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Motor sports: Petty’s name stays with team

Richard Petty ‘s name will remain active in NASCAR under a rebranding of the new team created by the merger of his organization with Gillett Evernham Motorsports. The new team will be called Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM), capitalizing on the marketability of Petty, a seven-time champion. The race teams merged this month in a partnership that keeps the sponsor-strapped Pettys in racing.

Golf: Exemption has Sifford’s name

Nearly 50 years after Charlie Sifford became the first black to join the PGA Tour, the Northern Trust Open announced an exemption in his name for a player who represents the advancement of diversity in golf. The annual “Charlie Sifford Exemption” will be recognized Feb. 18, the day before the tournament begins at Riviera.

Boxing: Torres, former light-heavy champ, dies

Jose Torres, a former light heavyweight champion, died in his native Puerto Rico. He was 72 and had a heart attack. Torres won the world light heavyweight title in 1965 by beating WilliePastrano . He made three title defenses before losing to Dick Tiger in 1966.

Local/state: Whalers fall at home to London

Visiting London (34-8-0-2) beat Plymouth, 4-2, in an Ontario Hockey League game. The Whalers are 21-20-4-0; Leo Jenner and Matt Caria scored for Plymouth.

Detroit News wires and staff