Sophie Cunningham continues to attract attention even while the WNBA takes a midseason pause for the FIBA Women’s World Cup. The Indiana Fever star stepped away from basketball-related duties on Sunday, September 13, trading the court and podcast studio for a day at the NASCAR Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis.
Cunningham made the most of her time at the event, meeting several notable personalities from the racing world. Among those she crossed paths with were NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon, a four-time Cup Series champion, and NBA icon Michael Jordan, who is also a co-owner of 23XI Racing. The Fever star was seen enjoying the experience as she mingled with two of the biggest names connected to American sports.
Sophie Cunningham Steals the Spotlight at NASCAR’s Illinois Race
Sophie Cunningham traded the basketball court for the NASCAR scene on Sunday, making a memorable appearance at the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. The Indiana Fever guard was involved throughout the afternoon, meeting fans, getting an opportunity to step onto the track and taking part in USA Network’s coverage. Clearly enjoying the experience, Cunningham summed up her excitement by saying, “It’s been the best day in my entire life. I feel like these are my people. I belong here.”
The NASCAR outing gave Cunningham plenty of opportunities to meet some of the sport’s biggest names. She crossed paths with drivers including Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Carson Hocevar and Austin Dillon, while also meeting racing legend Jeff Gordon and NBA icon Michael Jordan, the co-owner of 23XI Racing. Cunningham also appeared on Kenny Wallace’s pre-race show in the fan zone, where her energetic personality quickly became one of the highlights.
Her appearance with Wallace brought plenty of laughs, including a moment when Cunningham kicked a football from the stage and accidentally knocked over a microphone stand. The former high school football kicker also discussed the mental side of competition and how she likes to get inside her opponents’ heads. “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.”
Sophie Cunningham Takes NASCAR Broadcasting Role During WNBA Break
Cunningham continued making the rounds in the garage area, visiting drivers and getting a closer look at the NASCAR environment. She signed hats for Austin Dillon’s children, received racing jackets from Chase Elliott and was gifted a bottle of bourbon by Ryan Blaney. Dillon also told her, “We’re huge fans. We love what you stand for.” Her interactions with the drivers highlighted just how comfortable she appeared to be in the NASCAR community.
USA Network later handed Cunningham a microphone for its pre-race coverage, where she joined Marty Snider, Steve Letarte and Dale Jarrett before taking on a pit road reporting role during the race. Cunningham has already worked as an analyst for USA Network during the WNBA season, making the NASCAR assignment a natural extension of her growing broadcasting presence. She again praised the people she met, saying, “You guys are salt of the earth people.”
The NASCAR experience came during the WNBA’s break for the FIBA Women’s World Cup, with the league set to resume after Team USA’s gold-medal victory over France. Cunningham, who grew up roughly two hours west of the track and played college basketball at Missouri, is enjoying another productive WNBA season with Indiana. She is averaging 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists while shooting 43.4% from three-point range, and the Fever have already secured a playoff spot ahead of their return to action.
