NASCAR-RULE CHANGES
NASCAR to try new aero packages at 3 additional tracks
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR will use track-specific rules packages at three more race tracks as the sanctioning body continues to try to improve the racing.
A unique rules package had already been announced for Saturday night’s race at Kentucky. NASCAR executive Steve O’Donnell said Tuesday a similar low downforce package will be used at Darlington in September.
Teams will use a higher drag rules package at Indianapolis Motor Speedway later this month and Michigan International Speedway in August.
For Indy and Michigan, the aero package will feature a 9-inch spoiler and 1-inch wicker bill; a rear fascia extension panel similar to that currently used for superspeedway events; a 2-inch leading edge on the splitter; and a 43-inch splitter extension panel.
NASCAR-BAKER-TUMOR
Buddy Baker steps down from radio show with inoperable tumor
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Daytona 500 winner Buddy Baker says he has a “huge tumor” in his lung that is requiring him to immediately step down as co-host of his SiriusXM NASCAR show.
The 74-year-old Baker won 19 races in the Sprint Cup Series, including the 1980 Daytona 500. He made his series debut in 1959 and retired in 1992.
Baker’s wins also include the 1970 Southern 500, and the Coca-Cola 600 in 1968, 1972, and 1973. He was named one of NASCAR’s 50 greatest drivers in 1998.
Baker announced his departure from his radio show on Tuesday night. He said doctors did not give him a good prognosis.
Baker is the son of NASCAR Hall of Famer Buck Baker, and at 6-foot-6, he earned the nickname the “Gentle Giant” during his racing days.
HURRICANES-BOYCHUK
Hurricanes, Boychuk agree on 1-year, 2-way deal
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes and forward Zach Boychuk have agreed on a one-year, two-way contract.
The deal announced Tuesday will pay him $600,000 in the NHL or $200,000 in the minors with a guarantee of $250,000.
This will be Boychuk’s eighth year in the Carolina organization and general manager Ron Francis calls him “a reliable depth forward who we know is capable of contributing offensively at either level.”
Boychuk had three goals and three assists in 31 games with the Hurricanes last season. He was Carolina’s first-round selection in the 2008 draft.
NC STATE-GOTTFRIED
NC State juggles roster, coaching roles in bumpy offseason
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina State headed into an offseason full of optimism. Things have been a bit bumpier than expected for coach Mark Gottfried.
There was the unexpected departure of all-conference guard Trevor Lacey for the NBA draft and the transfer of forward Kyle Washington to leave behind a roster of just eight scholarship players. And assistant coach Rob Moxley is on medical leave after being hospitalized for several days in May.
Gottfried says director of basketball operations Jeff Dunlap has taken over Moxley’s recruiting duties while he’s out on medical leave. He says he hopes to know more about Moxley’s status in 60 to 90 days.
N.C. State is coming off a fourth straight trip to the NCAA Tournament and a second appearance in the Sweet 16 during that span.
DUKE-BROWN
Duke LB Brown tears left ACL, ending his college career
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke says linebacker Kelby Brown’s college career is over after he tore a knee ligament.
The school said Tuesday that Brown tore his left anterior cruciate ligament last week — the same injury that kept him out for the 2014 season. He is scheduled to have his fourth knee surgery since 2010.
Brown would have been a sixth-year senior after receiving an extra year from the NCAA. He had surgeries on his right knee in 2010 and again two years later, missing the entire 2012 season.
Brown missed last season after tearing his left ACL during preseason practice.
Coach David Cutcliffe says “it’s difficult to put into words the feeling of heartbreak I have for Kelby and his family.”
Brown will be a student assistant with the team this season.
