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      I’m a former Nascar driver and Sky Sports F1 presenter, now I’m set to become a Netflix star

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      NETFLIX’S hit Formula One show Drive to Survive is set to feature a new face who will be recognisable to Sky Sports F1 and Nascar fans.The sixth season of the popular documentary will feature Danica Patrick, a former Nascar and IndyCar driver who has become infamous for controversial statements.
      Danica Patrick is joining Netflix’s team for Formula One: Drive to SurviveCredit: Getty
      Co-producer Tom Rogers explained Patrick added a ‘great perspective’ to the showCredit: Getty
      Patrick has worked with Sky Sports F1 since 2021Credit: The Mega Agency
      Patrick, 41, first appeared on Sky Sports F1 for the 2021 US Grand Prix, and has become a regular sight for viewers since then.
      And now she will be a feature on Netflix’s F1 docuseries, which has been credited with boosting the sports popularity since its 2019 debut.
      Drive To Survive co-producer Tom Rogers explained the reason behind Patrick’s addition.
      Speaking to the New York Post, he said: “We attempt to focus on the stories of the sport and with Danica, she brings a great perspective of … what it’s like to drive a racing car … and the challenges of the sport.
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      “The periphery to that is less important for us in the sense that she’s bringing a good contribution to the story.”
      Dubbed the “Queen of the Brickyard” Patrick is among the most successful and recognisable women in motorsport history.
      She has started eight Indianapolis 500 between 2005 and 2018 while scoring six top-10 finishes, also winning the rookie of the year award after leading for 19 laps in her debut race.
      Patrick left IndyCar for Nascar in 2012, where she recorded seven top-10 finishes over her five-year spell in the series.
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      Since retiring in 2018 she has moved into punditry, where she cultivated a polarising reputation among fans.
      Rodgers added: “I think she does a really good job explaining to our viewers some of the thought processes that the drivers are going through.
      Inside Lewis Hamilton’s £13m collection of supercars including £4m classic and £1.6m ride made entirely for him
      “Her background as a driver provides a really interesting perspective that we maybe haven’t tapped into before.”
      Patrick previously dated American football star Aaron Rodgers for two years before they split in 2020.
      She has previously modelled for Sports Illustrated in 2008 and 2009 and had a cameo in the 2019 remake of Charlie’s Angels.
      Patrick has copped flak for a number of topics.
      These include “insensitive” remarks about former competitors, alleged support of former US President Donald Trump and sharing conspiracy theories about aliens living on earth.
      Comments she made while on Sky Sports during the Hungarian Grand Prix last year received particularly sharp criticism following claims from Patrick that F1 was a “masculine” sport.
      She said: “I think that the nature of the sport is masculine. It’s aggressive.
      “You have to, you know, handle the car – not only just the car because that’s skill, but the mindset that it takes to be really good is something that’s not normal in a feminine mind, a female mind.”
      She joins the likes of Will Buxton and Claire Williams on the show’s selection of analysts.
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      Sky Sports F1 are also undergoing a change after lead commentator David Croft announced he would miss some F1 races for the first time since 2007.
      The 2024 F1 season gets underway on March 2, with Lewis Hamilton and co beginning testing in Bahrain this week.
      Danica Patrick was dubbed the ‘Queen of the Brickyard’ following her career in Nascar and IndyCarCredit: Getty – Contributor
      Patrick has come under fire for some controversial opinionsCredit: Getty
      She modelled for Sports Illustrated in 2008 and 2009Credit: Getty

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Major broadcasting change as Sky Sports legend set to miss first F1 race in 16 YEARS

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      SKY SPORTS F1 will undergo a major broadcasting change this season.It comes after the channel’s lead commentator David Croft announced he would be stepping back from three races this year to manage his workload.
      David Croft will miss an F1 race for the first time in 16 yearsCredit: Alamy
      The 2024 Formula One season will have a record-breaking 24 races – a calendar decision which has not pleased world champion Max Verstappen – spread over a 40-week period.
      In an interview with The Independent, Croft, 53, said: “It’s more about keeping fresh for the whole season. I’m not getting any younger.
      “I’ve given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world.
      “I’m getting married this year as well, so I’ve got a wedding to organise!
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      “But I also want to sit and watch a race at home. I want to enjoy it.
      “Maybe I can learn something by not commentating on a race. I can spot a few things when I’m watching – I want to see what the viewer sees.”
      It will be the first time in 16 years that Crofty – as he is affectionately known by colleagues and fans – will miss an F1 race.
      The last race he did miss came in 2007 at the European Grand Prix due to the birth of his son.
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      Croft, who has covered more than 350 F1 races over his career and been Sky’s lead voice since they took over the broadcasting rights in 2021 – will add 21 more to his record over the course of this season.
      He added: “The triple headers do take their toll, you can be pretty exhausted by the end of it.
      The Sun’s Ben Hunt reveals his five greatest Formula One Drivers Ever – with Michael Schumacher in between two Brits
      “The one time-shift you could really do without is Vegas to Qatar. I’d like to see Vegas change its times a bit.
      “A 12-hour shift in time-zones – you can’t do more than that on this planet. Abu Dhabi last year was exhausting. I think that’s something which could be addressed.
      “But we’ll see what 24 [races] is like. It’s uncharted territory. It will be a huge effort for everybody.
      “If we have a close season on track, the adrenaline carries you along a little bit. If the title’s wrapped up early, then it can be a bit ‘another race, another race’ so we’ll see.”
      Sky have already lined up BBC Radio 5 Live commentator Harry Benjamin as his substitute.
      Prior to working for Sky, Croft worked for 5 Live between 2006 and 2011.
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      F1 has started pre-season testing for the 2024 season.
      But day two saw the morning session cancelled after Lewis Hamilton’s car appeared to damage a kerb on the track.

