Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham made an appearance at the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race, taking a photo with actress Sydney Sweeney. The event took place at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, on Sunday. Cunningham, who previously played for the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, served as the honorary pace car driver at the event, while Sweeney was there to promote her upcoming film, ‘Christy.’
Cunningham posted a photo of herself and Sweeney on social media, accompanied by a cheeky quip. ‘One of us forgot our t—s at home,’ she wrote, referencing the actress’ glamorous appearance at Variety’s Power of Women event, where she wore a sheer dress. Sweeney, however, was dressed for the races on Sunday, which added a touch of humor to the situation.
Speaking at the Championship Four stage, Cunningham addressed the excited crowd. ‘Most days, this checkered flag means victory, but today, it means something more,’ she said. ‘A dream realized, a life changed, a name that will never be forgotten. In my new film ‘Christy,’ I play a warrior. A fighter who refused to quit. ‘Christy’ is about grit, about determination – the same spirit that it takes to make it to the Championship Four.’ She then turned her attention to the drivers, encouraging them to remember what the flag stood for as they competed for the title.
Kyle Larson eventually outlasted Denny Hamlin to capture his second Cup Series championship, marking the end of the race. Meanwhile, Cunningham is currently rehabilitating from a season-ending right knee injury, which has left her unable to play the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season. The league and players’ union are in ongoing negotiations over the new collective bargaining agreement, with the outcome yet to be determined. Sweeney’s film, ‘Christy,’ is set to be released later this week.