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UPCOMING

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FBN--BEHIND THE CALL

DESCRIPTION: Brian Callahan is the first NFL head coach to be fired this season, and more may follow soon. Last year, three head coaches were fired midseason. The Dolphins, with a 1-5 start, have Mike McDaniel on the hot seat. Tua Tagovailoa’s comments about teammates being late to meetings have raised questions about team culture. Aaron Glenn, a top coaching candidate during the last hiring cycle, is struggling with rookie mistakes. The Jets have had a rough start, and the Ravens are also struggling at 1-5. The trend of firing coaches midseason continues, with mixed results for teams making these changes. By Pro Football Writer Arnie Stapleton. UPCOMING: 850 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--AI-INJURY PREVENTION

DESCRIPTION: Injuries are a big part of the NFL, and staying healthy can make or break a season. The NFL has partnered with Amazon Web Services to use technology and AI to predict and prevent injuries. The Digital Athlete tool collects data from all 32 teams to help manage players’ health. This tool has been available for three seasons and is praised for its comprehensive data. It helps teams adjust practice schedules and workloads to reduce injuries. While overall injuries have decreased, experts say it’s hard to pinpoint a direct cause. The data also helps improve equipment like helmets to reduce concussions. By Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow. UPCOMING: 1,100 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN--NFL-INTERNATIONAL FIELDS

DESCRIPTION: As the NFL continues to expand internationally, it also tries to make sure the international playing surfaces meet league standards. That’s where Nick Pappas comes in. He’s the NFL’s field director. Traveling, planning, and collaborating are key components. He scouts venues before a new location is picked, packs up equipment that is sent on ships months before a game, and works closely with local grounds crews right up through gameday. The new host cities this season are Dublin, Berlin and Madrid. In 2018, the NFL moved a game out of Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on short notice because of poor field conditions. By Ken Maguire. UPCOMING: 900 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--BLACKHAWKS-BLASHILL'S FIRST WIN

DESCRIPTION: CHICAGO — Jeff Blashill’s first three games with the Chicago Blackhawks were one-goal losses decided in the third period or overtime. His fourth one was a long-awaited victory. Blashill directed Chicago to a 3-1 win over Utah for his first victory since he was hired by the Blackhawks in May. Blashill is beginning his second stint as a head coach in the NHL after he went 204-261-72 in seven seasons with Detroit. He was an assistant with Tampa Bay for the previous three years. The Michigan native is hoping to lead the Blackhawks out of a painful rebuilding project that had the team in last place in the Central Division in each of the previous three years. By Jay Cohen. UPCOMING: 465 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 6:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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GLF--ON THE FRINGE-SCHAUFFELE

DESCRIPTION: Xander Schauffele can take a bow, even if this wasn’t the encore anyone expected. He says his victory in Japan will allow him to look back at 2025 as a great year. Compared with the previous year? Maybe not. But considering the setback from a rib injury, and the birth of his first child during his struggles inside the ropes, it was plenty satisfying. By Golf Writer Doug Ferguson. Upcoming: 900 words, photos. With GLF--Golf Notes and GLF--Golf Glance.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 11:00 a.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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BKW--T25-WOMEN’S BKB POLL

DESCRIPTION: The Associated Press releases its preseason Top 25 rankings as the women’s basketball poll enters its 50th season.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 12:00 p.m. EDT, DigitalPlans, Photo, Text, Alternate Headlines

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FBC--BIG TEN MIDSEASON AWARDS

DESCRIPTION: Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is the unanimous choice for top coach in the Big Ten at midseason by a panel of 10 Associated Press writers who cover the conference. By College Football Writer Eric Olson. 700 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 2:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBN COMMANDERS ANALYSIS

DESCRIPTION: WASHINGTON -- The Washington Commanders got off to a slow start, and their defense had plenty of trouble tackling. Neither of those are new developments. The problem was that in addition to those recurring issues, they also had trouble running the ball and kept giving it away via turnovers. By Howard Fendrich/ 700 words. Photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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FBC--PITT’S REBOUND

