Daily News 19

Tag: World Wide Technology Raceway

  • Austin Dillon Makes Feelings on Sophie Cunningham Clear During NASCAR Visit

    Austin Dillon Makes Feelings on Sophie Cunningham Clear During NASCAR Visit

    Sophie Cunningham Gets Warm Welcome From NASCAR Stars at Gateway

    WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham received a memorable introduction to NASCAR during her visit to World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday, with Austin Dillon making his admiration particularly clear. The Indiana Fever player spent the Cup Series race weekend immersed in the garage area, meeting drivers, touring team haulers, and experiencing the sport from the inside.

    Dillon Delivers Personal Welcome and RCR Gear

    Cunningham’s stop with the Richard Childress Racing driver turned into one of the day’s most personal exchanges. Dillon offered more than a standard greeting, presenting Cunningham with a large bag filled with RCR merchandise including shirts, hats, memorabilia, and fishing gear. Cunningham reciprocated by signing hats for Dillon’s children.

    “We’re huge fans,” Dillon told Cunningham. “We love what you stand for. That’s the biggest thing.”

    The interaction highlighted a mutual respect that extended beyond the garage. Dillon went on to finish sixth in the Cup Series race later that afternoon.

    Cunningham Tours Garage, Meets NASCAR’s Biggest Names

    Cunningham arrived as one of the weekend’s most recognizable visitors but didn’t remain on the sidelines. She moved through the garage spending time with several Cup Series drivers including Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, and Carson Hocevar. She also crossed paths with NASCAR legends Jeff Gordon and team owner Michael Jordan before the green flag.

    Reflecting on her experience afterward, Cunningham singled out Dillon while describing the drivers she met.

    “Salt of the earth people. Amazing group of men,” Cunningham said. “I got to hang out with Ryan [Blaney]. I got to hang out with Chase [Elliott]. Carson [Hocevar]. Austin [Dillon] was absolutely amazing.”

    Drivers Send Cunningham Home With Personalized Gifts

    Dillon wasn’t the only driver who ensured Cunningham left with tangible memories. Elliott gifted her NAPA Auto Parts racing jackets, while Blaney presented a bottle of bourbon. Between the gifts, garage visits, and conversations, Cunningham received an unusually close introduction to some of NASCAR’s most prominent personalities.

    She appeared equally interested in the people behind the helmets as in the racing itself.

    “So it’s been really cool to, you know, talk to them,” Cunningham said. “Cool to, you know, talk to them about racing cars and what not. Also just getting to know them outside of the track.”

    Crossover Storyline Dominates Gateway Weekend

    Cunningham’s enthusiasm was evident throughout the day, which included time around the haulers, interactions with fans and drivers, and a front-row perspective on a Cup Series weekend. The crossover quickly became one of the most discussed off-track storylines surrounding the Gateway event.

    By the time she left the track, Cunningham had collected far more than merchandise. She spent the day getting to know NASCAR’s biggest names, with Dillon making it abundantly clear the respect was mutual.

  • Sophie Cunningham’s Football Kick Goes Hilariously Wrong Before NASCAR Race

    Sophie Cunningham’s Football Kick Goes Hilariously Wrong Before NASCAR Race

    Sophie Cunningham’s Football Kick Goes Awry at NASCAR Event

    Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham provided a lighthearted moment during pre-race festivities for the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race when a promotional football kicking attempt did not go as planned.

    Promotional Stunt Takes Unexpected Turn

    Cunningham, known for her competitive fire on the basketball court, lined up for a placekicking demonstration at the event. She approached the attempt with apparent focus, even removing her shoes to secure better traction on the ball. However, the execution went sideways when her kick sailed wide of the target and crashed directly into a nearby microphone stand.

    Star Takes Mishap in Stride

    Far from being embarrassed, the WNBA veteran laughed off the mishap. The sequence showed Cunningham’s ability to handle an awkward moment with humor, turning a missed kick into a viral highlight that showcased her personality off the hardwood.

    The Enjoy Illinois 300 marks a key stop on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, and Cunningham’s appearance was part of the crossover entertainment programming surrounding the race weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway.

  • Sophie Cunningham Serves as NASCAR Pit Road Reporter During WNBA Break

    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.