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Sports on TV for July 21 - 27

Thrilling Weekend Ahead in Sports: NHRA Racing, Golf Showdowns, Derby Action, and Monterey Highlights

In the world of high-octane motorsports, the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) is gearing up for an electrifying weekend at the Sonoma Raceway in California. The Denso NHRA Sonoma Nationals, a staple on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series calendar, promises edge-of-your-seat action as top drivers compete in categories like Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. This event, set against the picturesque backdrop of Sonoma's rolling hills, draws thousands of fans eager to witness quarter-mile sprints where vehicles rocket to speeds exceeding 330 mph in mere seconds. Defending champion Steve Torrence in Top Fuel is looking to extend his dominance, facing stiff competition from points leader Doug Kalitta and rising star Justin Ashley. In Funny Car, all eyes are on Ron Capps, the veteran who's been on a hot streak, but challengers like Matt Hagan and Bob Tasca III are poised to upset the order. The Pro Stock class features Erica Enders aiming for another win, while Gaige Herrera continues his impressive run in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Qualifying rounds kick off Friday, with eliminations on Sunday, and the event includes fan-favorite exhibitions like jet cars and wheelstanders. Safety remains a priority following recent incidents, with NHRA implementing enhanced protocols. This Sonoma stop is particularly significant as it's one of the final West Coast races before the series heads east, building momentum toward the playoffs.

Shifting gears to the greens, golf enthusiasts have a packed slate with the PGA Tour's 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities in Blaine, Minnesota, standing out as a key event. This tournament, part of the FedExCup series, offers crucial points as players jockey for playoff positions. Defending champion Lee Hodges returns, but the field is stacked with talents like Tony Finau, who won here in 2022, and Sahith Theegala, fresh off strong performances. International stars such as Cameron Champ and Akshay Bhatia add diversity to the competition. The course, known for its challenging water hazards and undulating fairways, demands precision and strategy. Meanwhile, on the LPGA Tour, the CPKC Women's Open at Earl Grey Golf Club in Calgary, Canada, showcases top female golfers including Nelly Korda, who's been dominating headlines with her consistent play. Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson are also in the mix, with Henderson enjoying home-country support. The Senior Open Championship, presented by Rolex, unfolds at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland, where legends like Bernhard Langer and Padraig Harrington battle for senior glory on one of golf's most storied venues. These events highlight the global appeal of golf, with live coverage on major networks providing in-depth analysis of swings, putts, and leaderboard drama. As the season progresses, these tournaments could reshape rankings and set the stage for major championships later in the year.

No sports weekend would be complete without the raw excitement of derby action, and this time it's the thrilling world of demolition derbies taking center stage at various venues across the U.S., with a notable spotlight on California events. In the Golden State, the California Mid-State Fair in Paso Robles hosts a high-impact demolition derby, where modified cars smash into each other in a battle of attrition until only one remains operational. Drivers, often local enthusiasts with custom-built machines featuring reinforced frames and heavy-duty bumpers, compete for bragging rights and cash prizes. Safety gear is mandatory, but the spectacle of crunching metal and flying debris keeps crowds roaring. Further north, near Monterey, smaller-scale derbies tie into automotive festivals, blending with car shows and races. On the horse racing front, while the Kentucky Derby is months away, summer derbies like the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park in New Jersey draw comparisons, featuring three-year-olds in a prep for the Breeders' Cup. Top contenders include Dornoch, the Belmont Stakes winner, facing off against Mindframe and others in a 1 1/8-mile test of speed and stamina. These derbies, whether automotive or equine, embody the spirit of competition, resilience, and unscripted chaos that captivates audiences.

All roads lead to Monterey, California, this weekend, where the intersection of sports and automotive culture reaches its zenith during the prelude to the famed Monterey Car Week. While not exclusively a sports event, the activities at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca blend seamlessly with racing heritage. The Monterey Pre-Reunion, a precursor to the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, features vintage cars thundering around the iconic 2.238-mile circuit, complete with its infamous Corkscrew turn—a steep downhill drop that tests drivers' nerves. Categories include pre-war sports cars, classic Formula One machines, and endurance racers from the 1960s and '70s. Spectators can expect parades, autograph sessions, and demonstrations, with legends like Mario Andretti potentially making appearances. This event ties into the broader Monterey scene, including golf outings at nearby Pebble Beach—home to the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am earlier in the year—and equestrian activities that echo derby traditions. California's coastal charm enhances the experience, with foggy mornings giving way to sunny afternoons perfect for outdoor sports. Local derbies and racing exhibitions add to the festivities, making Monterey a hub for adrenaline junkies.

