Latest news with #AdamCarter
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Padiham shock holders Read to set up Little Lever final
Little Lever's Adam Carter hist a century against Blackrod in his side's Hamer Cup semi-final triumph. Picture by Harry McGuire Padiham will get the opportunity to win a second Hamer Cup title in three seasons after shocking reigning champions Read in a nail-biting Sunday semi-final. Padiham will face last year's finalists Little Lever in next month's final - Sunday, August 10 - at Read after the Bolton side beat Blackrod in their last-four tie. Advertisement Read went into the semi-final, at Padiham, having only lost one game across all Antony Axford North West Cricket League competitions in 2025. They are top of the Premiership table and had already qualified for T20 Finals Day. But they were beaten by two wickets as Padiham successfully chased down 153 to win with 3.1 overs spare. Little Lever, meanwhile, were more commanding winners at home to Blackrod. They posted 259-4 from their 40 overs and bowled their Premiership rivals out for 171. Advertisement Padiham, Hamer Cup champions in 2023 - the first year of the NWCL structure - triumphed over Settle that year. They are currently fifth in the Premiership. They limited Read to 152-9 from their 40 overs, with South African overseas amateur Zander Van Tonder and Oliver Parr claiming three wickets apiece. From 68-6, Read did well to post what they did. Joe Marshall came in with the score at 8-1 after five overs and batted through the majority of the innings for a patient 49 off 85 balls with five fours and a six. Advertisement Wicketkeeper Ben Dinning also contributed 21 not out off 14 balls from number 10. In reply, Padiham made a positive start and reached 46-1 inside nine overs. However, they fell to 93-5 in the 27th over to bring the game back into the balance. The last of those five wickets was opener Joe Edgar, for 36. They later fell to 120-8 in the 33rd over, with Read the favourites at that stage as Zadian Muller, Sehan Weerasinghe, Chris Holt and Joe Halstead all took two wickets apiece. Advertisement But wicketkeeper-batter Tom Turner was Padiham's hero with an unbeaten 44 off 35 balls with four sixes. He hit two fours and two sixes as 20 came off five balls from Jack Wood in the the 37th over to seal a home victory and progression to another cup final. Little Lever set Premiership rivals Blackrod a 260-target thanks mainly to a brilliant 110no off 113 balls, including five sixes, from Adam Carter. He came in at number three - 43-1 - and shared 99 for the third wicket with Pakistani professional Muhammad Junaid from 68-2. Advertisement Junaid contributed 43 off 34 balls, with 37 from opener Cameron Murray and 31 from Adil Nisar also included in a strong batting performance which Blackrod failed to match. Their Sri Lankan pro Navod Paranavithana top-scored with 48 off 26 balls and helped them get off to a good start at 44-0. But Junaid continued his good day, claiming 5-31 from eight overs of left-arm spin. He removed captain Joey Pryle for 38 - the only other Blackrod player to pass 20. Advertisement Little Lever prevailed by 88 runs and will get the opportunity to avenge last year's final defeat to Read, who will play host to this year's final as defending champions. There will be a reserve day of Sunday, August 25, should the final not be played, or finished, at the first attempt. The final will start at 1pm.
