The notion of a 25-hour endurance race came after “a couple of cocktails.”

So says Jerry Kunzman, one of the founders of the National Auto Sport Ass’n. The inspiration struck after the 2002 Timex 12 Hours of Thunderhill at California’s Thunderhill Raceway Park.

The 12-hour event was successful, but it wasn’t enough. Neither was a 24-hour race; 25 was the ticket and Kunzman blurted out that a 25-hour race would run in 2003. He didn’t bother to brief Thunderhill Raceway Park management before he stood at the podium, figuring it was better to ask for forgiveness than beg for permission.

Or maybe it was the spirit of O. Bruton Smith, who initiated the World 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway in an effort to upstage the Indy 500.

“Ali (Arsham) and I founded NASA in 1989,” Kunzman recalled. “By ’93 we decided we’d do our first enduro. Fast-forward through everything, the six-hour, then we picked up Timex to sponsor the 12 hours. After about the fifth 12-hour I got to thinking I’m not really tired, we shouldn’t be done with this.

“So at the 2002 awards banquet, I thought we’ve got to do something different,” Kunzman continued. “I didn’t even check with the track. I had a few cocktails and I thought: ‘Aw screw it, I’m just to tell them we’re going to do it.’ On the way up to the podium I thought 24 then thought 25 without even thinking of it. I looked over at the guys from the race track and their jaws were hanging, ‘What? When were you going to ask me about it?’ I just said, ‘We’ll make it work.’ We did.”

As author Kurt Vonnegut once said, “… and so it goes.” The 25 Hours of Thunderhill is the longest road race in the United States.

The event has taken on a life of its own since that auspicious beginning.

“It’s unique. It’s like Burning Man or one of the events in society where people find it and then it becomes a cult event,” explained Thunderhill CEO David Vodden. “People tell others about it, instead of seeing ads on television or promotions hither and yon. The 25 Hours of Thunderhill has attracted drivers from all over the world over its time and all kinds of significant things in motorsports, yet it’s still an event for those that know about it. And because of that it has an aura, this energy field that is not like what you see on television.

“People love to say they’ve ran it,” Vodden added. “People love it because it pays nothing. It’s fun and they get out of their cars and say, ‘I finished.’ And it’s a growing energy field at this event at Thunderhill in California that nobody knows about. The Busch brothers have run it. The Unsers have run it (Al Jr. and his son) and you go down the list of people who have run it and promoters say, ‘My God, how could I not know about that?’”

Other star racers who have participated in the 25 Hours of Thunderhill include Patrick Dempsey, Bryan Herta, J.R. Hildebrand, Katherine Legge and Christina Nielsen.

Veteran endurance driver Charles Espenlaub was literally a burning man at one of the 25-hour events.

“He (Espenlaub) had a fuel leak in the cockpit and pulled off at turn nine in a ball of tire,” Kunzman said. “He got out on fire and rolled around on the ground and our safety crews put the fire out and I remember going to him and he said, ‘Remember that stop, drop and roll thing? It works.’ He just got out of car, calm as a cucumber.”

That said, Kunzman notes the race is open to anyone with a proper race car, not the bizarre contraptions run in the Lemons series. You also need a competition license from a recognized sanctioning body.

“One of the coolest things about it (the 25 hours) is that you can get a Miata and about 10 guys, between drivers and crew, go out and be on the same race track with some of the pros and be part of the whole program,” he said.

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – American Flat Track and NBCSN have announced a multi-year renewal of its broadcast partnership.

The agreement includes two race day telecasts and the remaining events to be aired within one week. All events will be featured in one-hour telecasts with race coverage of AFT Singles, AFT Production Twins and flag-to-flag race coverage of the revamped AFT SuperTwins class.

For the first time in the history of the sport, two of AFT’s most-acclaimed events – the Daytona TT and Buffalo Chip TT – will air race day on NBCSN. American Flat Track’s coverage on NBCSN is produced in-house in conjunction with NASCAR Productions, LLC.