Beyond these highlights, the sports landscape includes Major League Baseball's intense pennant races, with key series like the New York Yankees versus Boston Red Sox reigniting their historic rivalry at Fenway Park. The Yankees, led by Aaron Judge's power hitting, aim to solidify their AL East lead, while the Red Sox rely on Rafael Devers and a resurgent pitching staff. In the National League, the Philadelphia Phillies face the Cleveland Guardians in an interleague clash that could preview World Series matchups. Soccer fans turn to the Olympics, where men's and women's tournaments kick off with group-stage action, featuring stars like France's Kylian Mbappé and the U.S. women's team chasing gold. Basketball enthusiasts catch NBA Summer League wrap-ups and WNBA All-Star festivities in Phoenix, where Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese headline the rookie-sophomore game.

Tennis action heats up with the Atlanta Open on the ATP Tour, where Ben Shelton defends his title against a field including Frances Tiafoe. The event, played on hard courts, serves as a tune-up for the U.S. Open. On the WTA side, the Poland Open in Warsaw features Iga Świątek, the world No. 1, dominating on clay. Cycling's Tour de France concludes with its final stages, potentially crowning Tadej Pogačar as champion after his commanding performances in the mountains.

In motorsports beyond NHRA, NASCAR heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Brickyard 400, a crown jewel event on the oval track. Kyle Larson, fresh off his Indianapolis 500 attempt, looks to conquer the 2.5-mile circuit, facing rivals like Denny Hamlin and William Byron. Formula One takes a break, but anticipation builds for the Belgian Grand Prix next week.

These events underscore the diversity of sports, from the thunderous roars of drag strips to the serene precision of golf courses, the destructive fun of derbies, and the historic allure of Monterey's automotive gatherings. Fans can engage through live streams, apps for real-time updates, and social media for behind-the-scenes insights. As athletes push limits, records may fall, underdogs could rise, and unforgettable moments will etch themselves into sports lore. Whether you're trackside in Sonoma, greenside in Minnesota, or cheering from afar, this weekend promises a smorgasbord of excitement that captures the essence of competition.

Diving deeper into the NHRA Sonoma Nationals, the event's history dates back decades, evolving from grassroots drag racing to a professional spectacle. Sonoma Raceway, formerly Infineon Raceway, offers a unique drag strip layout with elevation changes that add complexity to tuning and launches. Technical aspects, such as nitro-methane fuel mixtures and parachute deployments, fascinate engineering buffs. Driver stories abound: John Force, the 16-time Funny Car champion, shares tales of his early days, inspiring newcomers. The series' inclusivity shines with female drivers like Brittany Force in Top Fuel, challenging stereotypes.

In golf, the 3M Open's charitable impact is noteworthy, supporting local Minnesota causes through the 3M Foundation. Course strategy involves navigating the par-71 layout's risk-reward holes, like the drivable par-4 14th. Player profiles reveal backstories, such as Finau's journey from humble beginnings to PGA stardom.

Derby culture in California reflects community spirit, with events at county fairs fostering family traditions. Safety evolutions, including roll cages and fire suppression, have made demolition derbies more accessible.

Monterey's events celebrate automotive history, with the Pre-Reunion showcasing rare vehicles like Ferrari 250 GTOs valued at millions. The area's microclimate enhances the experience, blending sports with luxury.

This comprehensive overview illustrates how these interconnected events create a vibrant sports tapestry, engaging fans worldwide and highlighting athletic prowess in varied forms. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full Associated Press Article at:
[ https://apnews.com/article/nhra-racing-golf-derby-california-monterey-f13a5c0d448fc02ca3a16c47e81661f2 ]