1. (4) Austin Dillon, Chevrolet, 63.
  2. (2) Bubba Wallace, Toyota, 63.
  3. (3) Kevin Harvick, Ford, 63.
  4. (8) Kyle Busch, Toyota, 63.
  5. (5) Chase Elliott, Chevrolet, 63.
  6. (9) Ryan Blaney, Ford, 63.
  7. (17) Corey LaJoie, Chevrolet, 63.
  8. (6) David Ragan, Ford, 63.
  9. (7) Kurt Busch, Chevrolet, 63.
  10. (15) Chris Buescher, Ford, 63.
  11. (13) Brad Keselowski, Ford, 63.
  12. (14) Martin Truex Jr., Toyota, 63.
  13. (20) Joey Gase, Ford, 63.
  14. (10) Kaz Grala, Chevrolet, 63.
  15. (11) Chase Briscoe #, Ford, 61.
  16. (18) Garrett Smithley(i), Ford, 61.
  17. (21) Derrike Cope, Chevrolet, 59.
  18. (22) Noah Gragson(i), Chevrolet, Accident, 56.
  19. (1) William Byron, Chevrolet, Accident, 56.
  20. (12) Ross Chastain, Chevrolet, Accident, 56.
  21. (16) Anthony Alfredo #, Ford, Accident, 35.
  22. (19) BJ McLeod(i), Ford, Accident, 35.

Average Speed of Race Winner: 158.071 mph.

Time of Race: 0 Hrs, 59 Mins, 47 Secs. Margin of Victory: .057 Seconds.

Caution Flags: 2 for 8 laps.

Lead Changes: 14 among 6 drivers.

Lap Leaders: B. Wallace 1;W. Byron 2-11;K. Harvick 12-15;B. Wallace 16-17;K. Harvick 18;W. Byron 19-32;A. Dillon 33;K. Harvick 34-37;R. Blaney 38-41;W. Byron 42-51;M. Truex Jr. 52-53;K. Harvick 54-55;M. Truex Jr. 56-62;A. Dillon 63.

Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): William Byron 3 times for 34 laps; Kevin Harvick 4 times for 11 laps; Martin Truex Jr. 2 times for 9 laps; Ryan Blaney 1 time for 4 laps; Bubba Wallace 2 times for 3 laps; Austin Dillon 2 times for 2 laps.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Sports

India Takes 1-0 Lead as Gill’s 87 and Rana’s Three-Wicket Haul Sink England

Published

on

India Takes 1-0 Lead as Gill’s 87 and Rana’s Three-Wicket Haul Sink England

India started their three-match ODI series against England on a winning note, securing a four-wicket victory in the first match at VCA Stadium on Thursday. The win was powered by Shubman Gill’s 87-run knock and a three-wicket haul from debutant Harshit Rana.

England’s Innings: A Strong Start but a Sluggish Finish

After winning the toss, England skipper Jos Buttler opted to bat first. Openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett gave their team a flying start, adding 73 runs in just 53 balls. Salt was particularly aggressive, smashing 43 off 26 deliveries, including three sixes and five boundaries. However, a mix-up between the wickets led to his unfortunate run-out.

England then suffered a setback, losing two wickets in quick succession. Harshit Rana struck on his debut, dismissing Duckett (32) with a brilliant diving catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Soon after, Harry Brook was dismissed for a three-ball duck, reducing England to 77/3.

Veteran batter Joe Root (19) tried to stabilize the innings alongside Buttler, but Ravindra Jadeja trapped him LBW before he could make a significant impact.

Buttler and Bethell’s Effort Goes in Vain

Despite the setbacks, Jos Buttler played a responsible innings, scoring 52 off 67 balls, marking his first ODI half-century in India. He stitched a crucial partnership with Jacob Bethell, who contributed 51 off 64 deliveries, including three fours and a six.

However, once Buttler fell to Axar Patel in the 33rd over, England collapsed from 170/4 to 206/7. Rana sent Liam Livingstone (5) back to the pavilion, and Mohammed Shami cleaned up Brydon Carse (10). Jadeja then struck again, dismissing Bethell LBW, leaving England all out for 248 in 47.4 overs.

India’s Bowlers Shine

  • Harshit Rana (3/53) made an impressive debut.
  • Ravindra Jadeja (3/26) was economical and deadly.
  • Mohammed Shami (1/38) kept the pressure on.

India’s Chase: Gill Anchors the Innings

Chasing 249, India had a shaky start. Yashasvi Jaiswal, playing his maiden ODI, was caught behind for 15 off 22 balls. Skipper Rohit Sharma’s poor form continued, as he departed for just 2 runs.

Despite early setbacks, Shreyas Iyer took charge with a 31-ball half-century. His 59-run knock, featuring two sixes and nine boundaries, shifted momentum in India’s favor. He also shared a 94-run stand with Gill in just 64 balls, accelerating India’s chase.

Gill and Patel Take India Home

After Iyer’s dismissal, Axar Patel was promoted to No. 5, forming a 108-run partnership with Gill. Patel played a composed innings, scoring his maiden ODI fifty (52 runs off 58 balls).

Gill, on the other hand, paced his innings brilliantly. Battling cramps, he played some exquisite shots, hitting 14 boundaries in his 87-run innings off 96 balls. Unfortunately, he missed out on a century when Saqib Mahmood cramped him for room, leading to a catch at mid-on.