Telecasts from all 18 events will feature extensive coverage of all racing classes. Exclusive features and editorial content highlight the triumphs and tribulations of the world’s elite dirt track motorcycle racers as they battle for glory. Cutting-edge technology, including aerial drone footage and onboard cameras will once again put viewers on the edge of their seats as the riders slide through the corners and draft each other down the straights at speeds of more than 130 mph.

Fans looking to stream races in real time will be presented with a wide array of viewing options. For the enthusiast geared up to watch flag-to-flag coverage of all 18 rounds, from the moment engines fire to the second the final checkered flags are waved, NASCAR and NBC Sports Gold have teamed up to include AFT as part of TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold. Set to be the largest motorsports offering on the domestic digital marketplace, TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold will give fans access to live AFT races for a monthly fee of $1.99 or $10.99 annually.

“American Flat Track is recognized as the fastest-growing motorcycle racing series,” said Michael Lock, CEO of American Flat Track. “Our viewership on NBCSN has grown steadily, and live streaming numbers have increased exponentially in the last two years. The progression to same day coverage of our two most exciting events will allow us to expand our audience and deliver an even more impactful show in 2020.”

“We’re thrilled to extend our relationship with American Flat Track into the next decade,” said Jeff Macaluso, Senior Director, Programming of NBC Sports Group. “From race telecasts on NBCSN, including same day coverage for two of AFT’s most iconic events, to comprehensive live streaming coverage on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold, fans will have more access than ever to watch American Flat Track racing across all platforms.”

GLENDORA, Calif. – Larry Fisher, the executive director of the NHRA Motorsports Museum, died Friday evening at Loma Linda Medical Center.

Fisher began his work with the museum in 2012 and made a host of improvements during his tenure.

“Larry made many contributions to the museum including building greater awareness of its mission and improving the educational elements of museum programs,” said Tom McKernan, chairman of the NHRA Motorsports Museum board. “His love and commitment for the museum and motorsports history as well as his robust experience will be greatly missed. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest sympathies are with his family during this difficult time.”

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. – Scottie Scheffler chipped in for birdie on his final hole Saturday at the RSM Classic to put the finishing touches on a third-round 63 that vaulted him from a tie for 34^th after two rounds and into the top 10.

Although the PGA Tour rookie will likely need a monsoon of help from front-runner Brendon Todd if he’s going to have a chance to win Sunday, he is on pace to close out what has been a textbook year.

Scheffler turned pro in 2018 and took a path to the PGA Tour via the Korn Ferry Tour with two victories on the secondary circuit. He’s been almost as prolific this fall on Tour with top-10 finishes at the season-opening Military Tribute at The Greenbrier (T-7) and the Bermuda Championship (T-7) and he hasn’t missed a cut in seven starts.

“It’s a lot easier playing when you know you have a bunch of events to play. It’s different when you come in like last summer when I know I was just getting one or two starts. It was a little more added pressure and I put too much stress on myself,” he said. “I was trying to play perfect golf and that really doesn’t work out here.”

He might not have played perfect golf this year, but it has fit perfectly into the modern path to the PGA Tour.

“It was what I was hoping for, for sure,” Scheffler said. “The only thing I would have changed is getting out [on Tour] a little quicker. I was happy with the way I played on the Korn Ferry Tour.”

Ajax and visitors Heracles did not kick the ball in the first minute of their Dutch Eredivisie meeting on Saturday, as players protested against racism.

The Dutch league leaders kicked off, but both sets of players then remained stationary and applauded for the next 60 seconds, with match officials and supporters joining in.

Clubs across the country's top two divisions agreed to the measure after Excelsior player Ahmad Mendes Moreira was subjected to racist abuse by Den Bosch supporters during last Sunday's Eerste Divisie -- Dutch second flight -- match.

Excelsior got the protests underway on Friday night at the start of their game against Volendam.

Following the incident, Netherlands internationals Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum expressed their shock at the situation.

