With the WNBA season nearing its return after the conclusion of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, Sophie Cunningham appears to be making the most of her time away from the hardwood.
The Indiana Fever star traded the basketball court for the NASCAR track on Sunday, but her cross-sport adventure quickly became a talking point for fans.
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Sophie Cunningham’s NASCAR Outing Receives Mixed Reactions From WNBA World
Cunningham was present at the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois on Sunday. The Fever star brought plenty of attention to the event after NASCAR’s official X account shared a video of her enjoying her race-day experience.
“Okay, so we’re here in Illinois with NASCAR. It’s been the best day in my entire life. I feel like these are my people. I belong here. I’m wearing all black. I got my leather on. I got the leather boots on. I’m pulling out my Talladega Nights, baby,” Cunningham said in the video.
The video soon went viral across social media, with Cunningham’s outing generating a divided response from both the NASCAR and WNBA communities.
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The initial reaction from parts of the NASCAR community was overwhelmingly positive. Several prominent voices appeared excited to see Cunningham enjoying the event and getting involved with the racing atmosphere.
Reporters such as Shannon Spake and commentators, including Jeff Burton, took to X to highlight how enjoyable it was to have Cunningham at the race.
“Love this and loved catching up with her,” Spake wrote, whereas Burton said, “Really cool having Sophie at the track!”
However, the positive reaction was far from universal. Some from the NASCAR and WNBA communities questioned why Cunningham was being given a spotlight at the event, with criticism quickly spreading under posts featuring the Fever guard.
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“Disgusting,” wrote one sports fan, whereas another one said, “Get this troll away from our sport.”
One social media commentator went further than most. They framed the appearance as an embarrassment for NASCAR itself and questioned why the sport would elevate someone like her.
“What an absolute embarrassment for NASCAR. Bringing on the grifter of the moment, who just happens to be a terrible person with [expletive] opinions,” they wrote.
Amid the negative reactions, one response from NASCAR legend Kenny Wallace stood out. He appeared genuinely happy to see Cunningham at the race.
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“Thank you Sophie Cunningham for coming to @WWTRaceway,” Wallace wrote.
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Ultimately, Cunningham’s NASCAR appearance became another example of the Fever star’s ability to generate conversation wherever she goes.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
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