Even with the WNBA on a midseason break for the FIBA Women’s World Cup, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham found herself in the spotlight on Sunday at the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis.
Meeting Racing and Basketball Royalty
Cunningham attended the event in multiple capacities: as a fan, a broadcaster, and a guest on Kenny Wallace’s pre-race fanzone show. While at the track, she connected with prominent figures across motorsports and basketball, including two Hall of Famers — four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon and NBA legend Michael Jordan, who co-owns 23XI Racing.
Pre-Race Show Appearance with Kenny Wallace
Cunningham’s appearance alongside retired NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace — known for pushing Dale Earnhardt to his final victory at Talladega in 2000 — drew a large crowd and produced several memorable moments. The former high school football kicker booted a football off the stage, accidentally knocking over a microphone stand in the process.
During the conversation with Wallace and co-host John Roberts, Cunningham discussed the mental side of competition and getting into opponents’ heads, a tactic she has employed throughout her WNBA career. The strategy drew particular attention this season when an image of her pointing at Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner became a viral meme.
“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.”
Response to “Sex Symbol” Comment
Wallace also asked Cunningham about radio host Colin Cowherd recently labeling her a “sex symbol” during a viral interview clip. Cunningham framed her response as a message to young athletes.
“All I’m saying, for all the little girls out there, that if you want to play a sport, you can still be girly, you can still go out there and kick ass, sweat, work hard, and you can still look a certain way,” Cunningham said. “So, go do your thing.”
Garage Area Access and Driver Interactions
Cunningham toured the haulers in the garage area and met with several Cup Series drivers, including Carson Hocevar, Riley Herbst, Austin Dillon, Chase Elliott, and Ryan Blaney. She signed hats for Dillon’s children, prompting a warm response from the driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet.
“We’re huge fans. We love what you stand for.”
Elliott gifted Cunningham NAPA Auto Parts racing jackets, while Blaney presented her with a bottle of bourbon.
USA Network Broadcasting Duties
USA Network featured Cunningham on its pre-race coverage alongside Marty Snider, Steve Letarte, and Jeff Burton. She later served as a pit road reporter between Stages 1 and 2, wearing a broadcasting pack for the live feed. Cunningham has contributed to USA Network as an analyst during the WNBA season.
Speaking on the pre-race show, she praised the NASCAR community.
“You guys are salt of the earth people,” Cunningham said. “It’s been really cool to talk to them about racing cars and whatnot, but also just getting to know them outside of the track. You guys truly are amazing, and I’ve had a heck of a day and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Later in the broadcast, Cunningham summed up her experience.
“We’re here in Illinois with NASCAR. It’s been the best day in my entire life,” Cunningham said. “I feel like these are my people. I belong here.”
Race Recap and WNBA Outlook
Sunday’s race delivered high drama with a season-high 18 caution flags. Kyle Larson captured the victory in double overtime, snapping a 51-race winless streak.
Cunningham, who grew up roughly two hours west of World Wide Technology Raceway and played collegiately at Missouri, is in her eighth WNBA season. She plays a key reserve role for the Fever, who have clinched a playoff berth. Through the current season, Cunningham averages 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 43.4% from three-point range — the fourth-best mark in the league.
Following Team USA’s gold-medal victory over France in the World Cup final on Sunday, the WNBA season resumes Thursday. The Fever return to action Friday, September 18, against the Toronto Tempo.