Miami Herald
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Aston Martin's New Valkyrie LM Is As Close As You Can Get To a Le Mans Hypercar, With Just 10 Made
Aston Martin has revealed its new Valkyrie LM hypercar, which is derived from its Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) counterpart competing in the world-famous race this weekend. The Valkyrie LM's 10 owners will enjoy the same 7-speed transmission and 6.5-liter V-12 engine in the LMH version, but this modified engine produces 697 hp compared to the race version's 670. Aston Martin is making the Valkyrie LM accessible to amateur drivers by removing race series-specific elements like added weight and FIA-regulation electronics in favor of a cockpit interface tailored for track day usage. The automaker also changed the Valkyrie LM's torque control to a friendlier open-loop configuration instead of closed-loop with fewer internal adjustments, removed torque sensors managing power delivery for less technological oversight, and altered the V-12 engine to accept standard fuel. Operating in rear-wheel drive, the one-seater Valkyrie LM features Pirelli tires, semi-automatic paddle shifters like the LMH version, and a double-wishbone front and rear suspension with pushrod-actuated torsion bar springs with adjustable side and central dampers. This race-derived suspension set-up optimizes track performance and adjustability, and the cockpit contains a custom carbon-fiber race seat with shoulder support and headrest padding. This multi-million dollar Aston Martin also has an FIA safety harness, fire suppression system, and steering wheel with an integrated display and shift lights. Aston Martin is ensuring the Valkyrie LM's 10 buyers get the most out of their purchase with its optional track day program launching in Q2 2026. The track day program ensures each car is set up and prepared as it should be, with assistance from professional engineers, allowing drivers to push the model's limits, which include top speeds exceeding 200 mph. Before hitting the track, the program has owners train on a simulator with driver coaching sessions. Each Valkyrie LM comes with a helmet, Head and Neck Safety (HANS) device, driver's suit and boots, molded earpieces, driver's gloves, and fireproof underwear. Drivers opting into the track day program will have Aston Martin store their Valkyrie LM, allowing them to simply fly in, race, and fly out. Adam Carter, Aston Martin's Head of Endurance Motorsport, said in a release: "It is important to emphasize that the Valkyrie LM is close to identical to the race car that is currently competing in WEC and IMSA, with only a few minor deviations to ensure it is a non-homologated variant and is accessible for customers to experience and enjoy. Valkyrie LM represents the most authentic Hypercar track experience that is now available." The Valkyrie LM distinguishes itself beyond its ability to resemble race car dynamics and low production count. While the 10 Valkyrie LM owners will be part of a small club, Aston Martin facilitates a community aspect within this exclusive group through its track day program. Customers participating in the program will enjoy a Q2 2026 hand-off event marking first drives, two fully supported track days in Q3 2026, and additional track runs at F1 circuits in Q4 2026. Aston Martin's Valkyrie LM is an endurance racing fan's dream come true. Pricing has yet to be announced. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Aston Martin reveals track-day version of Valkyrie Le Mans Hypercar
Aston Martin is billing a new track-day version of its Valkyrie Le Mans Hypercar as near-identical to the race car. The Aston Martin Valkyrie LM Hypercar boasts the same maximum power output of 520kW (697bhp) from its 6.5-litre V12 as the World Endurance Championship and IMSA Sportscar Championship contender. Advertisement The differences between the two cars represent, said Aston head of endurance motorsport Adam Carter, 'only a few minor deviations to ensure it is a non-homologated variant and is accessible for customers to experience and enjoy'. Aston Martin Valkyrie track day car Aston Martin Valkyrie track day car Aston Martin Aston Martin This will include the removal of FIA-regulation electronics, a bespoke cockpit interface tailored for track days and the use of Pirelli rather than Michelin tyres. 'Valkyrie LM represents the most authentic Hypercar track experience that is now available,' he continued. Aston CEO Adrian Hallmark said: 'With Valkyrie LM, there has never been an opportunity to get closer to the raw dynamic forces and state-of-the-art technology deployed by the Hypercar currently competing in WEC and IMSA. Advertisement 'Valkyrie LM is an exquisite opportunity to be part of the most exclusive Aston Martin owners' club in the world, a group who can immerse themselves in the purest and most comparable endurance driving experience, one that would otherwise only be available to our works drivers operating at the very limit of sportscar racing's highest echelon.' The ownership experience Aston Martin Valkyrie track day car Aston Martin Valkyrie track day car Aston Martin Aston Martin Production of the Valkyrie LM will be limited to 10 cars, whose owners will be able to take part in a special programme during Aston's so-called 'Unleashed' track experience events. Deliveries of the first Valkyrie LMs will start in the middle of 2026 ahead of two track days at Aston Unleashed' events later in the year. Aston has put the price of the Valkyrie LM at 'circa $5 million Usd. plus taxes'. Advertisement Aston Martin will look after the cars and offer a driver development programme tailored, it explained, 'to support harness and optimise their driving ability and provide them with the ultimate top-flight motorsport experience'. The British manufacturer is taking a leaf out of Ferrari's book after the launch of the Modificata version of its two-time Le Mans-winning 499P LMH. Ferrari is understood to have sold well in excess of 20 Modificatas, which take part in its Clienti events, since its launch at the end of 2023. The Ferrari, however, is different in key areas to the LMH – one of these a push-to-pass power boost from its hybrid system, which increases peak power to 640kW or 860bhp. Aston Martin Valkyrie track day car Aston Martin Valkyrie track day car Aston Martin Aston Martin Advertisement Deliveries of the first Valkyrie LMs will start in the middle of next year ahead of two track days at Formula 1-grade circuits later in the year. Plans to race the Valkyrie in the WEC were announced in 2019 before being put on hold early the following year, but development of the still-born LMH fed into the AMR Pro track day car. This car was the starting point for the development of the LMH that entered competition this year. To read more articles visit our website.
