Hendrick Motorsports Star Laughs Off Victory Lane Danger Despite Admi…

Don’t be surprised if you see Alex Bowman win a race, pull into the Victory Lane, and just simply walk out. While these drivers are not scared of driving at speeds exceeding 190 mph, they have been a little afraid of celebrating after the Connor Zilischincident last year. In fact, Bowman finds himself surprised, but with a daunting reality.

Alex Bowman reflects on his ‘clumsy’ situation

“With my lack of coordination, I’m surprised that I haven’t [fallen],” Alex Bowman said. Before the start of the season, insider Bob Pockrass questioned a handful of drivers about their close calls while celebrating in the Victory Lane. This was in light of the Zilisch incident.

While celebrating his Xfinity (now the O’Reilly Auto Parts) Series race win at Watkins Glen in 2025, Zilisch stepped on his car’s window. His window net slipped as he was getting down from the top, ending in a face-first fall. Zilisch’s collarbone was fractured, and he was forced to miss the Cup race the following day. But he managed to return less than two weeks later at Daytona, running the ever-important Xfinity race, considering his full-time participation. He managed to win that race, followed by a streak of Victory Lane visits. cat-cross.com

Responding to Pockrass in the light of these events, Bowman found himself surprised that he hadn’t fallen until now, but it came with a dire reality, which he spoke out for himself: “It should have happened to me already. I guess I don’t win enough to get the odds going far enough to slip and fall, but I’m not very coordinated, so I’m surprised that I haven’t.”

It seems that the only reason Bowman has not taken a fall from the car in the Victory Lane is that he doesn’t often visit it. The last time he won a Cup race was back in 2024 at Chicago, and before that, it was in 2022. In simple words, Alex Bowman does not win enough.

While Hendrick Motorsportsis one of the best teams on the field and Bowman has been driving for them for the past decade, he has only won eight races. This also means that Bowman has never had a realistic chance of winning the championship; meanwhile, his teammates have clinched multiple championships within the same period. While he does happen to be decent, he is just not ‘Hendrick level.’

In fact, his lack of race wins had become so disappointing that at one point, Bowman admitted that he was losing the ‘fun’ in NASCAR.

“Cup racing is just so hard, and the pressure is so high, and everybody, like everything means so much here that it’s not fun, right? Like, it’s, you’re all in, and everything matters, and when you’re running poorly, as we did, it probably sucks a little bit of fun. Like, winning’s fun, obviously, rolled around 28th, not so fun,” he said.

Saying that Bowman is a ‘bad’ driver would be a bit too harsh. He has had his moments of shine, but when your teammates are contending for the championship every season while you’re stuck rooting for a top 10 finish, it does get a little hard. But it does seem that the team still has a lot of faith in him.

HMS continues to have faith in Bowman

As mentioned, Bowman is not a bad driver. His main issue is consistency. He was hit in the face this season after the COTA race, where he had to retire mid-race because of vertigo symptoms. The result? He ended up missing the next four rounds and returned to Bristol, but with a disappointing finish.

However, things have been turning around for the #48 driver. While he might not be Rick Hendrick’s top performer, he has been extremely decent in recent races, with back-to-back podium results.

“It’s one thing to do it at a superspeedway, it’s another thing to do it where you need grip, speed, execution, and good restarts; and Alex had all of that today,” Jeff Gordon said after the race at Texas.

It is very different to be finishing in third place at a superspeedway and to carry the same finish on a 1.5-mile track. Superspeedways are known for creating surprise winners because of their unpredictability. Hence, when Bowman clinched that result at Talladega, it wasn’t massive.

But his performance at the Texas Motor Speedway stood out. Not only did Alex Bowman finish in third place once again, but had carried that momentum throughout the race. He kept himself within the top spots for most of the race, making most use of the Chevy that happened to be the stronger car that weekend.

This certainly impressed the likes of Rick Hendrick and the rest of the #48 crew: “Nobody has faced bigger challenges than that 48 team,” Gordon added. “For them to be smiling again and building something, that’s really gratifying to see.”

