New Photo - Latest Post About 93-Year-Old Michael Caine Triggers Wave of Panic

Latest Post About 93YearOld Michael Caine Triggers Wave of Panic Geca FloresSun, March 15, 2026 at 2:22 AM UTC 0 Michael Caine found himself in the center of attention but for the wrong reasons, sparking confusion and worries among fans. On Saturday, Warner Bros. Entertainment shared a birthday post to honor the legendary actor on his special day. As The Great Escaper star turned 93, the entertainment company dedicated an Instagram post along with a screen capture from Caine's scene in The Dark Knight Rises, where he played the character of Alfred Pennyworth.

Latest Post About 93-Year-Old Michael Caine Triggers Wave of Panic

Geca FloresSun, March 15, 2026 at 2:22 AM UTC

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Michael Caine found himself in the center of attention but for the wrong reasons, sparking confusion and worries among fans.

On Saturday, Warner Bros. Entertainment shared a birthday post to honor the legendary actor on his special day.

As The Great Escaper star turned 93, the entertainment company dedicated an Instagram post along with a screen capture from Caine's scene in The Dark Knight Rises, where he played the character of Alfred Pennyworth.

"A career this iconic deserves a cake with extra layers. Happy Birthday, Michael Caine!" the caption reads.

However, amid the birthday greetings and well-wishes from fans, the comments were filled with unexpected reactions, with some users mistakenly believing the 93-year-old actor had died.

"bro I thought he died," one wrote.

"D–n, almost had a heart attack," a follower said.

A different user also echoed the same sentiment, noting, "Don't scare us like that."

"Got me in the first half, ngl," a comment noted.

On the other hand, a fan playfully suggested the post needed clearer wording and said:

"You need to post 'still alive' for these things. I almost had a heart attack."

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As for one follower, the confusion led to an emotional reaction, noting, "Almost made me sad. I thought he died happy bday Michael Caine."

It was not the first time that a post about Caine turned into concern.

Back in December, the iconic English actor attended the Red Sea International Film Festival together with his family.

Vin Diesel presents a Honoree Award to Michael Caine (C) onstage during the Opening Ceremony at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 on December 04, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival (Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival)

At the time, a familiar face also joined him on the red carpet, with Vin Diesel wheeling the veteran actor into the event space.

Various publications posted the duo's appearance, but fans began to notice a strained expression on the actor.

In the comment section shared by E! News, Instagram users pointed out the visibly uncomfortable look.

"As much as I love them both, why does Michael Caine look like he's scared?" a commenter said.

"Michael Caine is looking so sad," a fan echoed.

Another user mentioned the actor's health issues, suggesting they may have contributed to the concern, saying, "Michael Caine is 92 years old. He's also had mobility issues since 2018, when he suffered a bad fall and broke his ankle. He also had surgery in 2022 for spinal stenosis, which has had bad effects on his legs."

After announcing his retirement in 2023, he returned with the sequel to the 2015 dark fantasy film The Last Witch Hunter with Diesel.

Related: 92-Year-Old Michael Caine's Latest Appearance Has Fans Noticing the Same Thing

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Latest Post About 93-Year-Old Michael Caine Triggers Wave of Panic

Latest Post About 93YearOld Michael Caine Triggers Wave of Panic Geca FloresSun, March 15, 2026 at 2:22 AM UTC 0 Micha...
New Photo - Zendaya Crashes Las Vegas Wedding Amid Tom Holland Rumors

Zendaya Crashes Las Vegas Wedding Amid Tom Holland Rumors Olivia KlimekSun, March 15, 2026 at 2:28 AM UTC 0 Zendaya crashed a Las Vegas wedding today to promote her upcoming film, The Drama. The star's appearance launched an internet frenzy after weeks of speculation surrounding her own relationship status. A24, the company producing The Drama, set up a onedayonly wedding venue in Las Vegas for fans. The chapel service was designed to legally marry as many couples as possible throughout the day.