DESCRIPTION: PITTSBURGH — Two weeks after their season threatened to get away from them, Pitt is back in the mix in the wide-open ACC. The emergence of freshman quarterback Mason Heintschel and the return of do-everything running back Desmond Reid has helped. By Will Graves. 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--BIG 12-MIDSEASON AWARDS

DESCRIPTION: No. 7 Texas Tech and No. 15 BYU are undefeated, and Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson is the nation’s leading passer with the Big 12 midseason awards set to be revealed. By Stephen Hawkins. 750 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 3:00 p.m. EDT, Text, Photo

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BKN--TIMBERWOLVES-EDWARDS

DESCRIPTION: MINNEAPOLIS — Anthony Edwards spent his summer working on the finer points of his game, determined to improve his ballhandling and intensify his defense as he seeks to cement himself among the NBA’s true superstars for the Minnesota Timberwolves. By Dave Campbell. 650 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 4:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--EUROPEAN ROUNDUP

DESCRIPTION: Tensions are set to be high when Italy hosts Israel in a World Cup qualifier in Udine, where pro-Palestinian protesters are expected outside the stadium. Spain and Portugal host Bulgaria and Hungry, respectively, while England travels to Latvia. By Steve Douglas. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 5:00 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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FBC--T25-ROAD AGGIES

DESCRIPTION: COLLEGE STATION, Texas — No. 4 Texas A&M has played just one game away from home all season in its undefeated start. This week the Aggies will travel to Arkansas for the first of three straight road games where a win will give them their first 7-0 start since 1994.Texas A&M had a crowd of 105,086 for it’s 34-17 win over Florida Saturday for its 10th straight game with at least 100,000 fans at Kyle Field dating back to last season. “It’s a big-time challenge when you leave Kyle Field,” linebacker Taurean York said. “We know it’s a matchup nightmare for opposing quarterbacks (at home). But it’s all good, though. We’re going to take our talents on the road.” By Kristie Rieken. UPCOMING: 700 words.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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BBO--POSTSEASON

FORMATS: Text

1. WITH: BBO--ALCS-BLUE JAYS-MARINERS

2. DESCRIPTION: SEATTLE— The Seattle Mariners did more than take care of business against the Blue Jays in Toronto, winning the first two games of the AL Championship Series on the road. Now, they return home with a chance to advance to the World Series for the first time in franchise history. By Andrew Destin. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

3. UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT

4. WITH: BBO--NLCS-DODGERS-BREWERS

5. DESCRIPTION: MILWAUKEE - Yoshinobu Yamamoto starts for Los Angeles and Freddy Peralta goes for Milwaukee as the NL Championship Series continues with an All-Star pitching matchup in Game 2. The Dodgers won the series opener 2-1 on Monday. By Steve Megargee. UPCOMING: 500 words, with photos. The game starts at around 7 p.m. Central.

6. UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 6:00 p.m. EDT

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BKL--ACES-HAMMON

DESCRIPTION: HENDERSON, Nev. — As the Las Vegas Aces prepare for their third championship parade in four years, Becky Hammon has placed her name in a select group of coaches. Is she already the greatest in WNBA history? By Mark Anderson. UPCOMING: 600 words, photos.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 8:00 p.m. EDT, Text

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HKN--WILD-STARS

DESCRIPTION: DALLAS — The Stars play the home opener of coach Glen Gulutzan’s second stint with the team, 12 years after he was fired by the same GM that hired him back. Dallas opened with road wins over two teams it beat in the playoffs last season. By Stephen Hawkins. 300 words, photos. Game starts 9:30 p.m. EDT.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 9:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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HKN--OILERS-RANGERS

DESCRIPTION: NEW YORK -- Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and the back-to-back defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers open a five-game road trip by facing the New York Rangers. By Hockey Writer Stephen Whyno. 300 words, photos, breakouts on merit.