Liverpool midfielder Wijnaldum appeared to send an anti-racism message when celebrating with international teammate Frenkie de Jong when he scored for Netherlands against Estonia.

Chelsea were leapfrogged by Manchester City into third place in the Premier League after surrendering an early lead to lose 2-1 to the Citizens at the Etihad on Saturday evening.

N'Golo Kante opened the scoring for Frank Lampard's side as he squeezed the ball past the onrushing Ederson after 21 minutes, but a reply of two goals in eight first-half minutes from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez saw City take all three points.

Positives

Despite going into the break behind, it was an excellent first-half showing from the Londoners, as they harried their hosts into mistakes, whilst offering a constant threat on the break.

Negatives

In becoming a much more expansive attacking unit, Chelsea have relinquished some of the defensive solidity of years gone by, and there is still an air of naivety among a backline that hasn't had a huge amount of game time together.

Manager rating out of 10

6, -- Lampard looked to contain City and catch them on the counter, and it worked a treat for the first 25 minutes, but after his side went behind, they struggled to provide a sustained threat.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Kepa Arrizabalega, 6 -- The Chelsea stopper could do nothing about either of City's goals, but was hugely fortunate not to hand Sergio Aguero one of his own when he passed the ball straight to the forward as he attempted to clear his lines.

DF Emerson, 5 -- The left back wasted a promising opening when he shot straight at Ederson in the City goal when there were better passing options available, before defending poorly as Mahrez cut inside the Brazilian and fired home to put City ahead. Replaced by Reece James after 58 minutes.

DF Fikayo Tomori, 6 -- Unlucky not to open the scoring in the opening quarter of an hour when he screwed a left-footed shot wide from a Chelsea corner, but the centre half should've dealt better with a loose ball in the build-up to de Bruyne's goal for 1-1.

DF Kurt Zouma, 6 -- An unfortunate deflection off the Frenchman wrong-footed his goalkeeper and gave the hosts the leveler, but the former Everton loanee looked the more assured of Chelsea's central defensive pairing.

DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 6 -- Kept Raheem Sterling on a tight leash on City's left flank as he quietly went about his business, before switching to left back as Chelsea brought on the more attacking-minded Reece James.

MF Jorginho, 6 -- Played his part in the opener with a neat return pass to Kovacic, but the Italian needlessly gave away possession on the halfway line, allowing City to break away and equalize just before the half-hour. Booked for blocking off a de Bruyne run on the hour, and subbed off for Mason Mount after 74 minutes.

MF Mateo Kovacic, 7 - Some fabulous play from the former Real Madrid man saw him provide a lovely glided ball over the top of the City defence to release Kante for the game's opening goal.

MF N'golo Kante, 7 -- There was a small slice of luck in the Frenchman's opener, but a dogged run from deep created the chance for him to poke the ball home, and it was a typically busy performance from Chelsea's number 7.

MF Christian Pulisic, 5 -- The former Borussia Dortmund man never really got into the game after seeing plenty of the ball in the opening stages.

MF Willian, 6 -- Really should have done better when he shot wide in the penalty area following good early work from Tammy Abraham, and nearly found the net with a rasping volley from the edge of the box in the final 15 minutes.

ST Tammy Abraham, 6 -- The England man worked hard and got himself into plenty of good positions, but will be disappointed he didn't see enough of the ball from his attacking colleagues. Replaced by Michy Batshuayi for the final quarter of an hour.

Substitutes

Reece James, 6 -- Got forward well from right back as Chelsea pushed for an equalizer.

Michy Batshuayi, N/A -- Unable to find a late leveler.

Mason Mount, N/A -- Fired a late free kick narrowly wide from distance.

Manchester City picked up a vital 2-1 win against Chelsea to prevent themselves falling further behind Liverpool in the Premier League title race.

Things didn't look good for Pep Guardiola's side when they went down in the 29th minute from an N'Golo Kante goal. However, first half goals from Kevin de Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez were enough for the reigning champions to take the three points needed to jump above their opponents.