Zendaya Crashes Las Vegas Wedding Amid Tom Holland Rumors

Olivia KlimekSun, March 15, 2026 at 2:28 AM UTC

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Zendaya crashed a Las Vegas wedding today to promote her upcoming film, The Drama. The star's appearance launched an internet frenzy after weeks of speculation surrounding her own relationship status.

A24, the company producing The Drama, set up a one-day-only wedding venue in Las Vegas for fans. The chapel service was designed to legally marry as many couples as possible throughout the day. Even with famous musician Alana Haim taking the reins as the ceremony's DJ, no one expected Zendaya to appear as the official witness.

In photographs taken by a luck bride, Zendaya is pictured signing marriage paperwork as the couples' official witness—a superfan's dream. The star took a series of pictures with attendees, effectively stirring conversations about her upcoming film.

The incident follows widespread conspiracy theories regarding her and Tom Holland's partnership after her stylist, Law Roach, hinted in a recent interview that the highly anticipated wedding had already occurred in secrecy. Despite the couple's attempts to remain private, internet sleuths have continued to speculate on every breadcrumb.

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Zendaya attends the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton on January 05, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Although there has been no further comments regarding her marital status, Zendaya remains focused on her professional commitments. The Drama, starring both Zendaya and Robert Pattinson, is set for theatrical release on April 3. While appearing to be a romantic comedy on the surface, the film's trailers have teased underlying themes of hardship, emotional crisis and societal pressure.

The Drama, directed by Kristoffer Borgli, will mark Zendaya's 14th major casting. The Emmy-Award winning actress continues to captivate audiences with her range, transitioning seamlessly from her gritty performance in Euphoria to her athletically-charged role in Challengers.

Beyond her acting prowess, she has established herself as a jack-of-all trades, dabbling in fashion, music and philanthropy. Her ability to effortlessly balance these talents into a rich and diverse creative career has solidified her as one of the most prominent figures in the industry today.

Related: Hollywood Icon Claims 'AI Has No Recollection of the '70s'

This story was originally published by Parade on Mar 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Zendaya Crashes Las Vegas Wedding Amid Tom Holland Rumors

Zendaya Crashes Las Vegas Wedding Amid Tom Holland Rumors Olivia KlimekSun, March 15, 2026 at 2:28 AM UTC 0 Zendaya cr...
New Photo - Moscow Fashion Week in photos

Moscow Fashion Week in photos PAVEL BEDNYAKOV Sun, March 15, 2026 at 2:50 AM UTC 0 1 / 0APTOPIX Russia Moscow Fashion WeekA model wears a creation by Russian designer Alena Akhmadullina on a runway at the Moscow Fashion Week in Moscow, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov) () Advertisement MOSCOW (AP) — This photo gallery, curated by AP photo editors, features highlights from Moscow Fashion Week.

Moscow Fashion Week in photos

PAVEL BEDNYAKOV Sun, March 15, 2026 at 2:50 AM UTC

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1 / 0APTOPIX Russia Moscow Fashion WeekA model wears a creation by Russian designer Alena Akhmadullina on a runway at the Moscow Fashion Week in Moscow, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov) ()

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MOSCOW (AP) — This photo gallery, curated by AP photo editors, features highlights from Moscow Fashion Week.

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Moscow Fashion Week in photos

Moscow Fashion Week in photos PAVEL BEDNYAKOV Sun, March 15, 2026 at 2:50 AM UTC 0 1 / 0APTOPIX Russia Moscow Fashion We...

"Saturday Night Live" recap: Harry Styles hits back at queerbaiting claims by kissing Ben Marshall Andy HoglundSun, March 15, 2026 at 3:30 AM UTC 0 Harry Styles returns to 'SNL' to pull double duty.Credit: Saturday Night Live/Youtube Hey there, it's your latest SNL in Review: season 51 guidebook. Follow along for tonight's recap! Tonight's host Harry Styles has made a range of appearances to 8H over the years.

