Three Sunday afternoon events across three different countries & continents.
Two close rivalries amongst drivers and teams.
One Winner.
That’s this week’s Sports News headlines for Monday 11th May, 2026.
Sports Benches will take next weekend off since it’s a non-points All-Star Race until the Coca Cola 600.
There’s always General Hospital with Brennan got completely bamboozled while Josslyn became stuck under Cassius Faison’s crosshairs.
Also, Ethan had a secret partner & child; plus a fun cameo at The Savoy by Aladdin’s Michael James Scott.
NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen International
It’s been a dominant Trackhouse-Chevy day over Michael McDowell’s Spire (also a Chevy) for the overall honours up front, particularly with resident road course specialist SVG — who’s also been improving his oval record since the start of 2026.
His Race plan was lovely scripted by Crew Chief Stephen Doran, which could’ve been nice to have all three stage wins but that’s just bonus points anyway.
As long as SVG knows what he’s doing inside his No.97 Camaro, he’ll be tough to beat on road courses like Watkins Glen.
Then this week’s Toyota Camry went to Ty Gibbs in 3rd despite some late shortcomings whilst leading, especially trying to keep his fuel in check following a marathon-like stint.
He’s well set up though to achieve many more good performances in the No.54 machinery after his first career Cup win last month at Bristol.
Nothing much from the Blue Oval Mustangs with Austin Cindric leading this group in 9th for Team Penske. His alternate strategy may not have gone the way he would’ve liked following a poor start but at least played it safe with the Top 10.
Sports Benches 2025/26 Premier League Finale: MW 36 with West Ham v Arsenal
Arsenal are almost Champions-bound for the first time since their unbeaten 2003/04 season. Meanwhile, West Ham? They’ve nearly gone the other way now via The Championship joining Burnley & Wolves.
Final score was 1-0 to Arsenal with credit to Leandro Trossard’s strike in the 83rd minute.
It took Arsenal nearly the whole game to unlock West Ham’s organised back three before they eventually found the net at the expense of the Hammers poor attack.
As long as Arsenal win the final two games, they’re good to go with the Champions League Final soon v PSG later this month.
With West Ham, there’s improvements based on 2026 alone but the whole season though? Not good.
Too much tension between the owners & fans despite good times when David Moyes was around with 3 x European campaigns & 2023 the Conference League title.
It remains to be seen this summer since Karren Brady just left (vice-chairman) with Nuno (manager) to follow & maybe new ownership.
Whatever that is, the football operations side of things needs a modern reboot.
Also, one big difference to improve the Rush Green Training Ground is replacing portacabins with something more permanent — it only costs £20 million.
Finally, shoutout to Stan Sport on its first season covering PL after Optus decided to leave the streaming business.
We’re done with PL for now but stay tuned for the final two weeks as there’s always weekend FTA replays on 9Go.
Update 20/5/26
Arsenal are now confirmed champions following Man City’s 1-1 draw with Bournemouth while the Gunners continued their winning run this time v Championship-bound Burnley (Will finish 19th) by 1-0.
Now the battle to survive for 17th spot between West Ham & Tottenham will be decided on the final round Sunday.
It’s West Ham v Leeds and Tottenham v Everton.
ANZ Premiership Week 5/10: Mainland Tactix v Northern Stars
We’re halfway through the ANZ Premiership season as Stars made the most of their chances but Tactix stood tall by 52-50.
Can’t believe Ash Barnett kept playing despite rolling her ankle earlier on from the tip — such a defensive warrior.
She’s got Laura Balmer keeping company in between both Goal Keep & Goal Defense, who also continues her fine impression at ANZ Premiership level.
Time will tell before these two players emulate Jane Watson & Karin Burger someday.
Then shoutout to Hannah Glen; she knows the intel of these two Auckland teams very well including Stars at Goal Shoot.
Tactix now sure they can dominate once again led by old-school coach Donna Wilkins but don’t forget Wendy Frew’s Southern Steel who also dominated games in recent weeks — they currently share the Top 2 points with Steel just ahead based on goal difference.
With Stars, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan knows how to get the ball rolling at Centre.
There’s a reason why she was trusted during the Silver Ferns games at the back end of last year following a long rebuilding phase from her ACL injury.
That loss right there was unlucky but Stars sometimes need to connect the dots more, especially super shots where some were hit & misses.