Auto Car
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Car
Always wanted to own an *actual* Le Mans hypercar? Get your order in for the new Aston Martin Valkyrie LM...
Aston Martin has launched the Valkyrie LM as a screaming V12-engined, Le Mans-spec track toy that could be the world's ultimate automotive plaything. Unlike the Valkyrie AMR Pro, a track-only version of the Valkyrie road car, the Valkyrie LM is based on Aston's LMH hypercar that will race at La Sarthe this weekend. That means it draws 697bhp from the same 6.5-litre Cosworth V12 and drives the rear wheels through a seven-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox. But Aston Martin has made a number of modifications to tailor the Valkyrie LM to track day use, starting with making the V12 compatible with readily available fuel. It has also removed the ballast and FIA-regulation electronic systems, along with the racer's torque sensors. Otherwise, though, this is a top-class Le Mans car that can be run around a track of its owner's choosing. It still has a carbonfibre race seat with six-point harness, a fire suppression system and bespoke track tyres from Pirelli. Adam Carter, Aston Martin's head of endurance motorsport, said: 'It is important to emphasise that the Valkyrie LM is close to identical to the race car that is currently competing in WEC and IMSA, with only a few minor deviations to ensure it is a non-homologated variant and is accessible for customers to experience and enjoy. "Valkyrie LM represents the most authentic hypercar track experience that is now available.' Similarly to Ferrari's original XX track car programme, Aston Martin will store and transport the cars as part of a support programme for owners that aims to offer the "ultimate top-flight motorsport experience". Included as part of that, the company will also supply a team of engineers to set up the car and maintain it during the track days. It will also provide professional driver coaches and simulator sessions to ensure customers can "explore the limits of a machine designed to operate in excess of 200mph on the fast, flat-out kinks of the most famous race track in the world". Owners will be able to drive their cars for the first time at an "exclusive handover event" in the second quarter of 2026, before being invited to track days at Formula 1-standard circuits later in the year.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A Toronto Maple Leafs bandwagoner's guide for a pivotal Game 5 showdown with Florida
The Toronto Maple Leafs take the ice for the biggest game of their season Wednesday night, with a chance to push the Florida Panthers to the brink of elimination in the Stanley Cup playoffs. For fans, the stress is seriously mounting. As a quick recap, this is now a best-of-three series. The Leafs won the first two games at Scotiabank Arena, while the Panthers prevailed in Florida (maybe because fewer Leaf fans made the trip south.) To get you ready for Game 5 (which starts at 7 p.m. ET) we're checking back in with our resident Leaf fan, Adam Carter, who has spent the series oscillating between exhilaration and hurling expletives at his TV. Adam, what's your stress level on a scale of 0-10? I'd put it at a 6.7 currently (sorry Leaf fans, I had to). Though Game 4 was rough, Toronto remains in a good spot here. If the team manages to win Wednesday's game at home it puts Florida on the brink of elimination, and that's something many people (myself included) didn't see happening in this series. But if the team turns in another dreadful performance like Sunday night — and especially if Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner fail to elevate their games yet again in a key playoff matchup — then the Leafs run the risk of landing where they always seem to end up: on the outside looking but what do the sportscasters always say? A team isn't in trouble until they lose on home ice. So we're good, right? Right? Home ice advantage has been a big deal throughout these playoffs, and this series has been no exception. But it's not just a rowdy home-crowd boost — having last change has made a massive strategic difference for each coach. Wait, explain that more for the bandwagon. So in hockey, the home team gets what's called "last change." That means that during stoppages, the visiting team has to send out its players first, and the home team gets to choose what players it sends out in response. It might seem like a minor detail, but it can be a huge advantage. For the first two games in Toronto, the Leafs sent out their top line of Matthews, Marner and Matthew Knies against the Panthers' top unit led by Aleksander Barkov, and they largely won those minutes while neutralizing some of Florida's biggest weapons. But with the benefit of last change in games three and four, Panthers coach Paul Maurice was able to switch up his matchups — leaving the Leafs' top guys to tangle with Florida's excellent third unit, featuring (sigh) noted Leaf-killer Brad Marchand. The