Overview
- Sophie Cunningham joined country singer Cole Swindell to give the official “start your engines” command at the NASCAR Cup Series championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
- The Homestead role was at least her third NASCAR-related appearance this season after serving as an Arby’s brand ambassador in Atlanta and working as a pit-road reporter at Gateway.
- Cunningham recently waved the checkered flag at the Formula 1 race in Austin and has repeatedly taken ceremonial and media roles that move her public profile beyond basketball.
- Her track visits included walk-throughs of garage areas, on-camera work for USA Network, and personal exchanges with drivers who gave her gifts and praised her, signaling growing access to racing circles.
- Past appearances have drawn online criticism focused on her prior public comments about transgender athletes, raising reputational risks for event organizers and renewed scrutiny of guest vetting.