Scott Fowler

If any of NASCAR’s hall of fame voters thought picking the members of the first three classes was just too hard, they may as well skip voting in Charlotte on Wednesday.

The Observer’s Joseph Person had a very interesting, one-on-one interview with Panthers coach Ron Rivera that we published in Sunday’s and Monday’s newspapers. After reading it all, the most unusual analogy I thought Rivera made was when he said: “I guess, to me, Brandon LaFell encapsulates who we are.”

One more time. And then that’s it. That’s where Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski stands with the Olympics.

Michael Phelps’ swan song in Charlotte ended with another second-place finish Saturday night.

With 50 meters to go in the men’s 200 freestyle Friday night at the Charlotte UltraSwim, Charlotte’s Ricky Berens was clinging to a lead of about half a body length over 14-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps.

For many years, Michael Phelps has made a trip to Charlotte to compete in the UltraSwim meet.

Nick Thoman does his best work on his back.

Has anyone seen my orange pants? I'm looking for them so I can wear them in tribute to my younger brother, Rickie Fowler, in celebration of his win at the Wells Fargo Championship.

If Charlotte is going to make a big splash at the 2012 Summer Olympics, it will come in the sport of swimming.

It was two years ago that Rory McIlroy, two days short of his 21st birthday, announced himself to the golf world with a scorching 62 to win the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte. He might just do it again Sunday.