"Saturday Night Live" recap: Harry Styles hits back at queerbaiting claims by kissing Ben Marshall

Andy HoglundSun, March 15, 2026 at 3:30 AM UTC

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Harry Styles returns to 'SNL' to pull double duty.Credit: Saturday Night Live/Youtube

Hey there, it's your latest SNL in Review: season 51 guidebook. Follow along for tonight's recap!

Tonight's host Harry Styles has made a range of appearances to 8H over the years. Since 2012, he has appeared as a member of One Direction as the musical guest three times, been a solo musical guest and cameoed — including just last week! This is his second time as host and musical guest.

Former cast member John Milhiser recalls One Direction being the "hottest band" when they came to SNL in 2013 when he was a cast member. "They sang their perfect song, 'Story of My Life'. That song was on the soundtrack of my life that year," he continues. "I wanted to have all of One Direction sign a photo for my niece as a Christmas gift. Every girl's dream, right? I was sure to be awarded best uncle ever on Christmas morning. They were all obviously kind enough to sign it. I gave it to my niece, Josephine, Christmas morning and she politely thanked me and put it to the side and continued opening gifts. She kept me humble."

He also notes that at the after-party following that season 39 episode, "I was talking to Niall [Horan] from One D. We were having a great conversation. He's a nice fellow. Anytoot, we were talking, I was killing with jokes and then this sloppy girl I didn't know came barreling over and said, 'Hey, John! I used your name to get into the party. Hope you're not mad. Thanks!' She then proceeds to spill her red alcohol drink on Niall's white swaggy shoes. I was like, 'No! What are you doing?!' Niall was upset but very polite. He removed himself from the situation. The girl laughed it off and continued on her way. I felt so embarrassed. Niall never talked to me after that. I never saw him again. I blame her."

Scroll down for more insights!

Cold Open

We are at a gas station! A family is going to grandma's. Donald Trump (James Austin Johnson) interrupts to discover Harry Styles and gas prices! The stock market is going…one direction. He also opines on the cast members: "Padilla! Haircut!"

Jake Paul heard boos at the Mike Tyson fight, which cues Colin Jost's Secretary Hegseth, from the backseat of the family's car. "Listen up! Hashtag winning," he says as Trump wanders around. I don't know that we needed this again.

Of course, the show can't resist a Timothée Chalamet/opera reference.

Monologue

Styles couldn't resist hosting again when he heard about who was performing tonight. He sounds a bit low energy. He catches us up on his life over the past few years.

He busts out some Italian and a few female cast members pop out on stage to get kissed…well, Ben Marshall comes out too. He has a tight bun and wants a kiss. "Now that's queerbaiting," Styles quips, clapping back at past criticism that he was queerbaiting with his clothes. And…that's it.

"Sebastian Maniscalco: New Lawyer"

New Jersey versus Donovan. Kenan Thompson plays the judge. The public defender is none other than the world famous comedian Sebastian Maniscalco. He is an attorney now. Yes, Marcello Hernandez brings back his impression from the Glen Powell episode. Lots of moving around, barely talking about the case. People are captivated by the way he talks.

The prosecutor (Styles) decides to do his own Sebastian — Styles has been pretty subdued until now.

"MAHAspital"

For people who love The Pitt but can't stand its phony liberal science, RFK Jr. and a Facebook group present "MAHAspital." Coming soon to The Daily Wire! Johnson plays RFK Jr. — not sure the voice is right. What they do here is dangerous and irresponsible… but they do it anyway.

A certified energy healer, Veronika Slowikowska is doing a decent Fiona Dourif.

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"Sparkle of the Sea"

Cruise ship hosts Styles and Chloe Fineman in goofy German accents introduce silly European variety acts such as Jean K. Jean (Thompson), a Def Comedy Jam act by way of Pierre Escargot. These acts don't speak English, but they sing it phonetically — including Styles' own music!

