Speed Reads....

The Taxslayer.com Gator Bowl is "close to finalizing its TV contract with ESPN." Conference affiliations and date for the game "will fall into line soon after" (JACKSONVILLE.com, 5/16).

Honda President Takanobu Ito today announced that the Japanese car manufacturer is returning to F1 in ’15 “as an engine supplier to the automaker’s former partner McLaren.” Honda was an entrant, constructor and engine supplier in F1 between '64-'08 (AP, 5/16).

The Astros are “on the verge of a naming a president to replace George Postolos, who unexpectedly resigned Monday.” The team is expected to make a formal announcement by tomorrow (CHRON.com, 5/15).

Pelicans Owner Tom Benson yesterday led a media tour of the team’s new practice facility, which is “still three months from being completed.” The new training venue is located next to the Saints’ practice facility (THEADVOCATE.com, 5/16). The price tag for the practice facility is around $15M (NOLA.com, 5/15).