It is perhaps a major positive for Gordon to be appreciating Alex Bowman and his team. Considering he was rumored to be let go from the team at the end of the 2025 season, Bowman is now showing massive signs of improvement. While it is tough to say if he will be a title contender just yet, he might have a chance to celebrate in the Victory Lane, understandably, with a lot more caution.

The post Hendrick Motorsports Star Laughs Off Victory Lane Danger Despite Admitting Clumsy Reality appeared first on EssentiallySports. Add EssentiallySports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Round 13 of the 2026 Hana Bank K League 1 season features a meeting between two sides heading in opposite directions as FC Anyang look to halt their recent slide against an in-form Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors side chasing a fourth consecutive win. Elsewhere, Jeju SK aim to continue their climb up the table following an important victory in Round 12, while Ulsan HD striker Marcão looks to maintain his strong scoring form after leading his side back to winning ways.

Match of the Round

Violets seek response against in-form Green Warriors

FC Anyang (seventh, 15 points) host Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (second, 21 points) in Round 13. Jeonbuk won the first meeting between the two sides this season 2-1 and also hold a perfect record in the fixture with four wins from four matches. Attention now turns to whether Anyang can secure their first win over Jeonbuk or if the visitors can continue their momentum.

Anyang have struggled in recent weeks, failing to score in their last two matches. However, their attacking play through Airton Moises and Kim Un continues to pose a threat. Airton, in particular, has scored three goals in 11 appearances this season, level with Matheus Oliveria as the club’s top scorer. He also produced one of the standout moments of the season in Round 9 against Ulsan with a powerful solo run and finish. Anyang will hope to end their scoring drought and use this match as a turning point.

Jeonbuk, meanwhile, recorded a commanding 4-0 win over Gwangju on Children’s Day to extend their winning streak to three matches and remain firmly in the title race. Oberdan, Kim Seung-seop, Tiago Orobo, and Lee Seung-woo all found the net, highlighting the side’s attacking variety. The first goals of the season for Oberdan and Kim Seung-seop were particularly encouraging signs. The midfield combination of Oberdan, Kim Jin-gyu, Kang Sang-yoon and Maeng Seong-ung, combined with the pace of Lee Seung-woo and Lee Dong-jun on the flanks, will once again be central to Jeonbuk’s approach.

The meeting between Anyang and Jeonbuk takes place on Sunday, May 10th at 4:30 PM at Anyang Sports Complex.

Team of the Round

Tangerines continue their climb up the table

Jeju SK (ninth, 15 points) defeated Bucheon FC 19951-0 in Round 12 on Children’s Day. The victory lifted Sergio Costa's side from 11th to ninth and provided momentum in their push up the standings.

Jeju have scored nine goals in 12 matches this season and have occasionally lacked attacking consistency. However, rather than relying on one individual, players across multiple positions have contributed goals as the side collected four wins. Jeju have built points steadily through efficient game management, and if their forwards begin to convert more consistently, the side could become even more stable.

Defensively, the back four has been a key strength. Centre backs Figueiredo, Julien Celestine and Kim Jae-woo have rotated effectively while maintaining solidity at the back, while Kim Ryun-seong has contributed strongly on both sides of the ball with his work rate. In the win over Bucheon, Kim assisted Nam Tae-hee’s winning goal. Goalkeeper Kim Dong-jun has also impressed, recording a league-high five clean sheets.

Jeju face FC Seoul in Round 13. Jeju lost the first meeting between the two sides this season, 2-1. Their second encounter of the campaign takes place on Saturday, May 9th at 2 PM at Jeju World Cup Stadium.

Player of the Round

Horangi marksman Marcão

Ulsan HD (third, 20 points) ended their losing streak with a 2-1 win over Gimcheon Sangmu in Round 12. Marcão opened the scoring and helped Ulsan reduce the gap with league leaders FC Seoul to six points.

Marcão first arrived in Korea with Gyeongnam in 2017 and enjoyed a remarkable spell in both divisions. He recorded 22 goals and three assists in K League 2 in his debut season before following that with 26 goals and five assists in K League 1 the following year, winning both the top scorer and MVP awards in each division. After returning to Korea to sign with Ulsan in the summer of 2025, Marcão initially took time to settle but has recently rediscovered his scoring touch.