"Best Buy: Mr. Pooty"

A store team has come in early to discuss new changes to the rewards program. Starting today, customers who sign up will get double points on appliances.

Mr. Pooty (Thompson), an employee, is confused — there are rumors about sexual advances he's been making in the workplace. Is he being arrested? Is he in trouble? He's bizarre. His superior (Mikey Day) assures him there have been no rumors. Mr. Pooty shifts the conversation to a potentially bicurious employee, Christopher, played by Styles. Turns out he has "manipulated his nipples," as Styles adopts Thompson's strange lovelorn cadence.

A bit long, a bit ridiculous.

Harry Styles performs "Dance No More"

Ryan Gosling introduces Styles' "Dance No More," the 10th track on his latest solo album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally. The song explores the pull between authentic experience and performative living. Styles appeared last week during Gosling's monologue, so fun to see Gosling returning the favor!

Weekend Update

Iran is all over Update tonight — Jost lands a joke about Obama. Other topics: RFK Jr.'s rotator cuff surgery, the famous Titanic pose. Jost gets AI breasts.

The Oscars are on Sunday — and some people think liberal politics are affecting awards too much. Tucker Carlson (Jeremy Culhane) comes out to discuss. Not a bad impression, but have seen better on Instagram! Wonder what Sasha Stone will think about this! "What are we doing? What's going on?"

Aerial Tramway (Day) and the Heart emoji (Hernandez) come out to discuss the new Apple emojis, and their actual uses in text conversations. Heart is friends with the classic most popular emojis. In fact, he's been chilling with the Red Dancer emoji. Aerial Tramway is pals with the loser emojis that are rarely used: RBF, right before the flags. Day and Hernandez are having fun.

"White Castle Drive-Thru"

Steve (Styles) is a bad White Castle employee, but he's a very popular high school athlete. Slowikowska and Jane Wickline are two devoted fans of his. They are intimidated by his beauty and coolness, and keeping driving up to the window. They want to ask him to the dance, but nerves keep causing them to say awkward and embarrassing things. Great performances from Wickline and Slowikowska.

Harry Styles performs "Coming Up Roses"

The absolute legend Paul Simon introduces Harry Styles! He appeared during SNL50 in the opener. Love seeing someone who goes way back to the show's first episodes in 8H.

Anyway, "Coming Up Roses" is a vaguely Taylor Swift-esque ballad, also off Styles' latest album.

"She's a Dancer"

Styles thinks he has found a freak at the club. Fineman says she's a dancer, but it's not what he thinks. Get ready for some Irish step and cabbage stew references! Happy St. Paddy's Day!

"Harry for Him"

Styles has pulled off these looks, and now you can too! Courtesy of Target and Claire's. A number of outfits from Styles' various public appearances are displayed on cast members — they can't pull it off, suffice it to say. When Styles wore a doll's dress at a concert, the girls loved it; when Day's loan officer wore it to work, he was warned by his boss it was inappropriate. (We circle back to the monologue, where Marshall's butt is discussed.)

Lots of crowd engagement tonight. Not sure the material matched the enthusiasm. Bit long.

Final thoughts -

What did you think? Vote now!

Follow John Milhiser on Instagram, folks! You will not regret it.

Less and less Andrew Dismukes these days. Why?

In case you want some fun SNL content while the show is on the break, please check out this great podcast episode featuring yours truly! The Not Ready for Prime Time Project has wrapped the first five seasons, and had me back on with some other all stars to discuss the era's best bits. Check it out!