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 10:30 p.m. EDT, Photo, Text

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SOC--AUSTRALIA-US

DESCRIPTION: COMMERCE CITY, Colo. The United States plays No. 25 Australia in a friendly, three days after the 16th-ranked Americans tied No. 24 Ecuador 1-1. 300 words, photos, starts 9:07 p.m. EDT,

UPCOMING: By 10/14/2025 11:55 p.m. EDT, Text

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NEW AND DEVELOPING

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BBO--NLCS-DODGERS-BREWERS-DOUBLE PLAY

Brewers turn potential grand slam by Dodgers slugger Max Muncy into wild double play in NLCS

SUMMARY: Max Muncy came within inches of hitting a grand slam for the Los Angeles Dodgers to open the scoring in the National League Championship Series. Instead, the Milwaukee Brewers turned it into one of the most incredible double plays in postseason history. With the bases loaded and one out in the fourth inning, Muncy hit a long drive to center field. Sal Frelick jumped and reached over the wall in an attempt to make the catch. The ball popped out of Frelick’s glove and hit the top of the fence before Frelick caught it in the air. He fired the ball in, and Brewers catcher William Contreras forced out one runner at home plate and another at third base for a most unusual 8-6-2 inning-ending double play.

WORDS: 700 - MOVED: 10/14/2025 1:12 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:69daa1a145acc8979578382e4e873df8&mediaType=text

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FBN--BEARS-COMMANDERS

No Hail Mary magic this time and Moody’s last-play kick lifts the Bears past the Commanders 25-24

SUMMARY: It wasn’t quite the same drama as the Hail Mary that decided these teams’ game a year ago, but Caleb Williams and the Bears did get the better of Jayden Daniels and the Commanders on a final-play score this time. Chicago defeated Washington 25-24 on Jake Moody’s 38-yard field goal Monday night. The Bears extended their winning streak to three games under first-year coach Ben Johnson. Washington continued its pattern of alternating wins and losses in 2025 and flopped with a chance to pull even with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles atop the NFC East.

WORDS: 791 - MOVED: 10/14/2025 1:04 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:53b82026c09fe60ec92c26402c8d82e1&mediaType=text

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BBO--NLCS-DODGERS-BREWERS

Snell spectacular and Dodgers barely hold on in 9th to beat Brewers 2-1 in NLCS opener

SUMMARY: Blake Snell allowed one baserunner in eight shutout innings before Los Angeles’ bullpen barely held on as the Dodgers opened the National League Championship Series with a 2-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Blake Treinen struck out Brice Turang with the bases loaded to end the game. Freddie Freeman homered for the Dodgers in the sixth to break a scoreless tie.

WORDS: 1103 - MOVED: 10/14/2025 12:54 a.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:18ef6125aa4db3e6d8efde75bf465a35&mediaType=text

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FBN--BILLS-FALCONS

Falcons ride Robinson’s 170 rushing yards, including 81-yard TD, to 24-14 win over Allen and Bills

SUMMARY: Bijan Robinson matched a career high with 170 rushing yards and the Atlanta Falcons denied Josh Allen’s comeback attempt to beat the Buffalo Bills 24-14. Robinson’s huge day included an 81-yard touchdown run that was the longest rush in the NFL this season. He also had six catches for 68 yards to finish with a career-best 238 yards from scrimmage. Allen threw two touchdown passes but was also intercepted twice as the Bills lost their second straight. Drake London, who had 10 catches for 158 yards and a touchdown for the Falcons.

WORDS: 879 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 11:56 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:491c8381062e1cb5f1eaa47ff6af81c9&mediaType=text

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HKN--FLYERS-OPENING NIGHT

Sean Couturier’s 4-point night lifts Flyers over Panthers in emotional home opener

SUMMARY: Sean Couturier has returned to form, scoring two goals and two assists in the Philadelphia Flyers’ 5-2 victory over the Florida Panthers. The game on Monday night marked the home coaching debut of new Flyers coach Rick Tocchet. Couturier, who struggled with back issues and a strained relationship with former coach John Tortorella, is now thriving under Tocchet. The Flyers, eager to end their playoff drought, hired Tocchet to help them move past their rebuilding phase. The team also paid tribute to late Flyers legend Bernie Parent, honoring him with a special ceremony.