Despite starting only one match and making six appearances this season, the towering Brazilian has already recorded five goals and one assist, underlining his efficiency in front of goal. He has also shown variety in his finishing, scoring three goals with his right foot, one with his left, and one with his head. Marcão now looks to score in consecutive matches.

Ulsan face Bucheon FC 1995 in Round 13. Ulsan won the first meeting between the two sides this season 2-1. Their second encounter of the campaign will take place on Sunday, May 10th at 2 PM at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium.

Saturday 9th May

Jeju SK vs. FC Seoul - 14:00 [ENG]Gimcheon Sangmu vs. Incheon United - 16:30Gwangju FC vs. Gangwon FC - 16:30Daejeon Hana Citizen vs. Pohang Steelers - 19:00 [ENG]

Sunday 10th May

Ulsan HD vs. Bucheon FC 1995 - 14:00 [ENG]FC Anyang vs. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors - 16:30 [ENG]

Cricket Australia offers Pat Cummins mega contract until 2029 to fend off franchise cricket's $10 million lure originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Cricket Australia offers Pat Cummins a $4 million-per-year contract extension until 2029.
• Cummins and Travis Head both previously rejected a $10 million annual offer to play franchise cricket.
• Head, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green are also in line for new deals.

Cricket Australia moves to tie down Pat Cummins and key players with bumper new contracts

Australia Test captain Pat Cummins is reportedly being offered a three-year extension that would take the Australian captain through to 2029 and lift his annual earnings from Cricket Australia to around four million dollars. It is an increase of roughly one million dollars per year on his current deal.

According to The Age, over the full term, the arrangement would be worth approximately $12m. It will be a figure that sits alongside his commercial partnerships and whatever he earns from IPL.

Cummins came in at number fifteen on a recent list of Australia's highest-paid sportspeople, with total earnings last year estimated at between nine and $10m dollars.

Earlier this year, Cummins and vice-captain Travis Head were reportedly approached by an IPL franchise with an offer worth close to $10m annually each to walk away from international cricket and commit full-time to the franchise circuit. Both players had been part of Sunrisers Hyderabad's IPL setup, but despite the staggering figures involved, both turned it down as they remain committed to representing Australia.

Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green are also in line for bumper contracts

Test number three, Marnus Labuschagne, has also been put forward for a three-year contract, while Cameron Green, despite going through a difficult run of form, remains highly valued as a player capable of contributing across all formats.

Green's CA retainer was below $1.5 million last year, and his new deal is likely to better reflect his importance to the national setup.

One notable feature of Cummins' proposed contract is that it includes a higher proportion of guaranteed money, meaning his earnings will be less dependent on the number of matches he plays. This is a utility concession given that Cummins missed almost the entire Ashes summer this past season with a back injury, playing just one Test.

MORE: Modi's manifesto: Ex-IPL chief wants franchises to own Test teams

What did Cricket Australia say?

James Allsopp, who oversees cricket operations at Cricket Australia, did not mince words when asked about the reasoning behind these offers.

He confirmed that multi-format players who generate commercial value and drive television audiences are a clear priority, and that the board is fully aware of the market forces pulling at players like Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Head.

“They’ve earned the right, they’ve been long-term performers for Australia across formats for a long period of time. There’s only so far you can take them under the current constraints. That’s definitely a priority at the moment," he said.

“It is a really tricky balancing act. One thing we do know is that the market pressure is coming at the players who drive the most commercial value. Your multi-format players like Pat, Josh [Hazlewood] and Trav, there’s a lot of demand for those players. So ensuring they remain committed to Australian cricket is a really big priority.”

He also flagged that specialist white-ball players face similar pressures and need to be looked after accordingly.

“The two priorities, in my mind, are making sure multi-format players that drive a lot of commercial value, and also performance value for the team, are well looked after, and we can compete with those market forces, and then also our specialist white-ball players,” he said.

“They’re in pretty high demand. There’s a world now, where they can jump on the franchise circuit and make a really good living away from Australian cricket, or even away from our BBL, and that’s not going to be in the best interests of Australian cricket.”

