Sophie Cunningham took some time out of her WNBA break to experience a NASCAR race.
The Indiana Fever guard attended Sunday’s Cup Series race in Illinois. Cunningham did everything, from meeting with NASCAR drivers, to taking photos with NASCAR fans, to appearing on the NASCAR pre-race show.
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It’s clear that she had a pretty good time.
Cunningham told NASCAR’s pre-race show that she appreciates the feistiness that a lot of NASCAR drivers have. She also made it clear that she likes it, because she can relate to it in a major way.
“I think I’ve kind of mastered that art, a little bit. I get a little feisty, if you know what I’m saying,” Cunningham said. “I do think it is part of the sport. You got to have a one-up on people, and sometimes it’s not physical, it’s the mental game.”
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Aug 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts while warming up prior to a game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn ImagesPatrick Gorski-Imagn Images.
Cunningham also made it clear that she’s a fan of NASCAR’s fan base. Cunningham said that she can relate to a lot of NASCAR fans and what they believe in and stand for.
“You guys are salt of the earth people,” she said to NASCAR’s fan base.
NASCAR fans appreciated seeing Cunningham on Sunday
NASCAR fans appear to feel the same way about Cunningham as she does about them. That’s clear.
“The problem with Sophie Cunningham is, well, she is fun. She is kind. She is pretty. She is smart. She has common sense. She has charisma. She is lovable,” one NASCAR fan said.
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“Sophie is a perfect fit for NASCAR,” one fan added.
“Sophie has a future in media after her WNBA career. Sports or politics, her future remains very bright,” one fan added.
“A natural with the mic–she’s a star at everything she does,” one fan added.
Perhaps we’ll be seeing more of Sophie Cunningham at some NASCAR races and events moving forward.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Sep 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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