This week’s sports news got supercharged where the NASCAR Cup Series continues at Talladega Superspeedway.
Also, a new stadium in Christchurch was opened just in time for the long-awaited Super Round return in Super Rugby.
Finally, the PL relegation race to survive for 17th has never gone closer than ever before between London rivals West Ham & Tottenham with only four rounds remaining.
Sports Benches is here for the best of sports news every week including General Hospital to kick off the weekend following usual weekday grind of Port Charles.
NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega
That was such a close finish between a consistent Ford front-runner and someone who just won his first career NASCAR Cup Series race.
Meet Carson Hocevar in the No.77 Chevy Camaro for Spire Motorsports.
Didn’t hear much from him earlier on but did two things that was worth the race-winning combination into victory lane:
- He got plenty of push from his fellow Chevy drivers on the bottom lane — very important battling the best Ford driver of the day.
- Played the long game with crew chief Luke Lambert when conserving fuel before going aggressively once a few “Big Ones” wrecks were cleared & then shut down shop for the best of last.
So close from Chris Buescher in the No.17 Ford Mustang for Roush with signs of consistency on the front-running spots all afternoon. Sometimes, a bit of luck and lane choice of draft would’ve helped but sure there’s unfinished business next time.
Unlucky from these Toyota Camry teams following another survival mode race at the restrictor plate tracks.
However, in-form driver despite no win today Tyler Reddick finished 14th despite the lost right front tire earlier in Stage 3.
He wasn’t far from contention at times before being knocked into the wall & had to make up what he can. At least he’s okay to regroup himself & pick up more wins from here since Tyler just signed a contract extension with 23XI Racing.
Super Rugby Week 11/16: Crusaders v Waratahs & Blues v Reds
Super Rugby’s Super Round festival is back since 2024 this time at the brand new Te Kaha Stadium in Christchurch.
Crusaders got away with a homecoming 35-20 win over Waratahs despite 1-2 cancelled tries while Blues win in extra time via penalty goal v Reds, 36-33.
Dallas McLeod – who is the Te Kaha’s first try scorer on the Crusaders wide 14 – shared the spotlight with the team’s aggressive approach that rhymes consistency & rampaging execution alongside Macca Springer at the other flank.
Don’t forget Leicester Faingaanuku when he’s usually a back by trade but having him on the open 7?Watch out Richie McCaw! If you keep on pinpointing his physicality at the right areas.
Also, Sid Harvey as the Waratahs back continue honing his Super Rugby-esque tools via speed and kicking tee but then Tahs were off the ballpark unfortunately despite a promising start.
Meanwhile, Zarn Sullivan from full-back can cut (into corners) & paste (with tries) courtesy of the width Blues have built while Sam Darry on the second row 5 patrolled these Reds numbers under pressure from start to finish.
Finally, Reds No.8 Harry Wilson is the glue centre field overseeing tries especially since his return from Round 3 v Highlanders following minor knee surgery — Unlucky though at the death.
Premier League MW 34: Wolves v Tottenham & West Ham v Everton
With only four games to go, the battle to beat the drop never gets anything like it for 2025/26.
Tottenham Hotspur – still sitting 18th amid a host of managerial changes – finally got their first win of 2026 following a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in Molineux.
But London rivals West Ham also secured victory last-minute to maintain 17th over Everton at London Stadium by 2-1.
Both clubs still three points apart as West Ham have Brentford this Saturday while Tottenham will take on Europa League semi-finalists Aston Villa next day Sunday.
Tottenham got lucky first of all when Wolves were already Championship bound along with Burnley — season’s not over just yet.
West Ham, meanwhile, had a bit more leeway following their good start.
Although Nuno’s risk averse tactics including his man-management simply won’t cut the mustard when David Moyes’ Everton also coaches the same as Nuno.
Sometimes, 3 points is better than nothing in between with the late handball kerfuffle.
They can’t continue to play like this though after the Hammers drew to Crystal Palace last week despite plenty of chances. So better to go all-in at best instead of defending hard.