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“Saturday Night Live” recap: Harry Styles hits back at queerbaiting claims by kissing Ben Marshall

"Saturday Night Live" recap: Harry Styles hits back at queerbaiting claims by kissing Ben Marshall Andy Hog...
New Photo - Women's March Madness automatic bids tracker: NCAA tournament tickets punched so far

Women&x27;s March Madness automatic bids tracker: NCAA tournament tickets punched so far Heather Burns, USA TODAY Sun, March 15, 2026 at 1:19 AM UTC 0 Selection Sunday for the 2026 NCAA Tournament is a day away and teams are already booking their places in March Madness. Each of the 31 conference tournament champions earns an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament, with the other 37 spots awarded to atlarge participants by the tournament's selection committee.

Women's March Madness automatic bids tracker: NCAA tournament tickets punched so far

Heather Burns, USA TODAY Sun, March 15, 2026 at 1:19 AM UTC

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Selection Sunday for the 2026 NCAA Tournament is a day away and teams are already booking their places in March Madness.

Each of the 31 conference tournament champions earns an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament, with the other 37 spots awarded to at-large participants by the tournament's selection committee.

For the overwhelming majority of mid- and low-major leagues, the automatic berth from winning the conference tournament is the league's only bid.

Here's a look at the champions of each of the 31 conference tournaments, all of which are on their way to the NCAA Tournament.

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March Madness automatic bids: Who has secured 2026 NCAA tournament spots? -

America East: Vermont

American:

ACC: Duke

ASUN: Jacksonville

Atlantic 10: Rhode Island

Big 12: West Virginia

Big East: UConn

Big Sky: Idaho

Big South: High Point

Big Ten: UCLA

Big West: UC San Diego

CAA:

Conference USA: Missouri State

Horizon League: Green Bay

Ivy League: Princeton

MAAC: Fairfield

MAC: Miami of Ohio

MEAC: Howard

Missouri Valley:

Mountain West: Colorado State

Northeast:

Ohio Valley: Western Illinois

Patriot League:

SEC: Texas

SoCon: Samford

Southland: Stephen F. Austin

SWAC: Southern

Summit League: South Dakota State

Sun Belt: James Madison

WAC: Cal Baptist

West Coast: Gonzaga

What day does women's March Madness start?

The NCAA tournament First Four on the women's side begins on Wednesday, March 18 and continues on Thursday, March 19.

The four women's games feature the final four at-large selections to the field, as well as the four lowest-rated No. 16 seeds. The winner of each matchup advances to the first round. First-round games start March 20 and March 21.

When is Selection Sunday? -

Date: Sunday, March 15

Selection Sunday for the 2025-26 college basketball season will take place on Sunday, March 15, with both the men's and women's NCAA Tournament brackets being revealed.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Women's March Madness automatic bids tracker: NCAA tournament bids so far

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Women's March Madness automatic bids tracker: NCAA tournament tickets punched so far

Women&x27;s March Madness automatic bids tracker: NCAA tournament tickets punched so far Heather Burns, USA TODAY ...

The Jamaican Bobsled Team Marvels at "Cool Runnings&x27; "Lasting" "Impact, Says Fans Were Going &x27;Crazy&x27; at Winter Olympics (Exclusive) Meredith WilshereSat, March 14, 2026 at 8:30 PM UTC 0 Members of the Jamaican bobsled teamCredit: Flow Street Creative The Jamaican bobsled team credits Cool Runnings for inspiring global fans and boosting their recognition overseas Cool Runnings, which was loosely based on the debut of the Jamaican national bobsled team at the 1988 Winter Olympics, came out in 1993 "It's an honor to see the team getting so much love because we have put in a lot of wor...

