Associated Press
CHARLOTTE ó Danica Patrick could still run the Indianapolis 500 even if she makes a full-time move to NASCAR, The Associated Press has learned.
Two people familiar with Patrickís 2012 plans said she is in the final stages of a deal to run a full-time Nationwide Series schedule with JR Motorsports and limited Sprint Cup Series races with the team owned by two-time NASCAR champion Tony Stewart. .
The talks also include her continuing to run the Indianapolis 500.
JR Motorsports co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. said last weekend he wants Patrick to run a full Nationwide schedule with his team. She has driven 19 Nationwide races for his team over the last two seasons and has six more scheduled starts this year.
ěI would like for her to run fulltime, and Iím sure she is considering that, and I think she would enjoy it,î Earnhardt said. ěI feel confident that sheís content where she is and happy with what weíre doing. I think things are looking positive for us to put something together.î
NHL
NEW YORK ó Longtime NHL players Chris Chelios, Keith Tkachuk and Gary Suter were selected for induction into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
They were joined by Philadelphia Flyers founder and current owner Ed Snider along with play-by-play announcer Mike Emrick. The formal induction will take place this fall.
NBA
NEW YORK — Add Kevin Durant to the list of NBA greats who have played at Harlem’s Rucker Park. And put him high on the list.
The Oklahoma City Thunder forward and reigning NBA scoring champion dazzled the crowd by scoring 66 points in an Entertainers Basketball Classic game.
COLLEGE HOOPS
LEXINGTON, Ky. ó Al Horford never thought he’d spend a month training with the Dominican Republic national team in the middle of Kentucky.
But because Kentucky’s John Calipari is coaching the Dominican Republic’s national team in the upcoming 2011 FIBA Americas Tournament, the squad is training at the Wildcats’ practice facility in Lexington.
“I never expected this, I got to tell you,” said Horford, who played his college ball at Florida. “I tweeted the other day that I was going to be here and I didn’t get very warm comments on it. (Gator fans) didn’t like that too much. It has nothing to do with that, though. I’m happy to be here and happy to train here.”