WNBA star Sophie Cunningham found a new spotlight away from basketball after attending Sunday’s Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway near St. Louis.
The Indiana Fever guard crossed paths with two major sports icons, NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon, during her visit to the track on September 13.
Sophie Cunningham Meets Michael Jordan at NASCAR
Cunningham’s appearance at the NASCAR race quickly attracted attention after photos showed her meeting Michael Jordan and Jeff Gordon on pit road.
Jordan is not only one of basketball’s most recognizable figures but also a co-owner of 23XI Racing, giving him a major connection to NASCAR. Gordon, meanwhile, is a four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and remains one of the sport’s most influential personalities.
For Cunningham, the event offered an opportunity to experience NASCAR from a different perspective while the WNBA is on its midseason break for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Cunningham Embraces NASCAR Experience
The Indiana Fever star was more than just a spectator at the race. Cunningham appeared on Kenny Wallace’s pre-race show in the fan zone and later worked with USA Network’s NASCAR coverage.
Her appearance with Wallace also produced one of the day’s lighter moments. Cunningham, who was a football kicker during her high school years, attempted to kick a football off the stage but ended up knocking over a microphone stand.
She also spent time around the garage area, meeting several NASCAR drivers, including Carson Hocevar, Riley Herbst, Austin Dillon, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney.
Cunningham signed hats for Dillon’s children, while Elliott gave her NAPA Auto Parts racing jackets and Blaney presented her with a bottle of bourbon.
Sophie Cunningham Talks Mental Game
During her conversation with Kenny Wallace and John Roberts, Cunningham discussed the importance of the mental side of competition.
Known for her competitive personality and fiery exchanges on the WNBA court, Cunningham explained that getting inside an opponent’s head can be part of the game.
She also addressed recent attention surrounding comments from radio personality Colin Cowherd, who had referred to her as a “sex symbol.”
Cunningham used the moment to emphasize that female athletes can embrace their femininity while still competing at the highest level.
Cunningham Calls NASCAR Community ‘Amazing’
Cunningham clearly enjoyed her experience at the track and praised the people she met throughout the day.
She described the NASCAR community as welcoming and said she felt like she belonged around the sport.
The WNBA guard also took on a pit road reporting role during the race, joining USA Network’s coverage between the opening stages. Cunningham has previously worked as an analyst for USA Network during the WNBA season.
Her NASCAR appearance therefore became another example of her growing presence across sports media.
Kyle Larson Wins Wild NASCAR Race
While Cunningham was enjoying her day at the track, the Enjoy Illinois 300 delivered plenty of action on the circuit.
Kyle Larson ended a 51-race winless streak by taking victory after a dramatic double-overtime finish. The race also featured a season-high 18 caution flags.
That made for an eventful afternoon both on and off the track, with Cunningham’s interactions with Jordan, Gordon and NASCAR drivers becoming a major talking point.
Sophie Cunningham Returns to WNBA Action
Cunningham entered the NASCAR weekend during an important period for the Indiana Fever. The WNBA season was paused while players competed in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
The Fever guard has been an important contributor off the bench during her eighth WNBA season. She is averaging 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 43.4 percent from three-point range.
With Team USA defeating France to win the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, the WNBA is set to resume later this week.
Indiana is scheduled to return to action on Friday, September 18, against the Toronto Tempo.
For Cunningham, however, the WNBA break provided a memorable detour. Her meeting with Michael Jordan and Jeff Gordon, along with her unexpected broadcasting and pit-road duties, made her NASCAR appearance one of the weekend’s most talked-about crossover sports moments.
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