      🏁 Complete F1 2024 race calendar – details on every Grand Prix and start time this year 🏁  More

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      Boxing hero Glenn McCrory reveals he survived on a bag of rice a week when he hit rock bottom over false sex claims

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      BOXING hero Glenn McCrory has revealed he survived on a bag of rice a week when he hit rock bottom over false sex claims.The former world champ and Sky Sports pundit also faced homelessness when his battle to clear his name wiped out his life savings.
      Glenn McCrory has revealed he survived on a bag of rice a week when he hit rock bottom over false sex claimsCredit: Central News
      McCrory with his world champion belt in 1990Credit: Getty
      Three waitresses alleged he touched their arms in a sexual manner at a dinner before the Anthony Joshua v Oleksandr Usyk world heavyweight title bout at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September 2021.
      McCrory, 59, denied any sexual motive and insisted he was only trying to get their attention.
      He was cleared of all charges in just 90 minutes last September at Wood Green crown court, North London.
      And he has now teamed up with homeless charity CEO Sleepout to raise awareness of the plight facing record numbers in the UK.
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      Since 2010, rough sleeping has rocketed by 74 per cent and the charity stages annual sleepouts for business leaders to raise funds and awareness.
      This year’s fundraising drive is being kicked off with an event at Newcastle United’s stadium St James’ Park on March 21.
      Ex-cruiserweight Glenn, of Newcastle, said: “I know what it is like to hit rock bottom as I lost everything.
      “I was in the hands of the crisis team and my weight plummeted.
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      “Everything fell apart.
      “To not know what your future holds or where your next meal is coming from is absolutely terrifying.
      “People see those in the public eye and think they must have a great life, but anyone can have their world pulled from under them in a heartbeat – and I’m living proof.
      “You could lose your job, savings or family – or just become unwell – and the downward spiral starts.”
      Inside Jake and Logan Paul’s £3.2m two-story warehouse gym in Puerto Rico with boxing ring, weights and recovery zones
      Sleepout boss Bianca Robinson said: “Glenn’s story is heartbreaking but it is a stark reminder that everyone can be just a few steps away from being made homeless.”
      McCrory fighting Lennox Lewis at the Royal Albert HallCredit: PA
      The former world champion in action against Patrick Lumumba in 1989Credit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Man Utd legend Gary Neville’s bizarre Valentine’s Day gift leaves Rooney and Carragher in stitches

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      MANCHESTER UNITED legend Gary Neville left Wayne Rooney and Jamie Carragher in stitches after revealing what he received for Valentines Day.Neville was joined by ex-United and England team-mate Rooney on the latest episode of the Stick to Football Podcast this week.
      Gary Neville left colleagues in stitches after revealing his Valentines Day presentCredit: Reuters
      Wayne Rooney couldn’t help but laugh
      The group – which also included Roy Keane and Jill Scott – discussed Valentines Day at the beginning of the episode, prompting Carragher to ask if anyone had received anything special.
      Former defender Neville responded: “I got a card, I got a t-shirt, I got some chocolates…”
      But before he could continue, Carragher chimed in to ask: “What was the t-shirt?”
      Neville quickly replied: “Stone Island,” before the pair, along with Rooney, burst out laughing.
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      Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester City star Micah Richards previously teased Neville about his fashion sense.
      Richards jokingly accused the 49-year-old of “thinking he’s 18” after the ex-United star showed up to work wearing Stone Island.
      Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Rooney also admitted that he would “walk” to Manchester City to be Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
      When asked if he would be willing to become an assistant manager, the former England striker responded: “It depends.
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      “If Pep Guardiola comes in and asks me to be his assistant, you’d walk there!
      “But you see what Arteta is doing now and I strongly believe a lot of that is from learning what Guardiola was doing and so it depends on what the situation is.”
      Sir Alex Ferguson lost it with Wayne Rooney ’20 times a season’ for breaking legendary Man Utd boss’ tactical rule More

