Morning Hot Reads: Turn And Face The Strange

ESPN.com wrote NASCAR with its recent competition format changes seems "more intent on using market research to attract fans that don't yet exist rather than listening to the ones who have patiently remained with them." The sport's "diminished popularity in America over the last decade might just be a product of the constant tinkering," and the most recent overhaul "smacks of desperation."

GOLF.com profiles Pebble Beach Exec VP/Golf & Retail R.J. Harper, who has been the "key guy" at the course for 32 years. His ability to "befriend everyone from resort guests to PGA Tour stars, greenskeepers to captains of industry" makes him "one of the most-connected men on the planet." Meanwhile, Pebble Beach's preparation for the '19 U.S. Open is already under way.

Also: 

• Union invest in youth academy to develop next wave of soccer stars.
• Former NBA players battle "medical problems stemming from their playing days."
• The last 12 months in sports was "indisputably, hands-down" the best ever.
• MLB partners with Sinaloan government to open academy in the Mexican state.
• Canadiens C Andrew Shaw is a "good choice to be an LGBTQ ambassador for NHL."
• N.C. Courage moniker "revives fond memories" of area's first pro soccer team.