MARC MARQUEZ FINISHES FOURTH AT SEPANG AS DUCATI GP26 SHOWS TITLE POTENTIAL
Marc Marquez reflects on a "step by step" Sepang test, finishing fourth overall despite a small crash while testing new aero.
Marc Marquez, MotoGP’s reigning world champ, wrapped up the Sepang test feeling pretty good about his progress with Ducati. Still, he knows he’s got work to do—there are two or three guys out there setting faster times.
This was Marquez’s first real run on a MotoGP bike since last October, when a crash in Indonesia cut his 2025 season short. He came out strong, topping the timesheets on day one and landing fourth overall after three days, just behind Fabio Di Giannantonio, Marco Bezzecchi, and his brother Alex Marquez.
Looking back on the test, Marquez said things are heading in the right direction with Ducati’s GP26. “Not bad. Step by step, we tried a few things, and we left with some smart insights,” he told MotoGP’s After the Flag. He’s got his eye on the upcoming Thai test, hoping to keep building on what they’ve learnt. “Everything looks good so far. Of course, I need to step it up on my end, but we’re making progress.”
Physically, he felt his best on the first afternoon. After that, he says, things got tougher. The rain the day before made Thursday especially busy, and he put in a ton of laps. He expects to feel it in his body the next day, but he’s not worried—he’ll have time to recover.
Now, Marquez is looking ahead to the Buriram test in Thailand, which he says matters more than Sepang. That’s the real moment to see where Ducati stands before the season kicks off—especially since the first race follows just days after. He admits he still needs to find more speed if he wants to fight at the front: “There are two or three riders who are quicker right now, so we’ve got to close that gap.”
On day three, Marquez had his first crash of the year, sliding out at Turn 1. He explained it was down to testing a new aero package that changed how the bike handled and caught him by surprise.
LEBRON JAMES OFFICIALLY BREAKS ROBERT PARISH’S RECORD FOR MOST NBA CAREER GAMES
LeBron James breaks Robert Parish’s record for most NBA appearances in a thrilling 105-104 Lakers victory over the Magic.
LeBron James made history Saturday, breaking the record for most regular-season NBA appearances even though, honestly, he says that was never his goal. He surpassed Robert Parish on his 1,612th game and helped the Lakers edge out the Magic 105-104. Luke Kennard nailed a buzzer-beater, leaving the crowd at Kia Centre stunned.
Parish, who everyone called “The Chief", set the old record of 1,560 games back in 1996. He retired a year later. James admits he knew he’d pass Parish eventually, but that wasn’t something he planned when he started in 2003.
“It just kind of happened,” James said. “It wasn’t on my list. I wanted to be the best, maybe the greatest ever. I wanted championships, rookie of the year, All-Star games, gold medals, MVPs, you know, the classic stuff. But this kind of milestone? Didn’t really cross my mind.”
This game, he dropped 12 points, snagged six boards, four assists, and three steals, all helping the Lakers snag their ninth win in a row. Now they’re third in the West, sitting behind OKC and the Spurs, with a 46-25 record.
Even breaking such a huge record, James kept his routine steady. “Just another prep day,” he said. “Did the same as the last 1,600 games. Once I stepped on the floor, I knew what was happening, and yeah, it’s pretty cool. Being available for my teammates has always mattered most to me, and I’ve tried to do that for two decades. This record’s just a result of that.”
Coach JJ Redick weighed in too, saying James’ passion explains why he’s lasted so long. “He’s had a phenomenal season, an incredible career,” Redick said. “It takes a deep love for basketball, but also the willingness to prep your body and mind and get enough rest. LeBron loves the process, the routine and the diligence. That’s what keeps him going.”
JUSTIN ALLGAIER SNAGS DARLINGTON WIN TO EXTEND NASCAR O’REILLY AUTO PARTS LEAD
Justin Allgaier wins the Help a Hero 200 at Darlington, extending his NASCAR points lead to a massive 52 points.
Justin Allgaier came out swinging at Darlington Raceway on March 21, snagging the win in the Help a Hero 200 and pushing even further ahead in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series standings. Right now, he’s the guy everyone’s chasing. With six races down out of 33, the points race is starting to take shape, and Allgaier’s making clear separation at the front.
He’s sitting on 306 points, with two wins, four top-fives, and five top-10s. That kind of consistency gives him a solid 52-point lead over second place, so there’s room to breathe for now.
Jesse Love has 254 points and hasn’t snagged a win yet, but his three top-fives and five top-10 finishes keep him in the conversation. He’s hanging tough, but Allgaier is starting to pull away.
Carson Kvapil rides in third at 222 points. He’s still hunting for his first win, but he’s got two top-fives and three top-10s to show for his efforts. Sheldon Creed sits right behind at 218, with one win on the board plus three top-fives and four top-10s. Austin Hill rounds out the top five with 210 points, one win, and a pole.
Further down, the fight for playoff spots is getting more heated. Six through ten is all about staying consistent, and nobody’s cruising yet.
Sammy Smith sits sixth with 192 points. He’s got three top-fives and five top-10s – solid numbers. Corey Day is right behind in seventh, 188 points, also with five top-10s and two top-fives. Brandon Jones holds eighth at 170, with one top-five and two top-10s.
Parker Retzlaff is ninth, just a point behind Jones at 169. Rajah Caruth snags the last spot in the top ten, with 151 points and three top-10s.
Just outside the cutoff, Sam Mayer is at 149 points in 11th, with two poles but only one top-five and three top-10s. Taylor Grey fills out the playoff field in 12th with 132 points, picking up one pole and one top-10.
Past the cutoff, it’s getting crowded. William Sawalich sits 13th at 119, Brennan Poole at 116, Jeb Burton at 115, Anthony Alfredo at 113, and Ryan Sieg at 105. Then you’ve got Patrick Staropoli with 95, Blaine Perkins at 88, Jeremy Clements at 83, Josh Bilicki at 81, Nick Sanchez at 77, and a pack of others in the low 70s.
Allgaier’s Darlington win pours some fuel on his hot streak, but the season’s barely started. With 27 races still on the schedule, drivers have plenty of time and tracks to make moves. Every stage point, every finish matters, and the top 12 playoff spots are up for grabs. Allgaier’s lead looks comfy now, but in NASCAR, things can flip overnight.