Despite his departure, India comfortably chased the target in 38.4 overs, winning with 11.2 overs to spare.

Series Status and Next Match

With this win, India leads the three-match series 1-0. The second ODI will be played in Cuttack on Sunday, where England will look to bounce back.

Continue Reading

Sports

NFC Secures Pro Bowl Games Victory with Flag Football Win Over AFC

Published

on

NFC Secures Pro Bowl Games Victory with Flag Football Win Over AFC

For the third year in a row, the NFC dominated the Pro Bowl Games and showcased its strength in flag football.

One week before the Kansas City Chiefs sought their third straight Super Bowl title, the NFC achieved its own three-peat, beating the AFC 76-63 in all events, including a 56-50 victory in the flag football matchup on Sunday.

Flag football’s dominance continues


Since the Pro Bowl switched to flag football in 2023, the NFC has gone undefeated in the new format.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff led the charge, earning Offensive MVP honors after completing 11 passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns.

On defense, Minnesota Vikings cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. made a huge impact in his first Pro Bowl, intercepting New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye and returning him eight yards for a touchdown, earning him the Defensive MVP award.

A competitive leap with a big incentive

The shift to flag football has increased competition as players are not as concerned about injury risks compared to the previous tackle format.

However, a financial incentive also played a role in the NFC’s determination to win.

“We prepared to win,” exclaimed Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. “They told us what the price was, and I thought, ‘Maybe we should do something more.'”

Each member of the winning team took home $92,000, while the member of the losing team received $46,000.

A winning formula for the future of the Pro Bowl


After years of debate over the format of the Pro Bowl as a result of the declining intensity of tackle football, the flag football model appears to have revived the event.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, who has played in both versions, has expressed a clear preference for flag football.

“I like this more because it gives the fans a chance to see our faces and who we are off the field,” Baker said. “We compete, but we keep it very civil.”

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold agreed: “Vlag is a lot of fun, especially after the season where the guys have been kind of chill for three weeks. It’s good to make a game like this.”

Skills Battle Highlights


In Sunday’s additional skills challenges, the NFC continued its dominance by winning the relays and tug-of-war competitions, while the AFC vouched for a victory in the “Point Perfect” event.

With three consecutive Pro Bowl victories, the NFC has cemented itself as the team to beat in the new era of flag football.

Continue Reading

Sports

Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration After Ravens’ Playoff Exit Against the Bills

Published

on

Lamar Jackson Expresses Frustration After Ravens' Playoff Exit Against the Bills

After another disappointing playoff exit, Lamar Jackson made it clear he wouldn’t pin the Baltimore Ravens’ 27-25 AFC Divisional loss to the Buffalo Bills on Mark Andrews’ dropped pass during a critical late-game 2-point conversion.

Instead, the reigning NFL MVP channeled his frustration toward the Ravens’ three uncharacteristic turnovers.

“Every time we’re in situations like this, turnovers play a role,” Jackson said, slapping one hand against the other. “We can’t have that, and that’s why we lost the game. You can see it — we’re moving the ball beautifully, but we need to hold on to the ball. I’m sorry for my language, but this is frustrating. I’m tired of it.”

Despite the turnovers — including two by Jackson — the Ravens had a chance to force overtime in the fourth quarter. Jackson connected with Isaiah Likely for a 24-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 27-25 with just 1:33 remaining.

On the ensuing 2-point conversion, Jackson’s pass hit Andrews in the chest, but the ball slipped through his hands as he fell backward in the end zone.

“There’s no one with more heart or fight than Mark,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “We wouldn’t even be in this position without him. Destiny is shaped by how you handle moments like these, and Mark will respond with resilience.”

Andrews declined to speak with reporters following a game in which he made rare mistakes. Before Sunday, he hadn’t dropped a pass since Week 6. Against the Bills, he dropped two, including the pivotal 2-point conversion, and fumbled near midfield during the fourth quarter — only the second fumble of his career.

Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton defended his teammate. “One play doesn’t define anyone,” he said. “Mark is the all-time-leading touchdown receiver in Ravens history. For anyone to criticize him is unfair. He’s been a consistent leader and workhorse for this team.”

Jackson also offered words of support for Andrews. “I’m just as hurt as Mark,” he said. “This loss isn’t on him. It’s a team effort. Everyone played a role. Mark has been incredible all season, and sometimes things just don’t go our way. We need to figure it out as a team.”

Jackson, however, wasn’t immune to errors. After throwing a career-low four interceptions all season, he threw one early in the game and fumbled on the following possession while scrambling under pressure. It was an uncharacteristically erratic performance, marking his fourth postseason game with both an interception and a fumble.

“Protecting the ball is the top priority, and I didn’t do that,” Jackson admitted. “As the leader, I need to set the example, and I didn’t deliver today. That’s on me.”

The Ravens have yet to win back-to-back playoff games during Jackson’s seven seasons as their starter. Now, he’ll face another offseason with the elusive Super Bowl remaining just out of reach.

“I have to get past this because we’re so close,” Jackson said. “I’m tired of being right there. We need to seal the deal, punch that ticket, and get it done. It starts with getting better in the offseason.”

Continue Reading

Trending

error: Content is protected !!