IndyCar fan favorite Tony Kanaan will return to Chip Ganassi Racing for the next two seasons to race on ovals. The 45-year-old will pilot the number 48 Honda in four races in 2021 with sponsorship from NTT Data and Bryant. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will drive the car on road and street courses after retiring from full-time NASCAR competition. The 2013 Indy 500 winner had planned to retire after his 23rd season in 2020, but the lack of fans at races due to the pandemic caused him to rethink the decision.
The Indiana Hoosiers are scheduled to open the college basketball season Wednesday night at home against Tennessee Tech. Golden Eagles coach John Pelphrey tested positive for COVID-19 and will not coach in the season opener, according to Matt Denison of Hoosier Hills Hoops. IU coach Archie Miller said on his weekly radio show Monday that the Hoosiers are crossing their fingers that Tennessee Tech will be able to play. An IU spokesman told the IndyStar that Pelphrey’s positive test will not impact the status of the game and that the Golden Eagles will leave for Bloomington Tuesday.
Indianapolis Colts defensive lineman Denico Autry missed Sunday’s win over the Green Bay Packers due to a positive COVID-19 test. Coach Frank Reich did not disclose whether or not the 30-year-old d-lineman has symptoms. If Autry is asymptomatic, he can return 10 days after his positive test, which would technically allow him to play in Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans. If he is suffering from symptoms, he must sit out at least 14 days, which would mean he would miss his second straight game.
Purdue basketball received a commitment from Homestead High School standout Fletcher Loyer Monday night. The 6-foot-3 guard is entering his junior season and is the 133rd ranked player in the country for the class of 2022, according to 247 Sports. Loyer committed to the Boilermakers over Notre Dame, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska and Utah. He is originally from Clarkston, Michigan, but moved to the Fort Wayne area over the summer. Loyer’s father John was a long-time NBA assistant coach and is the Director of Pro Scouting for the Los Angeles Clippers.
