FORT WORTH, Texas – The National Rifle Association is taking its relationship with racing to a new level as the title sponsor of a NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race.
Texas Motor Speedway announced Monday that its April 13 race, the first night race on the Cup schedule this season, will be known as the NRA 500. It is a one-year agreement with a renewal option.
TMS president Eddie Gossage said the NRA has been involved in racing for several years and a generous supporter of Speedway Children’s Charities, donating more than $500,000 to the charity’s Texas chapter since 2000.
The deal comes at a time when the NRA is involved in a renewed debate on gun violence in the wake of the December shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
BASEBALL
TinCaps to plan $5,000 giveaway
The TinCaps will give away $5,000 to a fan on Opening Night, April 11, at Parkview Field. “We wanted to mark the start of year No. 5 with something significant,” team president Mike Nutter said. Fans will get scratch-off cards as they enter.
BASKETBALL
Big Ten hands out postseason honors
Five Purdue women’s players and one Indiana player received postseason honors from the coaches and media, the Big Ten announced. The Boilermakers’ Taylor Manuel was named to the coaches’ All-freshman team, and Drey Mingo and Courtney Moses were named to the coaches’ third team. KK Houser and Sam Ostarello received honorable mention honors from the coaches. Ostarello received a spot on the media’s second team with Moses landing on the third team and Mingo getting an honorable mention from the media. Indiana’s Aulani Sinclair was an honorable mention by the media.
FOOTBALL
Florida receiver signs with Hoosiers
Taj Williams, a 6-foot-3, 195-pound receiver from Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, Fla., announced on his Twitter account that he signed with Indiana. Williams in the fifth four-star prospect to sign with the Hoosiers this year and joins the 22-member class that IU announced Feb. 6.
Michigan St. hires Purdue assistant
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio added Jim Bollman to his shuffled staff. Bollman leaves Purdue, where he was hired last month to be its offensive line coach after working last year at Boston College.
Woodlan senior commits to Trine
Woodlan senior receiver T.J. Sewell recently committed to Trine, according to his coach Sherwood Haydock. Sewell had 24 catches for 542 yards and 18 total touchdowns.
GOLF
City park courses to open Monday
McMillen Park, Shoaff Park and Foster Park Golf courses are scheduled to open for the 2013 season Monday. Season tickets are also available at the parks and recreation offices, 705 E. State Blvd., and all of the clubhouses.
HOCKEY
NHL roundup
In Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin scored less than 2 minutes apart in the third period as Pittsburgh beat Tampa Bay. … In Toronto, Nazem Kadri had a goal and an assist in the Toronto’s 4-2 victory over the New Jersey.
IDITAROD
Four-time champ has early lead
Four-time champion Martin Buser had the early lead of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, pulling into the Rohn checkpoint at 9:53 a.m. He arrived about four hours ahead of the second-place musher, Matt Failor.
SPEEDSKATING
Accused ex-athlete leaves posts
Olympic medalist Andy Gabel stepped down from leadership roles with the International Skating Union and the National Speedskating Hall of Fame after being accused of a sexual relationship with an underage skater in the 1990s.
TENNIS
Hingis added to Hall of Fame
Five-time Grand Slam singles champion Martina Hingis leads the 2013 class for the International Tennis Hall of Fame. The other new members are Cliff Drysdale, Charlie Pasarell and Ion Tiriac. Australian player Thelma Coyne Long’s election was announced earlier.