results were twofold: Florida's third line has been much better against Toronto's top guys, and The Leafs' second line centred by John Tavares has not fared nearly as well against the Barkov unit. Look for Leafs coach Craig Berube to prioritize those initial matchups once he has last change back in Toronto for game five, and here's hoping it are the signs of optimism? It's admittedly tough to feel optimistic after Sunday's putrid fourth game. The one positive is that even though the Leafs lost, goaltender Joseph Woll looked great. He'd been struggling in this series since starting in relief of the injured Anthony Stolarz, but without Woll, the score would have been much worse. Woll can absolutely steal a game or two if he's locked in — and Toronto might need him to do just that in order to eliminate the Panthers. I'd be surprised if Stolarz ended up back in the net for this series, though the Leafs haven't formally ruled him out. Woll's mom looks like such a wonderful fan. We can channel her optimism, right? I mean, how could you not root for a supportive mom in the stands? And it's not like everything is doom and gloom. If you told Leaf fans before this round started that they'd be playing Game 5 at home with the series tied against the defending Stanley Cup champs, they'd have taken that outcome every single time. What are the signs that the Leafs are, as you've put it, "cursed?" You mean aside from the fact that the team is still being tortured by Marchand on a second divisional rival, and the Panthers only had to give up a conditional second-round pick to get him? (I will never forgive Bruins GM Don Sweeny for this.) Putting that indignity aside, Game 4 was yet another (bad) return to form for the Leafs, much like Game 5 against the Ottawa Senators — except this one was arguably even worse. It was reminiscent of the last time the Leafs played the Panthers in 2023, where they seemed hopelessly outmatched and outclassed. That the team's power play has reverted back to its usual ice-cold playoff form is concerning, too. What's up with Auston Matthews? I wish I knew. He seems to have been battling some sort of injury through most of the season, so maybe that's still affecting him. Matthews has produced points in these playoffs (with 10 in 10 games), but only has two goals. Some have speculated that he hurt his hand blocking a shot in the Ottawa series. Injured or not, that's just not good enough for a guy who has been the most prolific regular-season scorer since he entered the league. This isn't a new narrative either, as he has yet to take over a playoff series in the way he often dominates games in the regular season, seemingly scoring at will at times. Matthews is one of the highest-paid players in the NHL, yet he can't seem to hit the net with regularity lately. He has produced elite defensive results throughout much of this series, and is doing a lot of little things right — but if the Leafs are going to beat the Panthers, he has to score. The team desperately needs both Matthews and Marner to make their mark on this series. We talked about how dirty this series might be. I think fans are seeing that, no? Welcome to Florida Panthers hockey. Not only do they finish every check, but after most whistles you can expect to see a crosscheck, a little slash or an elbow. It's a true war of attrition, and as a series goes on, all of those hacks and whacks start to compound. But we're kind of in on it, too… Oh, I'm not going to pretend Toronto has solely been on the side of the angels here. Max Domi has definitely doled out a couple of cheap shots, and there have been some borderline hits from behind that undoubtedly have left Florida fans grumbling. But this is a style of play that suits the Panthers more than it does the Leafs in the long run. Watching the games, I'm often confused about what gets called a penalty and what doesn't. How would you rate the officiating in this series? And this, sadly, is emblematic of the maddening inconsistency that is NHL officiating, especially in the playoffs. What is or isn't a penalty seems to change from game to game, or even period to period or shift to shift, sometimes. I'm one of those people who wish the refs would just call what's in the rulebook, but barring that, it would be nice if they would at least call things consistently. More serious infractions have gone by the wayside (like Sam Bennett's "accidental" shot to the head of Anthony Stolarz, which likely took him out of the series), while milder infractions (like Domi barely touching Marchand in Game 1) are called. And it's not just phantom calls or missed infractions against the Leafs. That embellishment call against Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues from Game 4 was ludicrous. I haven't been impressed by the officiating whatsoever — but I never really expected to be, honestly. The series schedule from here on out: Wednesday in Toronto at 7 p.m. ET. Friday in Florida, timing TBD. Sunday, if needed, in Toronto.
