Sports Benches presents this week’s sports headlines as NASCAR will take another much-needed break before the cars return early August for the final few regular races, then it’s “Chase” time for the season-ending Championship starting September.
We’ll also follow up on the latest regarding London Stadium’s future whose own history began at the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Speaking of The Games, we have some Commonwealth Games Netball but make sure you come back here next Monday with the full update.
For now, Sports Benches has you covered on your weekly sports fix throughout the NASCAR Cup points season. If you wouldn’t mind more than just sports, why not check out our General Hospital recap every Saturday.
There’s Nina and Willow are currently stuck in a corner while Charlotte could one day be Helena Cassadine’s heir amid fallout with her mom Lulu — plus a whole lot more across Port Charles.
NASCAR Cup Series: Brickyard 400
It’s Corey Heim time following his 2nd Cup win of 2026 even part-time in the No.67 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing.
His performance was more than just a fast race car who loves being aggressive before stretching the distance towards retention.
Now that’s how you win a NASCAR Cup race right there under pressure.
Then Joey Logano finished 3rd as the leading Blue Oval Mustangs from mid-pack when running upfront more often helps had he qualified well.
However, his Sunday pace was excellent by picking up lots of track position all afternoon which sounds good to Team Penske.
Finally, Carson Hocevar from Spire finished 9th inside his No.77 Chevy Camaro where timing wasn’t on his side, especially yellows following an unreal start to his weekend including the pole award in qualifying.
He wasn’t bad with his green flag runs though having regained some late momentum that led with the Top 10 result.
London Stadium’s Uncertain Future: Part 2
All eyes on the new domestic season not too far from now.
Following West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League, they won’t be aired on Stan Sport except rare FA Cup but Bein Sports in Australia mainly the EFL Championship.
Meanwhile, the 2012 Summer Olympics centrepiece remains uncertain even before West Ham became tenants 10 years ago.
Uncertainty isn’t a good thing as an Athletics-first fan despite witnessing yearly full-house Diamond League events.
Last week, London Stadium CEO Lyn Garner outlined five practical priorities aimed at improving the venue:
- Making the seats look less sterile
- Concerts during September
- West Ham Women’s matches
- Food and Drinks
- Naming Rights
I believe in Lyn with the best to her leadership but my hope remains is that Athletics also continues to have a place at London Stadium.
Because there’s still no word what will happen afterwards beyond the five-point plan.
Rather than closing the door altogether on major athletics events, I’d like to see the operator explore further adaptable seating solutions that’s more effective between Football & Athletics mode when required.
For example, Stade De France & Singapore’s National Stadium.
Now not everyone will agree but I’m also not taking sides as just want to see LS continue writing more history since London 2012.
Silver Ferns at the Commonwealth Games
It’s been a great start over the weekend by the Silver Ferns following back-to-back wins against Scotland and Jamaica, especially with unfinished business ahead under the returning Dame Noeline Taurua as head coach.
We’ll be back with more once this finishes on 2/8/26.
Update 2/8/26
Delighted to say that Silver Ferns have won gold since Delhi 2010 when Jamaica thought they’ve finally escaped the Aussie Diamonds but that was during the semi-final.
Instead, Jamaica had to go through Ferns before NZ pulled off a 2nd half blitz and that was enough to restore world-class confidence by 48-56.
Here’s our Comm Games world players’ champion, Kate Heffernan: one of Silver Ferns’ most consistent mid-courters — mainly C, sometimes Wing D.
She’s had an outstanding year like winning a Super Netball Grand Final with the Adelaide Thunderbirds after a seven-year spell for the Southern Steel & yet Kate never backed down even under pressure.
What’s next? The 2027 World Cup after multiple Taini Jamison’s plus the 2024 Constellation Cup.
Meanwhile, Grace Nweke was blessed with NZ’s signature brand of Netball while barely missing any shots into the net at goal shoot. Yes, she was rested in some games but glad the Ferns used her properly following her own injury heartbreak back in the 2023 World Cup.
Gotta feel for Jamaica’s Latanya Wilson who also had a great year turning away defenders so far (GD/WD) having recently tasted Super Netball glory with Kate at T-Birds then gave her country a run for their money, especially that shock semi-final win v Diamonds.
Not her day today though after Jamaica struggled to keep up the ante particularly 2nd half but better still, don’t discount the Sunshine Girls.
Liz Watson from the Diamonds provided stability feeds & link-up play in Wing Attack & sometimes C whenever games get tired including easy opponents. Gutted for Diamonds but their reluctance to embrace changes with no Plan B allowed Jamaica to run wild in the semi-final.