MORE: Cricket calendar 2026: Full schedule of major events and international matches in 2026

The Cricket News Opinion: Australian cricket is right to pay up

When franchise groups are offering figures that dwarf what national boards can provide, every contract negotiation becomes a retention battle. Cricket Australia deserves credit for recognising this early and acting accordingly.

Losing Cummins or Head to full-time franchise cricket would have consequences on the scorecard and hurt Australian cricket's standing in the Test game at exactly the moment when Test cricket needs its biggest names most.

Paying them properly is not generosity. It is a necessity.

To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics visit ourFacebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.

Devin Vassell goes viral with an anime-like three-point shot to beat the clock originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Devin Vassell has been arguably the San Antonio Spurs' best shooter over the past few years. He has been a reliable player for the Spurs dating back to their days as a team outside the Playoffs.

Now, he has become a vital player for the Spurs, regularly having multiple three-pointers in a game. He further showed that quality with a jumping no-dip three-pointer that went viral in Game 2 against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Devin Vassell's anime-like three-pointer goes viral

Vassell has been a steady contributor for the Spurs in the Playoffs so far. Against the Portland Trail Blazers, he always found ways to hit his mid-range jump shots, while also hitting his open three-pointers.

Now that they are playing against the Timberwolves, his role has continued to remain the same. He has been a reliable shooter for the Spurs, as he also does well with his hustle and defense.

MORE: Victor Wembanyama wants Anthony Edwards to get fully healthy to compete against

Despite being a role player, it was Vassell who attracted the most attention in Game 2. When the shot clock was running out, Julian Champagnie threw a last-ditch pass to Vassell.

The Spurs' #24 made sure he got something up before the buzzer sounded, and he jumped, caught the ball in mid-air, and shot it. Not only was it impressive, but it was also effective.

With that play, Vassell got comparisons to the anime named Kuroko's Basketball, where a character named Midorima had what Vassell did as his signature move. Considering that is an animated show, Vassell made the impossible possible with his highlight play.

More NBA news:

• The Timberwolves' simple strategy when playing against Victor Wembanyama
• Anthony Edwards' loud message directed toward the Spurs' bench in upset Game 1 win
• Victor Wembanyama made history in Game 1 against the Timberwolves
• How the Timberwolves' reslience helped Anthony Edwards and his teammates get the Game 1 win
• Victor Wembanyama names the Timberwolves player he looks up to

NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ wife, Brittany Mahomes, just announced on Wednesday night that she is the recipient of the inaugural Champion for Change award during the United WE’s 35th anniversary celebration at the CPKC Stadium.

According to the nonprofit organization, Mahomes earned the award for being “one of the most impactful women figures in the city right now,” specifically for her work with the Kansas City Current, the National Women’s Soccer League club she co-owns.

MORE:Brittany Mahomes’ personal message to Chiefs’ star on special day

“Such an inspiring morning with United WE celebrating progress and influencing action! It was such an honor to receive the inaugural Champion for Change award in the stadium that represents what it looks like when women’s needs are prioritized in sports and in the workplace. No better place to celebrate women than a stadium built for women!” Mahomes wrote.

With Mahomes as one of the co-owners, the Current finished the regular season as the top-ranked team and broke several league records en route to winning the National Women’s Soccer League Shield last year.

The couple’s foundation, 15 and the Mahomies Foundation, was also recognized by United WE.

Brittany Mahomes opens up about struggles with wrist injury

Before receiving her United WE Champions for Change award, Brittany Mahomes shared earlier this week that she has been navigating through a “pretty bad” wrist injury for about a year, which she referred to as “Mother’s wrist.”

“Mother’s wrist” (De Quervain’s tenosynovitis) is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the tendons in the thumb and wrist. According to Mayo Clinic, this is often associated with activities that require repetitive movements, which isn’t surprising since she’s a former athlete and a mom of three.

Unfortunately for the wife of Patrick Mahomes, her mother’s wrist isn’t the only injury she has dealt with, as she’s also been gradually recovering from a broken back for the past two years.