WORDS: 723 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 11:02 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:061dd13575415d4cc631a4003f35ab48&mediaType=text

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HKN--STARS START

Dallas Stars go into home opener under Glen Gulutzan still looking to compete more after 2-0 start

SUMMARY: Stars coach Glen Gulutzan has repeatedly said he wants the team to compete more in every aspect. That message was prominent even after Dallas won its first two games on the road against division opponents it also beat in the playoffs last season. The Stars finished practice Monday with players going through a 1-on-1 drill battling for pucks. Dallas plays its home opener Tuesday night against Minnesota. It will be Gulutzan’s first game behind the Stars bench at American Airlines Center since the 2012-13 season finale. He was soon fired by general manager Jim Nill, who had just taken the job. Nill brought him back as Stars coach in July.

WORDS: 666 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 10:41 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:bba95f93ad5ed74876ed7d316735a698&mediaType=text

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BBO--ALCS-MARINERS-BLUE JAYS

Mariners take 2-0 ALCS lead, beat Blue Jays 10-3 as Rodríguez, Polanco and Naylor homer

SUMMARY: Julio Rodríguez and Jorge Polanco hit three-run homers, Josh Naylor added a two-run drive and the Seattle Mariners took a 2-0 lead in the AL Championship Series by routing the Toronto Blue Jays 10-3. Seattle, the only big league team never to host a World Series game, headed home for Wednesday’s Game 3 needing two more wins to end that drought. Toronto had just six hits, only one after the second inning, and had eight hits in the first two games. Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was 0 for 3 with a walk and is hitless in the series.

WORDS: 797 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 10:20 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:1412374d4b857ff0b890278338de94e2&mediaType=text

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FBN--TITANS-CALLAHAN FIRED

Titans make Brian Callahan NFL’s 1st coach fired this year after 4-19 record and 1-5 start

SUMMARY: The Tennessee Titans have fired coach Brian Callahan after a 1-5 start to his second season. Titans president of football operations Chad Brinker says the rebuilding team hasn’t shown enough growth. Callahan becomes the first NFL coach fired this season. He went 4-19 overall with Tennessee. Mike McCoy will serve as interim coach. The Titans had said they wanted to see improvement this season with Callahan going into his second year, this time with a rookie quarterback in Cam Ward. Yet Callahan had to hand off play-calling duties after dropping to 0-3 with the offense struggling.

WORDS: 859 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 9:37 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:2490d0d6a087ef98bb4aefee22018020&mediaType=text

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BBO--PADRES-SHILDT RETIRES

Padres manager Mike Shildt announces retirement after just 2 seasons in charge

SUMMARY: Mike Shildt is retiring after two seasons as the San Diego Padres’ manager. The Padres confirmed the 57-year-old Shildt’s decision Monday. In a letter to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Shildt said he is retiring because “the grind of the baseball season has taken a severe toll on me mentally, physically and emotionally.” Shildt went 183-141 and led San Diego to two postseason appearances during his brief tenure. The Padres won 90 games this season and finished second in the NL West before being eliminated by the Chicago Cubs earlier this month in a tense three-game wild-card playoff series.

WORDS: 585 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 6:24 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:e923d3a374de36170e2dcf2bed6193ce&mediaType=text

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FBN--LIONS-BRANCH SUSPENDED

Lions safety Brian Branch gets 1-game suspension for punching Chiefs’ JuJu Smith-Schuster

SUMMARY: The NFL has suspended Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch for one game without pay for unsportsmanlike conduct following a loss at Kansas City. Branch punched Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Sunday night, setting off a brief fight among players from both teams. Detroit will host NFC South-leading Tampa Bay without Branch, another blow for a team with a banged-up secondary. Branch will be eligible to return to the active roster on Tuesday, Oct. 21, during the team’s bye week ahead of its game against NFC North rival Minnesota on Nov. 2 at home.

