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If you think today's IndyCars are fast at Phoenix... The one-mile Phoenix Raceway oval has become a stage for stark contrasts between NASCAR’s Cup Series and IndyCar’s high-speed spectacle, as fans witness the dramatic differences in speed and performance between the two racing series. During the Good Ranchers 250, Team Penske’s David Malukas secured pole position in the No. 12 Chevy with a two-lap average of 175.3mph, while Cup drivers will wait until Saturday to qualify for their Sunday race. For context, Denny Hamlin’s pole in the November championship-deciding race averaged 133.7mph, highlighting a 41.6mph gap in average speed and a 6.5-second difference in lap times. For newer IndyCar fans, these numbers may seem staggering, but a look back at the series’ history reveals how much the DW12 has evolved. During the 2016-18 manufacturer aero kit era, Helio Castroneves set a record pole in the No. 3 Chevy at 194.9mph, a 19.6mph increase over Malukas’ current pace and 61.2mph faster than Hamlin’s November lap. Castroneves also completed the lap in 18.7 seconds, outpacing Malukas by 2.6 seconds and Hamlin by 8.2. The technical differences between the 2016-17 aero kit era and today’s rules are significant. The introduction of the aeroscreen cockpit safety device in 2020 added over 100 pounds of weight, while the adoption of hybridization with an energy recovery system in 2024 pushed the DW12’s minimum weight to its highest level since rear-engine designs became standard in the 1960s. These changes were implemented to prioritize tire safety and longevity, as the high speeds and increased weight put immense stress on the right-side tires. To address this, engine power was reduced by dialing down turbocharger boost, and downforce was adjusted to make cornering more challenging without lifting the throttle.#david_malukas #team_penske #indycar #denny_hamlin #helio_castroneves

How to Watch INDYCAR Desert Double Race at Phoenix: TV Channel, Streaming, Time The 2026 INDYCAR season will feature a high-octane doubleheader at Phoenix Raceway as part of the Desert Double event, with the second race of the year set for Saturday. The Good Ranchers 250 will take place at 3 p.m. ET on FOX, with live coverage also available on FOX One, the FOX Sports app, and the FOX Sports website. This event marks the first of two motorsports races on FOX this weekend, with the NASCAR Cup Series set to race on Sunday. The 2026 INDYCAR season officially kicks off with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, a street race in Florida, before returning to Phoenix for the second race. Alex Palou, who secured his fourth INDYCAR championship in 2025, continued his dominance by winning the season-opening race at St. Petersburg. The victory solidifies his position as a top contender for the 2026 title. INDYCAR’s last appearance at Phoenix Raceway was in 2018, when Josef Newgarden claimed victory. Since 2005, the series has only raced at the one-mile desert track three times—2016, 2017, and 2018. The return to Phoenix is expected to draw significant attention, given the track’s unique challenges and the competitive nature of the series. The next INDYCAR race of the 2026 season will be the Java House Grand Prix of Arlington, a street race in Texas set for Sunday, March 15, at 12:30 p.m. ET. This event will also air on FOX and FOX One. Throughout the season, every INDYCAR race will be broadcast live on FOX, including the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 24. For viewers without cable, live-streaming options include the FOX Sports website, FOX One, and the FOX Sports app. Additional services like YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV carry FOX content.#fox #phoenix_raceway #indycar #alex_palou #java_house_grand_prix_of_arlington

David Malukas Earns First Career NTT P1 Award at Phoenix David Malukas secured his first career NTT P1 Award in qualifying for the Good Ranchers 250 at Phoenix Raceway, marking a significant milestone in his IndyCar career. The Chicago-area native, who joined Team Penske this offseason for his fifth season in the series, turned the fastest two-lap qualifying average of 175.383 mph in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet. His pole position sets the stage for a potential first career victory in the 250-lap race scheduled for Saturday. Malukas, who previously earned second-place finishes three times last season with AJ Foyt Racing, expressed his excitement about finally securing pole position. “Finally!” he said. “I’m so happy. So many P2s. The story of ovals last season was we had it, waited until the last few guys and then boom, you get P2. But finally we got it.” Malukas was the 13th of 24 drivers to attempt qualifying on the 1-mile desert oval after leading practice sessions at 175.605 mph. The pole position also marked a front-row sweep for Team Penske, the most successful team in recent years on short ovals. Josef Newgarden, who won at Phoenix in 2018, qualified second at 174.548 mph in the No. 2 XPEL Team Penske Chevrolet. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing had a breakthrough performance on the short oval, a challenge for the team in recent seasons. Graham Rahal qualified third at 173.993 mph in the No. 15 Fifth Third Bank Honda, while rookie Mick Schumacher, competing in his first oval race, secured the fourth starting spot at 173.667 mph in the No. 47 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda. Schumacher, a Formula One veteran, praised his team’s effort. “We knew what we had to do, and we managed to put a good couple of laps together,” he said. “I’m excited to run the race.#david_malukas #team_penske #phoenix_raceway #good_ranchers_250 #josef_newgarden

