Le Journal

When you merge NASCAR with dirt racing, there is only one name that you get in the current Cup Series field: Kyle Larson. The Hendrick Motorsports driver owns the High Limit Racing Series and is also a strong competitor in it. But more importantly, he regularly participates in the Chili Bowl Nationals. Larson is a […] The post Kyle Larson Declared the ‘Toughest’ in 5-Words by 21 YO Chili Bowl Nationals Winner appeared first on EssentiallySports.

In reply to Nick. There have been attractions in the park with hourlong plus waits since the 70’s. Peter Pan and 20,000 Leagues were always 60+ minute waits and then with the replacement of Mr Toad’s Wild Ride with Winnie The Pooh in the 90’s, another perennial hourlong wait was born. Even Snow White would creep up into the 69 minute range in the summer. I’ve been a regular visitor to the parks since July of 1973 and have visited the Magic Kingdom more than 1,000 times. I worked as a bus driver in the late 80’s back when the grand hub of activity was the TTC and drivers interacted with guests, delivering spiels about the parks and property along each of the appointed routes. I went to the Magic Kingdom every day after work. It truly was magical. What’s happening today is wrong. The design principles of the park should have been retained and additional transportation options to the more remote corners of the park should have been added to afford guests the ability to timely reach the newer, more distant themed areas. What’s happening is borderline sacrilege.

The New York Yankees are still in the hunt for Cody Bellinger, even though the Mets also want to add him following Bo Bichette’s arrival. The MLB offseason is starting to enter a decisive phase, as some free agents still haven’t settled on their future. Cody Bellinger has not commented on what will happen next season: while the Yankees are fighting to secure his services once again, the New York Mets aim to build a super team after signing Bo Bichette. In Queens, they were unable to make a move to acquire Kyle Tucker, so it wouldn’t be far-fetched to consider Bellinger joining Carlos Mendoza’s team. Meanwhile, in the Bronx, they could miss out on several opportunities to add a superstar, making an All-Star from the St. Louis Cardinals a good fit under these circumstances. Alexander Wilson of Empire State Media revealed that if Bellinger’s return to the Yankees doesn’t materialize, an ideal player to replace him for the upcoming 2026 MLB season is none other than Brendan Donovan. “While losing Bellinger’s Gold Glove defense in the outfield would be a sting, Donovan offers a different kind of value that fits the Yankees’ current roster construction beautifully,” Wilson revealed. Brendan Donovan #33 of St. Louis Cardinals. What could Donovan add to the Yankees? If the New York Yankees potentially pull the trigger on a trade for Brendan Donovan, they would be landing a left-handed contact specialist who is arguably the most versatile weapon on the market. In 2025, Donovan proved his worth by slashing .287/.353/.422 across 118 games, but his true value lies in a 119 wRC+ that confirms he was 19% more efficient than the average big-league hitter. Those numbers earned him an All-Star selection. While he may not provide the raw power of a traditional slugger, his ability to manipulate the strike zone and consistently reach base—as evidenced by his .353 OBP and low strikeout rate—would offer a perfect high-floor bridge in a Yankees lineup that often struggles with swing-and-miss tendencies. Mets still in the hunt Despite recently securing a blockbuster three-year, $126 million deal with Bo Bichette, the New York Mets remain aggressively in the hunt for Cody Bellinger. Reports indicate that the Bichette signing hasn’t dampened Steve Cohen’s pursuit of the versatile outfielder; instead, the Mets view Bellinger as the final piece to an elite 2026 lineup alongside Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor.

The Denver Broncos lost Bo Nix to injury, but backup Jarrett Stidham is not one to back down from a challenge. Jarrett Stidham is poised to start for the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game. This is because unfortunately Bo Nix fractured his ankle. However, the backup is not intimidated by the whole situation. “I have no doubts that I’m a starting-caliber quarterback in this league,” Stidham said back in 2024. That is the kind of confidence that will make the AFC Championship game a scenario to seize, not to get intimidated by. Sean Payton also warned the rest of the NFL on Stidham’s potential to lead the team. Hence, while not having Nix is a setback, the team is locked and ready to roll with Stidham, and it also seems like the quarterback is ready to go too. Stidham needs help from the run game The running game must be effective for Stidham to thrive. If not, he will be compromised. However, RJ Harvey only had 540 rushing yards this season. While he showed flashes of talent, the fact is he averaged 3.7 yards per carry. If he is not able to establish a running game, Stidham might need to risk more than what the team is willing him to do. RJ Harvey #12 of the Denver Broncos There is also the fact that the playcall must change. Bo Nix led the NFL in pass attempts this season. So, unless Payton puts his money where his mouth is and lets Stidham rip it, the head coach must adjust and go into a more run-oriented gameplan. Stidham will be defying odds According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Jarrett Stidham will be the second QB to make his first start of the season in a Conference Championship Game. The other was Roger Staubach, and he was blown out 26-3 by Washington. Hence, Stidham is backed against a wall here. Also, Stidham has only four career starts. This is the fewest number by any QB entering a Conference Championship start in NFL history. The fact that the Broncos rely on someone with so little NFL experience, but at the same time watch how both the QB and HC have insane confidence makes this a hugely intriguing situation.

Justin Verlander is set to enter free agency, and at the age of 42, he could still be playing in 2026. Reports suggest that an AL East team has shown significant interest in him this season. Justin Verlander has become a significant name in the offseason chatter, sparking considerable buzz as available free agents join up with various franchises. This opens a promising opportunity for the veteran pitcher to potentially join an American League East team for the upcoming season. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports that Verlander is attracting interest from multiple MLB teams, with the Baltimore Orioles emerging as one of the most ardent potential suitors for the seasoned 42-year-old pitcher. The Orioles, who have shown interest in other free agents like Framber Valdez, aim to strengthen their roster with an experienced player. The addition of a veteran presence like Verlander would provide inspiration and leadership to their young talents. Verlander stands on the brink of entering his 21st MLB season if he secures a deal this offseason. This appears plausible, as the Orioles are not the only team reportedly eyeing the seasoned pitcher. Justin Verlander #35 of the San Francisco Giants pitches against the Athletics during the second inning at Sutter Health Park on July 04, 2025 in Sacramento, California. Potential destinations for Verlander next season While the Orioles seem to lead the chase for Verlander’s services, other franchises have reportedly shown interest in signing him for the next season, and there are a couple of surprising names in that list. According to Fox Sports, a reunion with the Detroit Tigers could also be on the horizon for Verlander. After 13 seasons with the Tigers, playing for them again seems possible, perhaps even by 2026. The San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, and Atlanta Braves are also reportedly in the hunt for Verlander. His vast experience and leadership would be invaluable in sharpening their bullpen and mentoring younger players.