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      ‘That’s Freudian slip of the day’, says Sky Sports presenter after embarrassed reporter’s blunder live on TV

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      A SKY SPORTS presenter was left red-faced after an awkward gaffe live on air.Keith Downie left fans in stitches after reporting on Sunderland’s sacking of Michael Beale on Monday.
      Keith Downie made an embarrassing slip-up live on airCredit: Sky Sports
      He accidentally got Michael Beale mixed up with Eastenders character Ian BealeCredit: BBC / Kieron McCarron
      Sunderland sacked Beale on MondayCredit: PA
      That is because he got the manager mixed up with a famous character from Eastenders – Ian Beale – leading his colleague to call it the “Freudian slip of the day”.
      The reporter immediately corrected himself and smiled at the embarrassing blunder.
      Viewers watching on from home also found the incident amusing and poked fun at Downie.
      One said: “Sensational Ian Beale 😂👏”
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      Another added: “Outstanding.”
      A third wrote: “Been dying to say that for 8 weeks hasn’t he. 😂”
      And another commented: “Would’ve been better with Ian Beale.”
      Beale, 43, was sacked by Sunderland after just eight weeks and 12 games in charge.
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      He won just four games and some fans called for him to go after he brutally snubbed defender Trai Hume’s attempt at a handshake after the came off against Birmingham on Saturday.
      Beale reportedly lost the dressing room with some players “particularly unhappy” with his conduct after defeats, which included bringing in stars for extra training.
      EFL fans demand ‘automatic relegation’ after goalkeeper and defender combine for ‘Sunday league’ own-goal More

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      Why Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Luton isn’t on TV due to bizarre blackout rule

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      LIVERPOOL face Luton in their rearranged Premier League clash on Wednesday night.But the tie is NOT being shown live on TV due to a bizarre rule.
      Luton make the trip to Liverpool on Wednesday nightCredit: The Times
      The Reds were originally set to host the Hatters at Anfield this coming Saturday, February 24.
      But due to Jurgen Klopp’s side booking their place in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea, the Premier League match needed to be rescheduled.
      And the clash was brought forward three days to Wednesday night, with a 7.30pm kick-off under the lights on Merseyside.
      However, fans will not be able to watch the action live on UK TV.
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      That is because the match was not originally selected by broadcasters Sky Sports or TNT Sports.
      And that meant it was due to be played at 3pm on Saturday – during the nationwide TV football blackout.
      Therefore, the match cannot subsequently be picked up by Sky or TNT because the companies have a limited number of matches as part of their deals with the Premier League.
      So the fixture remains untelevised – just like Manchester City vs Brentford 24 hours earlier, which was moved due to the Treble winners’ involvement in the Club World Cup over Christmas.
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      Liverpool vs Luton will be available on talkSPORT radio.
      On the same night, Arsenal’s trip to FC Porto and Napoli vs Barcelona in the Champions League are both on TNT Sports.
      Liverpool ace Curtis Jones aims sly dig at Arsenal for ‘stealing their stuff’ after wild celebrations following huge win
      Sky Sports, meanwhile, have live coverage of Bradford City vs Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Trophy semi-final.
      Liverpool go into the game with Luton off the back of their thumping 4-1 win at Brentford and sitting top of the table.
      Mo Salah returned with a goal and an assist in West London.
      But Klopp is sweating on the fitness of Curtis Jones, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota who all went off injured just eight days before the Carabao Cup final.
      Luton remain in the thick of the relegation scrap but were unfortunate to lose 2-1 to Manchester United on Sunday, undone by a couple of errors and Casemiro escaping a red card. More

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      I thought my Premier League dream was over when contract offer was ripped up – I started the season working for Sky!