Braves WBC Round Up: Acuña Gets Last Laugh, Alvarez Shines for Mexico The Atlanta Braves’ star players made headlines for their playful antics and standout performances during the early stages of the World Baseball Classic. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies engaged in lighthearted banter during a pool play game against Venezuela, with Acuña joking around after Albies failed to pick him off on a double. The two teammates continued their friendly rivalry on social media, with Acuña teasing Albies by tagging him on X with a message about a signed shirt. Albies has yet to respond to the joke. Acuña contributed offensively for Venezuela, going 1-for-4 with a walk and scoring two runs. He helped his team take an early 1-0 lead in the first inning, driven in by Luis Arraez, and later extended the advantage to 5-1 in the fifth inning. Meanwhile, Albies went 0-for-4, while fellow Braves player Chadwick Tromp, representing the Netherlands, struck out twice and failed to record a hit. The Netherlands are set to face Nicaragua on Saturday, while Venezuela will take on Israel later that day. Nacho Alvarez Jr., another Braves player, made an immediate impact for Mexico in their opening game against Great Britain. Alvarez hit a home run in the second inning, launching the ball at over 97 mph for a 394-foot blast to left field. The power play was followed by a celebratory pose, including a chest pump and a luchador mask donned after rounding the bases. Mexico led Great Britain 4-1 at the time of the report and is scheduled to face Brazil on Sunday. The WBC continues to showcase both competitive moments and off-field camaraderie, with the Braves’ players contributing to the excitement in multiple ways.#ozzie_albies #ronald_acua_jr #world_baseball_classic #atlanta_braves #nacho_alvarez_jr

Ronald Acuna Jr. Trolls Braves Teammate Ozzie Albies After 2026 World Baseball Classic Matchup Atlanta Braves teammates Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies faced off in the 2026 World Baseball Classic on Friday, with Acuña leading Venezuela to a 6-2 victory over the Netherlands in the opening game of Pool D. After the contest, Acuña shared a message for Albies, who played for the Netherlands. Acuña performed strongly in the game, contributing a double and two runs from the leadoff position. Albies, however, struggled at the cleanup spot, going 0-for-4. Despite the outcome, both players appeared to enjoy the matchup, showcasing their competitive spirit. The game also featured other Braves-affiliated players. Chadwick Tromp, a former big league catcher with the team from 2022 to 2025, started behind the plate for the Netherlands. The Netherlands’ manager was Andruw Jones, a Braves legend and soon-to-be Baseball Hall of Famer. Venezuela and the Netherlands are set to play again on Saturday, with the Netherlands facing Nicaragua and Venezuela taking on Israel. The matchups continue to highlight the intersection of MLB talent and international competition in the 2026 World Baseball Classic.#ozzie_albies #andruw_jones #world_baseball_classic #ronald_acuna_jr #chadwick_tromp

Al Ettifaq vs Al Shabab Preview & Prediction The 2025/26 Saudi Pro League is set to feature a match between Al Ettifaq and Al Shabab, with both teams expected to approach the encounter with a relatively relaxed mindset. Despite Al Ettifaq’s consistent presence in the top half of the table, they have struggled in recent form, suffering three consecutive losses in their last four league games. Al Shabab, meanwhile, have shown signs of improvement since the departure of their former manager, Imanol Alguacil, but their most recent match ended in a 5-3 defeat to title contenders Al Hilal. The match, scheduled for March 6, 2026, is likely to be a low-pressure encounter as both teams appear to be focusing on maintaining their positions rather than competing for immediate success. Analysts suggest that the game may lack the intensity of earlier-season fixtures, with both sides potentially prioritizing tactical balance over aggressive play. This could lead to a more open contest, where both teams are expected to score, making a "both teams to score" outcome a strong prediction. For viewers, the match will be broadcast in the UK via DAZN, which holds the rights to three Saudi Pro League games per week. In the United States, some matches will be televised on Fox, though fans are advised to check the schedule for specific details. The ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region have added an element of uncertainty, with the match subject to potential changes due to the conflict. However, as of now, the fixture remains intact. The match is part of a broader slate of international and domestic fixtures, including games between teams like Jamshedpur and Inter Kashi, Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers, and Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory.#fox #dazn #al_ettifaq #al_shabab #cristiano_ronaldo