Positives

Having gone behind, City were able to turn things around quickly once Kevin de Bruyne levelled. They were able to control long periods of the game, especially in the second half. Guardiola will likely have been satisfied by his side's pressing game.

Negatives

Tammy Abraham was able to win the ball and bring his teammates into the game too easily at times. On a defensive note, Chelsea threatened with balls played between Fernandinho and Benjamin Mendy during the first half. The clinical touch City show so often was also lacking at times.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- Whatever Guardiola said at half time worked well, as City looked a lot more dominant during the second period of play than they had in the first. He'll know his side can't afford too many more slow starts if they're to catch Liverpool in the title race.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Ederson, 6 -- There wasn't much Ederson could do for Kante's goal. Aside from that, he was his usual confident self with the ball at his feet, though he got lucky when Michy Batshuayi's block from his pass went wide.

DF Joao Cancelo, 6 -- His battle with Christian Pulisic was an intriguing one, which he just about came out on top in despite looking stretched at times.

DF John Stones, 7 -- The Englishman looked very confident throughout. He was particularly effective when stepping out from the back, both with the ball and when winning it back.

DF Fernandinho, 6 -- Made some important interventions throughout the game, including a block from Kante's second half shot.

DF Benjamin Mendy, 5 -- He hadn't played in any of City's last three Premier League games and it showed at times, as he had a very slow first half that was heavily punctuated with sloppy play. He did improve in the second half.

MF Rodrigo, 7 -- He was composed in his general play and made some important tackles. Frustratingly, he was forced off just after the 50-minute mark.

MF David Silva, 6 -- Used his intelligence to get into positions where he could impact the game. There were times where he struggled to make the final pass before being taken off in the 67th minute.

MF Kevin De Bruyne, 7 -- His scored an equaliser that came when City were really struggling. He came close to scoring another with a late strike.

FC Riyad Mahrez, 7 -- The winger struggled to make an impact in the early stages, but he made up for that with a brilliant solo goal to give City a 2-1 lead. Can count himself unlucky not to have added a second.

FW Sergio Aguero, 6 -- The ESPN FC 100's No. 1 striker in was uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal. He let Kepa Arrizabalaga off the hook by hitting the bar after the goalkeeper had given him the ball. Did provide some good link up play, but was taken off after sustaining an injury.

FW Raheem Sterling, 6 -- He didn't see much of the ball, especially in the first half, but the No. 1 winger in the ESPN FC 100 came into the game a bit more during the second period, but was robbed of a late goal by VAR. overall, quiet by his standards.

Substitutes

Ilkay Gundogan, 6 -- Offered a very convincing performance after coming on for Rodrigo. He fulfilled his defensive duties well and got on the ball with confidence, even in tight spaces.

Phil Foden, 6 -- He was very lively after replacing David Silva. The teenager had a couple of shots but they were very tame, and didn't threaten.

Gabriel Jesus, NR -- Came on after 77 minutes and didn't have too many chances to make an impact on the game.

West Indies white-ball captain Kieron Pollard says it is his will to win that helps drive his franchise cricket career which continues to be littered with success.

The 32-year-old allrounder stands on the brink of Abu Dhabi T10 glory after his team Deccan Gladiators made it to Sunday's final. Pollard is also a multiple IPL champion, has a T20 World Cup winner's medal on his mantlepiece, is one of the most experienced T20 players in the world.

He has taken in franchise tournaments the world over, from his native Caribbean islands to England, Australia, Bangladesh, the UAE and Canada. For Pollard, each stop has been a learning experience and he hopes to feed his gained knowledge back into both West Indian cricket and across the ever-expanding footprint of T20 leagues across the globe.

"I think the will to win is what makes you as an individual sometimes successful because you want to pass on the knowledge that you've learnt [from] playing international cricket [and] playing franchise cricket on to the players that you have presently and try to educate them. So when you go onto that field, they have that cricketing knowledge to go out and try to execute and be one step ahead of the opposition," Pollard told ESPNcricinfo.

