NASCAR DRIVERS MIGHT HAVE MISSED RICHMOND AFTER MEXICAN MESS

 Here, there … and everywhere (just about):

What were described as “absurd travel issues” interfered 

with NASCAR’s racing weekend in Mexico City, forcing 

adjustments but not enough to get in the way of Sunday’s 

race won by road-course specialist SHANE van 

GISBERGEN … Sorry about that guys, but blame 

should be focused on the governing body for going south 

of the border which isn’t exactly welcoming to Americans 

these days … By the way, NASCAR went to Mexico with 

a date formerly held by Richmond, now having to make-

do with one major race instead of two for the first time in 

65 years.

At least DENNY HAMLIN, Manchester High School 

alumnus bound for stock car racing’s hall of fame in 

Charlotte, N.C., didn’t get caught up in the not-so-fine 

Mexican mess. He stayed behind to be with his fiance 

who was having their third child together.

*** The New York Knickerbockers reportedly reached 

out to Arkansas’ JOHN CALIPARI in their suddenly 

surprising sorry search for a new coach … You might 

recall he lasted not all of three seasons (1996-1999) as 

coach of the New York Nets before resuming a college 

career that has produced 877 wins, tied for seventh all-

time … Calipari, 66, told the Knicks thanks, but no 

thanks. 

*** CORNELL WARREN, a four-star wide receiver 

from Bluffton, South Carolina, in the class of 2026, 

withdrew his commitment to Virginia Tech last week, 

saying, “After long thoughts and consideration, I’m 

opening my recruitment back up.” … Yeah, right! Better 

we should follow the money … Anybody want to bet he 

signs with someone who offered more than the Hokies? 

Considerably more.

*** The less publicized, but equally important, NHL draft 

will be held June 24-26 … with a defenseman

 MATTHEW SCHAEFERfrom Erie of the Ontario 

Hockey League expected to go No. 1 followed by

 MICHAEL MISA, a center from Saginaw (OHL), and

 JAMES HAGENS, a center from Boston College … 

Keep an eye on BRADY MARTIN, from Sault Ste. 

Marie (OHL), a forward with “high volatility.” He’s rated 

no better than No. 11 … and would be a steal for your 

New York Rangers, who still have the 12^th selection … 

but must decide whether to turn it over to the Penguins 

and get their No. 12 choice in 2026 … which was part of 

a convoluted deal with Vancouver for J. T. MILLER.

*** OK, I get it … BOOO! Sovereignty’s owners and 

trainerBILL MOTT for skipping the Preakness and, 

therefore, blowing a golden opportunity to become the 

first Thoroughbred to win The Triple Crown since in 19 

… Like we knew he could do it … on two week’s rest … 

when Mott, a hall of famer, had his doubts?

So Sovereignty edges favored Journalism in the 

Kentucky Derby then does it again at Saratoga 35 days 

later in the Belmont Stakes, and let the snide remarks 

begin … like “we were deprived of the celebration and 

exhilaration, not by some cruel twist of racing fate, but by 

[owner] Godolphin’s and Mott’s sheer apathy for the 

Triple Crown …”Meanwhile, Journalism is the only horse 

to run all three legs … winning the Preakness with a 

storybook finish that rewarded ancient, run-down Pimlico 

Race Course in what was its last race before two years of 

renovation ... with the leader in the clubhouse for “Most 

Memorable of 2025.”

*** The Boston Red Sox celebrated a sweep of the 

Yankees by trading disgruntled RAFAEL DEVERS to 

the San Francisco Giants for a bunch of players including 

former Richmond Flying Squirrel KYLE HARRISON, 

24 year old left-hand pitcher (1-1, 4.56 with SF this year). 

The 6-2, 209-pounder was drafted by the Giants in the 3d 

round (85^th overall) in 2020 and received a signing bonus 

of $2.5 million … In 2022, when he was ranked No. 3 

among the franchise’s MLB prospects, Harrison had a 

3.11 ERA in 84 innings (18 starts), with 127 strikeouts 

(6^th in the league) with the Flying Squirrels … the 

youngest player in team history… Devers is in the second 

of a 10-year $313.5 million contract … and, according to 

reports, the Giants will honor entire the balance.

*** You want unbelievable, different, unusual, etc., etc., 

… try Sunday’s coverage of the U.S. Open where, during 

a final-round rain delay, NBC treated viewers to TIGER 

WOODS winning the 2008 Open with a couple of no-

way long putts including one on the final green … Then 

play resumes and J.J. SPAUN one-ups (it says here) 

Woods on the 18th, rolling one in from 65 feet to become 

the 2025 champion.

Until next time ...

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