The Jamaican Bobsled Team Marvels at "Cool Runnings' "Lasting" "Impact, Says Fans Were Going 'Crazy' at Winter Olympics (Exclusive)

Meredith WilshereSat, March 14, 2026 at 8:30 PM UTC

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Members of the Jamaican bobsled teamCredit: Flow Street Creative -

The Jamaican bobsled team credits Cool Runnings for inspiring global fans and boosting their recognition overseas

Cool Runnings, which was loosely based on the debut of the Jamaican national bobsled team at the 1988 Winter Olympics, came out in 1993

"It's an honor to see the team getting so much love because we have put in a lot of work," Nimroy Turgott tells PEOPLE

The Jamaican bobsled team has fans all around the world, largely thanks to the 1993 movie Cool Runnings, which was loosely based on the national bobsled team's debut at the 1988 Winter Olympics

Nimroy Turgott and Shane Pitter, both members of the 2026 team that competed in Milan, spoke to PEOPLE about the impact of the Disney movie and what it meant to continue to represent Jamaica on the world stage. Turgott says that it was an "amazing" feeling to represent Jamaica in the recent Winter Olympics.

"Just the thought of it is mind-blowing, a typical country competing in winter sports. We went out there and showed the world that Jamaica can compete and will compete in winter sports," he shares.

Pitter, the team's bobsled driver, or pilot, emphasizes that the notoriety from the film "is a very good thing."

1993's 'Cool Runnings'Credit: Buena Vista Pictures / Everett

"On the block, I was standing there and the crowd at the bottom of the finish line couldn't wait for us to get down the track for them to call out, 'Jamaica, Jamaica, Cool Runnings,'" he says. "So the fans are going crazy for us and we know that that would have happened at the Olympics, but we take that as a motivation and do our best."

Cool Runnings starred John Candy, Leon Robinson, Rawle D. Lewis, Doug E. Doug and Malik Yoba, to name a few. The movie, which was largely fictional, showcased the hurdles the group faced while training to become the first Jamaican bobsled team.

When the team competed in the 2022 Olympics, COVID-19 restrictions were still in place, so fans couldn't interact in the same way. At the 2026 Winter Olympics, however, the team felt all the love.

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Nimroy Turgott (L) Andre Dacres (R)Credit: Flow Street Creative

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"We got the opportunity to interact with fans and everybody wanted a piece of Jamaica," Turgott says. "Everybody wanted a pin or to get a photo, something with Jamaica, and we appreciate the support, we appreciate the love that we got. At times, honestly, we feel like we're getting support even from Mars."

The Jamaican bobsled teamCredit: Flow Street Creative

He continues, "It's an honor to see the team getting so much love because we have put in a lot of work, we are putting a lot of work and knowing that here in Jamaica, we don't have the infrastructure or the support that we really need, and to go out and put our best foot forward to represent Jamaica at the highest level, it's an honor, and it's something that I will go over and over and over again to."

Pitter agrees that without their supporters, they "wouldn't be recognized, and also without the movie, we wouldn't be recognized."

"We don't really get the same support in Jamaica, but once we head overseas, whether to America or Europe, there's a lot of fans just waiting for us to get there. They have been supporting us all the way throughout the season," Pitter shares.

Turgott says the whole experience was "an amazing opportunity" and they even felt the love from major stars like Lewis Hamilton, Major Lazer and Snoop Dogg, the latter of which joined the team at their Airbnb to cook together. Airbnb hosted the team during the games, allowing them to cook meals together, spend time together and watch races together.

"We could focus on ourselves, and we bring our Jamaican vibes and culture to the Olympics and Airbnb," Pitter shares. "There is a very big couch in the Airbnb, so all of us would sit on the couch and watch races and stuff we needed to work on. We are together as a team, and that's when our bond starts to get stronger and stronger and stronger, as we do everything together."

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The Jamaican Bobsled Team Marvels at “Cool Runnings' ”Lasting“ ”Impact, Says Fans Were Going 'Crazy' at Winter Olympics (Exclusive)

The Jamaican Bobsled Team Marvels at "Cool Runnings&x27; "Lasting" "Impact, Says Fans Were Goin...
New Photo - Winless drivers look to change their luck in Las Vegas

Winless drivers look to change their luck in Las Vegas Field Level MediaSat, March 14, 2026 at 10:06 PM UTC 0 Feb 14, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Carson Hocevar (42) during qualifying for the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. RebilasImagn Images (Mark J. RebilasImagn Images) The NASCAR Cup Series stays out West this weekend for Sunday's Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and if last year's spring race was an indication, perhaps a firsttime winner is in order at the 1.5mile desert track.

