Latest news with #Winston-SalemStateUniversity
The Hill
15-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Stephen A. Smith on starting political career by becoming president: ‘Why not?'
Sports commentator Stephen A. Smith on Monday said he would consider jumpstarting his career as a politician by campaigning for the presidency. 'You want to start as president of the United States?' Stephen Colbert asked on ' The Late Show.' 'Why not?' Smith responded. Smith has been a sports commentator for over two decades, which has included a series of contracts for shows on ESPN. However, the Winston-Salem State University graduate has also recently drawn a political audience for his harsh criticism of both Democrats and Republicans through his podcast. 'I'm a registered Independent. I don't like either party. And I think that part of the problems that exist, a large part of the problems that exist in this country, is because both sides have been so polarizing that it forces you, as an American citizen, if you out here busy busting your tail every day, trying to make ends meet, trying to pay, take care of your family, your loved ones, etc., etc., you don't have the time to know all the intricate issues, all the integral issues,' Smith told Colbert. Smith said lawmakers in Washington ignore policies and vote opposite from the opposing party on most measures. 'All you have to do is disagree with the other side. You don't even have to look at the bill. You don't even have to pay attention to the issues. What's that side voting? We gone vote the other way because we don't want to do anything they want to do. They don't want to do anything we want to do,' Smith said. 'We want to do this polarization that takes place. The American citizens are used as pawns and take advantage of and I hate it. I detest it. And as a result, I say to myself, if I could leave the door open where I can have a voice and have an impact, I'm not scared. I'm not running. I would love to take some of these folks on, because I believe that what they have done is against the best interest of this country, and they need to be held accountable for it,' he added. His comments come months ahead of the 2026 midterm elections and three years ahead of a vacancy in the White House. However, Smith shared his read on President Trump and explained why so many politicians may feel beholden to the leader. 'Trump has them in the palm of his hands. Why? Because he could snap his fingers. He could turn his base against them. They know it. They're scared of it, and they want to be career politicians instead of actually getting things done. So, they're at his mercy,' Smith said. 'Why? Because of his popularity and his ability to resonate with the masses. I resonate with the masses, I believe I can resonate with the masses. And so, that's what it is. It's not hard.' Smith has teased a presidential bid before, saying in April he would 'consider' a run.
Fox News
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Fox News
NASCAR Clash Will Return To Bowman Gray In 2026
NASCAR will return to Bowman Gray Stadium for the preseason exhibition Clash in 2026. The municipally-owned stadium, the home field for Winston-Salem State University, has a quarter-mile track that circles the football field. It was built in 1937 and had Cup races from 1958-71 and has continued to play host to weekly racing throughout the summers. NASCAR took over operations of the track, signing a contract with the City of Winston-Salem in 2024. NASCAR brought Cup back to the facility in February for the 2025 Clash and returns again Feb. 1 for the event that traditionally begins the season and will kick off the FOX Sports portion of the Cup schedule. Local restaurant chain Cook Out will sponsor the event, which sold out last year and was won by Chase Elliott. "We wrote a new chapter in the storied history of motorsports at Bowman Gray Stadium with the Cook Out Clash this year," said NASCAR Regional managing director Joey Dennewitz. "As NASCAR's first weekly race track, we are proud to bring the 2026 Cook Out Clash back to the original home to grassroots racing." NASCAR has not announced its 2026 schedule yet, but the news release indicated the Clash would open the season. The 2026 Daytona 500 will open the regular season and is scheduled for Feb. 15, two weeks following the Clash. Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.
Fox Sports
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
NASCAR Clash Will Return To Bowman Gray In 2026
NASCAR will return to Bowman Gray Stadium for the preseason exhibition Clash in 2026. The municipally-owned stadium, the home field for Winston-Salem State University, has a quarter-mile track that circles the football field. It was built in 1937 and had Cup races from 1958-71 and has continued to play host to weekly racing throughout the summers. NASCAR took over operations of the track, signing a contract with the City of Winston-Salem in 2024. NASCAR brought Cup back to the facility in February for the 2025 Clash and returns again Feb. 1 for the event that traditionally begins the season and will kick off the FOX Sports portion of the Cup schedule. Local restaurant chain Cook Out will sponsor the event, which sold out last year and was won by Chase Elliott. "We wrote a new chapter in the storied history of motorsports at Bowman Gray Stadium with the Cook Out Clash this year," said NASCAR Regional managing director Joey Dennewitz. "As NASCAR's first weekly race track, we are proud to bring the 2026 Cook Out Clash back to the original home to grassroots racing." NASCAR has not announced its 2026 schedule yet, but the news release indicated the Clash would open the season. The 2026 Daytona 500 will open the regular season and is scheduled for Feb. 15, two weeks following the Clash. Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR and INDYCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass. recommended Item 1 of 2 Get more from the NASCAR Cup Series Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more in this topic
NBC Sports
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- NBC Sports
NASCAR Clash returning to Bowman Gray in 2026
NASCAR announced Wednesday that the Cook Out Clash will return to Bowman Gray to open the 2026 season. The exhibition race will be held Sunday, Feb. 1. The Clash was held at the historic quarter-mile track this year. Chase Elliott won the event. Dustin Long, 'We wrote a new chapter in the storied history of motorsports at Bowman Gray Stadium with the Cook Out Clash this year,' said Joey Dennewitz, Managing Director, NASCAR Regional, in. a statement. 'As NASCAR's first weekly racetrack, we are proud to bring the 2026 Cook Out Clash back to the original home to grassroots racing. Thanks to the City of Winston-Salem and Winston-Salem State University for their continued partnership at 'The Madhouse'.' Bowman Gray Stadium is the longest-running weekly track in NASCAR. NASCAR Founder Bill France Sr. and Alvin Hawkins brought motorsports to the track in 1949. In 2024, NASCAR took over the long-term management of racing operations at Bowman Gray Stadium in partnership with the city of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The track hosted the Cup Series from 1958-71. This year's Clash was the first Cup race at the track since 1971.
Miami Herald
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth gets love from Stephen A
Winston-Salem State University alumni pride was on full display during ESPN's First Take on Monday, as Stephen A. Smith delivered a heartfelt congratulations to fellow HBCU graduate Rajah Caruth. Caruth made history over the weekend by winning his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race of the 2025 season at Nashville Superspeedway on Friday, May 30-securing a playoff spot in the process. The segment opened with a throwback recorded message from Caruth thanking Smith for his influence and leadership during a previous HBCU segment. "Honestly, Stephen A., I wanted to say thank you for everything you've done for Winston-Salem State University and our culture," Caruth said. "You're a great example of living Black history." Smith, who graduated from the HBCU in Dec. 1991, was visibly moved by the gesture, responded with emotion and pride. "I always get touched by stuff like that, especially for my alma mater, which means the world to me. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for Winston-Salem State," he said. Smith praised Caruth's performance during the final stretch of the race, noting the young driver held off seasoned champions in the final 15 laps. "He handled his business, held it down, and ended up winning for the first time. I'm very, very proud of this young man and what he's doing-the way he's representing the Rams." This win marked the second career victory for Caruth in the Craftsman Truck Series. Smith took the moment to highlight Caruth's impact as an HBCU representative in a traditionally non-diverse sport like NASCAR. "Anytime I see great things from Winston-Salem State, I'm incredibly happy… There's a whole bunch of talent at HBCUs throughout this country." As Smith wrapped up his remarks, he once again voiced his support for Caruth and reaffirmed his commitment to celebrating HBCU excellence, saying, "Way to go, Rajah. Way to go." The post NASCAR driver Rajah Caruth gets love from Stephen A appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