WORDS: 456 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 5:43 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c064cdb9ab6128601b6c5eb6d8632a25&mediaType=text

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HKN--JETS-TOEWS

Jonathan Toews reaches another milestone in his NHL comeback by recording 1st point since 2023

SUMMARY: Jonathan Toews has reached another milestone in his NHL comeback, recording his first point in nearly two and a half years. Toews helped set up a power-play goal for the Winnipeg Jets at the New York Islanders and got a secondary assist on Monday. The 37-year-old Toews chose his hometown team to return with after missing two seasons because of health issues. He previously captained Chicago to three Stanley Cup wins and helped Canada win two Olympic gold medals. Toews is proving he still has it, averaging nearly 17 minutes of ice time so far with the Jets as their second-line center. The Jets beat the Islanders 5-2.

WORDS: 788 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 5:22 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:aa3f545e2e7ec8861b3ee76e153b6e5a&mediaType=text

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BBO--OBIT-ALOMAR

Former infielder and coach Sandy Alomar Sr. dies at 81

SUMMARY: Sandy Alomar Sr., a former All-Star infielder and coach who managed in his native Puerto Rico, has died at 81. The Cleveland Guardians said Monday they learned of his death from his family. Alomar played in the major leagues from 1964 to 1978, starting with the Milwaukee Braves. He also played for the New York Mets, Chicago White Sox, California Angels, New York Yankees and Texas Rangers. Known for his speed, he stole 227 bases, including a career-high 39 in 1971.

WORDS: 265 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 5:21 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d945a7623b8c9afeb0cf7f385b2fe795&mediaType=text

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SOC--WCUP-AFRICAN QUALIFYING

Cape Verde qualifies for the World Cup for the first time after beating Eswatini

SUMMARY: Cape Verde will play in the World Cup for the first time after beating Eswatini 3-0 to win its group in African qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The archipelago of volcanic islands off the western coast of Africa secured one of the nine automatic spots for the continent. It will be the second smallest country by population to feature in the tournament after Iceland in 2018. Tunisia closed its successful African qualifying run with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Namibia.

WORDS: 546 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 4:12 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:3b5a457935b1bf18692c03a77f8963ec&mediaType=text

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FBC--NORTH CAROLINA-BELICHICK

Bill Belichick says he never sought an early departure from the North Carolina job

SUMMARY: Bill Belichick has denied reports that he’s been seeking an exit strategy from his North Carolina coaching role. Belichick says “some of the reports out last week about my looking for a buyout and trying to leave here and all that is categorically false.” Belichick was making his first public comments since a blowout loss to Clemson. During the second of two off weeks in a three-week span, the subject of Belichick’s future with the Tar Heels was a hot topic, so much so that last Wednesday the university released brief statements from the coach and athletics director reaffirming commitments between Belichick and the school.

WORDS: 860 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 2:57 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d7d21f5a93789a2b8bc46c14894202f4&mediaType=text

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CAR--NASCAR-IN THE PITS

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

SUMMARY: Denny Hamlin has been a standout figure in NASCAR this season, juggling a lawsuit against NASCAR, his weekly podcasts, and a defining role in the playoffs. On Sunday, he became the first driver to secure a spot in the championship-deciding finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This marks his sixth win of the season and his 60th career victory, making him the winningest driver in Joe Gibbs Racing history. Despite personal challenges, including his father’s health issues, Hamlin remains focused. His ability to thrive in chaos has been likened to NASCAR legend Tony Stewart.

WORDS: 883 - MOVED: 10/13/2025 2:48 p.m. EDT

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ce7407ca0bc85f73eb92d42626d09939&mediaType=text