Winless drivers look to change their luck in Las Vegas

Field Level MediaSat, March 14, 2026 at 10:06 PM UTC

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Feb 14, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Carson Hocevar (42) during qualifying for the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

The NASCAR Cup Series stays out West this weekend for Sunday's Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and if last year's spring race was an indication, perhaps a first-time winner is in order at the 1.5-mile desert track.

After Tyler Reddick swept the season's first three races, Ryan Blaney was a first-time winner of sorts last weekend. He became the initial driver to keep the surging 23XI Racing star out of Victory Lane in 2026 and shifted the headlines to another organization for a change.

So what's in store for the campaign's fifth race?

Maybe a genuine first-timer like a year ago.

Last March, driving one of the sport's true legendary cars, Josh Berry surprised the stock-car racing world by scoring his inaugural Cup victory and handing the Wood Brothers a second straight season with a win, following former driver Harrison Burton outdueling future Hall of Famer Kyle Busch in Daytona's 2024 summer race.

A native of Hendersonville, Tenn., Berry played the part one season ago that Blaney reprised in Phoenix, using the No. 21 Ford to snap Christopher Bell's hot start that also produced three straight wins -- at Atlanta, COTA and Phoenix.

Oddly, the last five drivers to win in the No. 21 scored their first career victories: Elliott Sadler (2001, Bristol), Trevor Bayne (2011, Daytona 500), Blaney (2017, Pocono), Burton and Berry.

Maybe this week one of the Chevrolets belonging to Spire Motorsports, which has been a fast group thus far, provides a new winner.

Spire drivers Daniel Suarez and Michael McDowell have two wins apiece in careers that have combined for 868 starts, leaving the organization's third driver -- 23-year-old Carson Hocevar -- as the only remaining hotshoe who has not taken the checkers.

However, the prevailing feeling in the NASCAR world is, "It's coming."

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Ross Chastain has widely been regarded as the toughest driver in the Cup Series to pass, but Hocevar, a native of Portage, Mich., is definitely taking away some of those votes.

Riding 14th in the current standings with 103 points, 122 behind leader Reddick, Hocevar was strong in the first half of 2025 in search of that initial win but fizzled in the second half.

Hocevar was 30th one year ago at Vegas and 32nd the last time the series visited Nevada in October -- certainly poor numbers -- but he has been the focus of discussion recently because of his hard-nosed, give-no-quarter, no-apologies racing style.

"While I think we show speed and can compete up front anywhere, we proved last year we really excel at the intermediates, including the mile-and-a-halves," said Hocevar, who has positioned himself inside the top 16 thanks to 27 stage points. "We won the pole at Texas, started on the front row at Charlotte and had good speed at Vegas last year."

Added Hocevar, one of only two drivers to earn stage points in all four races: "They are my favorite tracks, and I am expecting to be really competitive come Sunday."

That kind of optimism may be worth a gamble this weekend in Vegas.

On Saturday, Toyotas were fast in the qualifying session, and it was Joe Gibbs Racing's Camrys leading the charge.

Bell scored his 15th career Cup Series pole and fourth in Las Vegas by turning a lap of 187.156 mph in his No. 20 as JGR claimed the top three spots.

Teammates Denny Hamlin and Ty Gibbs will start second and third, respectively, while Bubba Wallace grids fourth in the No. 23 Toyota of 23XI Racing.

Hendrick Motorsports driver Kyle Larson and his No. 5 Chevrolet will start fifth.

--Field Level Media

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Winless drivers look to change their luck in Las Vegas

Winless drivers look to change their luck in Las Vegas Field Level MediaSat, March 14, 2026 at 10:06 PM UTC 0 Feb 14, 2...

 

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