Travel issues for teams leaving the Charlotte area have forced NASCAR officials to alter the on-track weekend schedule in Mexico City.

MEXICO CITY — Denny Hamlin will miss Sunday’s Cup race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez to remain in the United States with his family after the birth of his son Wednesday. Ryan Truex, who is Joe Gibbs Racing’s reserve driver, will drive the No. 11 car this weekend in Hamlin’s absence.

Michael McDowell was fastest in opening NASCAR Cup Series practice Friday in Mexico City as the series prepares for its inaugural event at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit.McDowell topped the board at 92.

Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook plans to decline his $3.47 million player option for next season, ESPN reported on Friday.

Ellis shared photos of firetrucks greeting the plane as they returned to the gate, and firemen standing by as passengers deboarded. Longtime NASCAR reporter Matt Weaver says that the pilot reported blowing an engine, possibly due to a bird strike, during takeoff:

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged U.S. officials on Friday not to target individuals attending a Gold Cup soccer match in Los Angeles between the Mexican national team and the Dominican Republic.

There may not be a driver in the NASCAR Cup Series field more excited to see a road course than Shane van Gisbergen.  While the 36-year-old rookie from Auckland, New Zealand, has improved on ovals as of late,