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      ANDROS TOWNSEND thought his Premier League career was all but over when he began this season working for Sky Sports.The former England winger, 32, was devastated when a mooted summer free transfer to Burnley fell through.
      Andros Townsend thought his Premier league career was over and began working at Sky SportsCredit: X/SkySportsPL
      Townsend had agreed terms with the Clarets after completing a trial at Turf Moor, only for Vincent Kompany’s side to pull the plug.
      The ex-Tottenham ace believed that his career at the top level was hanging by a thread, having also seen a Deadline Day move to Turkey fail to materialise.
      Eventually he was given an opportunity by Luton, completing a switch to Kenilworth Road in October.
      “The longer it went on I questioned whether I would play again,” Townsend told the Hatters’ matchday programme ahead of their clash with Manchester United.
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      “At the start of the summer I thought maybe my Premier League career would be over but I might be able to go overseas and build a career there, but as the months went on and rejections came thick and fast I started to realise maybe this is me now, maybe it’s over.”
      Having left Crystal Palace in the summer of 2021, Townsend was snapped up by his former Newcastle boss Rafael Benitez at Everton.
      During a largely productive first campaign that saw him score seven goals in 27 appearances, Townsend suffered a devastating ACL injury in March 2022.
      During his 18-month lay-off Townsend explored the world of punditry, working for ITV during the World Cup in Qatar and even appearing on Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage earlier this season.
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      Having now found joy again on the pitch with Luton, Townsend is relishing the challenge of keeping Rob Edwards’ side in the Premier League.
      “The dressing room is definitely up there in terms of the best I’ve been in with the team spirit and cohesion,” he said.
      Andros Townsend reveals how he persuaded fuming Cristiano Ronaldo to swap shirts after copying Man Utd star’s celebration
      “It is a special, special atmosphere and one of the main reasons why this club has come from the Conference to the Premier League in a short space of time.
      “There is 100 per cent belief we can stay up.
      “When I walked in the door we weren’t getting the points we deserved and needed to but there was always belief that we were good enough but now we are showing the Premier League and the outside world and those who doubted us that we’re good enough to be in this league.”
      Townsend went into Sunday’s game having scored once and laid on two assists in 14 Prem outings this season.
      Having earned a deal with Luton until the summer of 2026, Townsend will be hoping for many more chances to shine on the biggest stage, with Luton having given themselves a fighting chance of survival. More

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      Fans baffled as Harry Styles spotted in Sky Sports studio before Luton vs Man Utd clash

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      BAFFLED football fans could not believe Harry Styles turned up in the Sky Sports studio at Luton Town.The pop star, 30, made a shock appearance at Kenilworth Road as the Hatters hosted Manchester United on Super Sunday.
      Harry Styles popped by the Sky Sports studioCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL
      Jamie Redknapp gave Dave Jones banter about his reactionCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL
      And Sky Sports revealed the former One Director singer even popped in to say hello to Gary Neville and Co.
      Classy Styles, who grew up in Cheshire, was clearly keen to Treat People With Kindness with his random arrival.
      During half-time of Brighton’s thumping win at Sheffield United, they played a short clip showing the surprise visitor.
      Styles is shown chatting to pundit Jamie Redknapp, posing for a selfie with Curtis Davies and Tom Lockyer watches on, sharing a joke with Dave Jones and posing for a group photo with the crew.
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      It prompted some brilliant on-air banter between Redknapp and presenter Jones.
      Jones said: “This is the hottest ticket in town in Luton today. Look who’s here, Harry Styles, pop superstar.
      “I’ve never seen Jamie Redknapp move so fast out of his chair to get his selfie. How’s your hamstring?”
      Redknapp replied: “Oh really. Watch you here now… look how thirsty you get when he walks past you.
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      “‘Oh can I have some tickets please!’ ‘Yeah do one mate!'”
      It is a remarkable Sign Of The Times for Luton to welcome the global A-list celebrity to their 11,500-seater stadium which fans famously must go between houses to enter.
      Erik ten Hag previews Man Utd’s testing trip to Luton on Super Sunday
      And fans watching the Satellite television were utterly bemused.
      One said: “This is the most random thing I’ve ever seen. Harry Styles… at Kenilworth Road??”
      Another wrote: “Luton fan: falls into coma after losing 5-1 to Gateshead in 2013. Wakes up in 2024 to see Harry Styles on Sky Sports getting ready to watch Luton vs Man Utd.”
      A third added: “Harry Styles is currently in LUTON???
      A fourth commented: “Feels like this could be the Premier League’s Taylor Swift moment and I’m here for it.”
      And a final user joked: “And yet still Rob Edwards is the best looking guy at The Kenny.”
      Luton are hoping to write History with a first win over the Red Devils since a 2-1 win at Kenilworth Road way back in March 1987.
      And victory would be the Perfect gift for skipper Lockyer on punditry duties as he continues his recovery from the cardiac arrest suffered at Bournemouth in December.
      The Welshman said: “I’m doing well, I really am. Obviously, I’m incredibly lucky to be stood here and be in such good spirits but I am really well.
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      “I was a bit disorientated. I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t move, and I was just trying to take in what was happening.
      “While that was going on I remember thinking ‘I could be dying here’. It’s quite a surreal thought to have.”
      Tom Lockyer was on punditry duty for SkyCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL
      Fans could barely believe what they had seenCredit: Twitter @SkySportsPL More