"We play a lot of cricket around the world but it's about being successful and about winning and that's my mantra no matter who I play for at that point in time I give my all to win and my will to win is very, very strong."

Pollard proved as much on his latest assignment in the T10, where he helped the Gladiators set up a showdown with the Maratha Arabians for the trophy courtesy of back-to-back victories over the Bangla Tigers and the Qalandars on Saturday night. And for the likes of 22-year-olds Dan Lawrence and Mason Crane, as well as 24-year-old Migael Pretorious in an otherwise experienced-looking Gladiators outfit, Pollard is a great resource to tap into.

"With that you can broaden their mindset as to how they go about it because in certain cultures, certain things are embedded in them but when you come out in the wider world it's not only about that," Pollard said of his advice for emerging players.

"You get a different perspective from different people and that makes you learn and get better as a cricketer. I've played all over the world, in different competitions, so I have a fair idea of how to go about it and I've been successful as well. So however that conversation goes at that time you share that knowledge of it and what you think. Your opinion might not be right but it might give them a different perspective of how you are thinking about certain aspects.

"Once you're good enough to be here, you're good enough to go out and perform. All you need to do when you sit in a franchise or in a team where there's a lot of internationals you try to pick their brains and try to understand different aspects of cricket, different scenarios of what they would have done in certain situations."

Pollard came into the T10 on the back of his first assignment since being named captain of West Indies' T20I and ODI formats, a tour against Afghanistan that ended in a 2-1 defeat in the former and 3-0 whitewash in the latter.

They were his first ODI matches in over three years and now that Pollard is back in the fold, he will do everything in his power, he says, to ensure that when he eventually leaves the international scene, he does so having given back to Caribbean cricket.

"The same experiences I've learned around the world, the same experiences I can share in the dressing room," Pollard said.

"In our dressing room there are a lot of young guys and they need the experienced guys to try and guide them along and that's basically my job in terms of trying to guide them, try to set them in the right direction and also trying to lead from the front in terms of performing as well.

"I'm pretty excited because I know what the guys can learn from the experienced guys. We have Dwayne Bravo who can come back in potentially, you have Chris Gayle who is still playing T20 cricket around the world and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the T20 arena, in 50-over, in Test cricket, so he can share a lot.

"As a staff and management, we look forward to that, trying to build for something in the future. Obviously, we're not going to be around for too long but whatever I can do in the little space of time to help is going to make me a lot more satisfied than leaving the international side and not being able to help."

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Less than a week after having hip surgery, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa returned to Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday and said that being back with his Tide teammates "means everything."

Tagovailoa was greeted with hearty applause from fans during the Tide's home game against Western Carolina. He entered the field on a golf cart, which is where ESPN sideline reporter Lauren Sisler spoke to him during the first quarter.

Tagovailoa thanked his parents and fans for their support, a week after he dislocated his hip and fractured the posterior wall against Mississippi State last Saturday. He had surgery on Monday in Texas before flying back to Tuscaloosa on Friday.

"I just can't thank everyone enough for the amount of support they've given me and my family," Tagovailoa said.

"Whether I'm feeling good or not, just being out here kind of uplifts my spirit," he said. "And I hope it does the same for them. Being out here and being able to see football again is just great."

Alabama orthopedist Dr. Lyle Cain thinks Tagovailoa should be able to begin athletic activity in three months and should be ready to begin throwing again by the spring, according to ESPN's Laura Rutledge.

In the meantime, Alabama has moved on with redshirt sophomore Mac Jones as its quarterback.

Jones started just his second career game against Western Carolina.

During Wednesday's SEC teleconference, Saban said he encouraged Jones to be "in command" now that he's the starter.

"You're not a sparring partner anymore," Saban said he told Jones. "You're the lead dog, so you've got to be in control of what you're doing and have positive body language, not only in terms of what you do but in how you affect other people."