Concern Over Dembele's Medical Tests Ahead of Youth Clash The coaching staff of Ettifaq, led by Saad Al-Shehri, is awaiting the results of medical tests conducted on French forward Moussa Dembele to assess his readiness for an upcoming match against Al-Shabab. The 29-year-old striker, who has been a key player for Ettifaq this season, experienced pain that has raised concerns about his ability to participate in the Saudi Roshan League fixture. Dembele has been a significant contributor to Ettifaq's campaign, appearing in 13 matches and scoring five goals while providing one assist in 1025 minutes of play. The team is set to face Al-Shabab in the 25th round of the league on Saturday evening at 10 p.m. Ettifaq currently sits in seventh place with 38 points, aiming to strengthen its position in the standings. Al-Shabab, meanwhile, is in 13th place with 25 points and hopes to improve its standing ahead of the season's critical phase. The potential absence of Dembele has sparked worries for Ettifaq ahead of its next match against Al-Hazm. Additionally, the club is close to renewing the contract of Dutch midfielder Wijnaldum for two more seasons, pending approval of financial sustainability. However, the renewal process faces obstacles due to the club's high salary demands. Meanwhile, Al-Hilal has extended its league dominance with a 2-0 victory over Ettifaq, securing the top spot in the Saudi League. The team is also preparing for a match against Ettifaq, with a strong attacking lineup expected. Doubts remain about the participation of Dembele and another player, Al-Ghannam, due to injury concerns ahead of the clash against Al-Hilal. The Saudi League's winter transfer window has seen several developments, with updates on player movements shaping the competition.#al_hilal #al_shabab #saad_al_shehri #ettifaq #moussa_dembele

Al Ettifaq - Al Shabab prediction & tips 07.03.2026 Al Ettifaq will face Al Shabab in a crucial Saudi Pro League match on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 20:00 local time. The game, set to take place at the Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium, will mark Matchday 25 of the league season. Al Ettifaq currently ranks 7th in the standings with 38 points, while Al Shabab sits in 13th place with 25 points. Both teams are motivated to secure valuable points, with Al Shabab aiming to avoid relegation. The betting prediction favors an away win for Al Shabab, with odds of 2.15 at Paripesa. This outcome is considered attractive due to recent defensive vulnerabilities in both teams. Additionally, a bet on both teams to score is recommended at 1.55, as both sides have struggled defensively. Al Ettifaq’s recent form includes a 3-1 defeat to Al Hazem, while Al Shabab suffered a 5-3 loss to Al-Hilal SFC, highlighting their defensive issues. Al Ettifaq, managed by Saad Al Shehri, has a mixed record in their last five matches, with two wins and three losses. Their offensive output of 35 goals contrasts with 42 conceded, indicating defensive concerns. Despite a strong home record of six wins, four draws, and two defeats, the team’s recent setbacks may affect their performance. Al Shehri’s tactics focus on possession and attacking play, but the defensive lapses have raised questions about the backline’s reliability. Al Shabab, under manager Noureddine Zekri, has struggled with consistency, earning six wins, seven draws, and 11 defeats. Their 30 goals scored and 38 conceded reflect a lack of defensive stability, particularly in away matches. Zekri’s strategy emphasizes quick counterattacks, but this approach has been undermined by frequent defensive errors.#al_ettifaq #al_shabab #saad_al_shehri #noureddine_zekri #al_ettifaq_club_stadium

'He handles unruly MPs from big families well': PM Modi lauds Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Prime Minister Modi lauded Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ahead of an opposition no-confidence motion, praising his impartiality and ability to manage "arrogant and unruly" members. Birla's recent rulings, particularly disallowing a quote from a former Army chief, had sparked significant opposition protests and led to the removal notice. #Prime_Minister #Minister_Modi #Modi_lauded #Lok_Sabha #Sabha_Speaker #no-confidence_motion #lauds_Lok #lauded_Lok #Birla_Prime #Modi_lauds

Women’s rights are regressing globally as discriminatory laws and systemic failures leave women vulnerable to violence and injustice, according to a report by the United Nations gender equality agency. The findings, released on March 4, highlight a growing “justice gap” as conflicts, economic instability, and shrinking civic space fuel backlash against gender equality. Sarah Hendriks, director of UN Women’s Policy, Programme, and Intergovernmental Division, warned that “there is an increasingly organised pushback at gender equality and regression of women's rights” amid democratic backsliding and rising conflicts. She emphasized that justice systems are not immune to these pressures, stating, “Justice systems do not stand apart from those pressures, they actually reflect them.” The UN Secretary-General’s report, titled Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls, reveals how laws are being used to restrict women’s freedoms, silence their voices, and enable abuse without accountability. The report identifies five key barriers preventing equitable outcomes for women and girls. These include discriminatory legal frameworks, entrenched social norms, gaps between laws and their implementation, traditional justice systems operating outside state control, and conflict zones. Together, these factors mean women globally hold 64 percent of the legal rights afforded to men, while 54 percent of countries lack consent-based legal definitions of rape. Hendriks noted, “Where power remains unequal, justice rarely operates neutrally. This is where retreat from gender equality becomes very visible.” Global conflicts have exacerbated the crisis, with 676 million women and girls living within 50 kilometers of deadly violence in 2024—the highest level since the 1990s.#un_women #sarah_hendriks #un_secretary_general #conflict_zones