The WNBA’s Sophie Cunningham walked into an absolute lovefest at Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300, where she got to meet legendary driver Jeff Gordon and even team owner Michael Jordan.
‘You guys are salt of the earth people,’ the Indiana Fever reserve told the NASCAR on USA panel before the race east of St. Louis. ‘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.’
But while Cunningham was visibly excited just to receive some NASCAR merchandise and interact with fans, Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon was thrilled to meet her because of her beliefs.
‘We’re huge fans,’ he told her before the race in one online clip. ‘We love what you stand for. That’s the biggest thing.’
Dillon did not specify which beliefs of Cunningham’s he supported, but the 30-year-old Missouri product has become a darling among conservatives over her public objections to transgender athletes in women’s sports.
The driver is known for his own conservative political views. In addition to publicly supporting Republican President Donald Trump, Dillon and his team also sported Charlie Kirk decals after the conservative podcaster’s murder last year.
Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillon was thrilled to meet Cunningham on Sunday
Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever attends the drivers meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at WWT Raceway east of St. Louis on Sunday afternoon
Sophie Cunningham poses for a photo with Riley Herbst, driver of the #35 Toyota
Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever (L) and Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Spectrum Chevrolet, talk during the drivers meeting prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300
Others were interested to discuss Cunningham’s recent interview with Colin Cowherd, who described her as the WNBA’s ‘sex symbol.’ Asked about the comment while speaking with Kenny Wallace in the pre-race fan zone, Cunningham did not run away from that description.
‘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.’
Cunningham seemed to meet just about everyone on Sunday, including Dillon, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney. She even signed hats for Dillon’s children while receiving a bottle of bourbon from Blaney, USA Today reported.
She also took some time during the race to show off her pit-road outfit – black leather shorts and a matching tank top – before showing her love for the stock-car crowd.
‘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.’
With the FIBA World Cup now over, the Fever will be back in action on Friday when the team travels to Toronto to face the Tempo. The Fever are currently in fifth place at 26-14.
Dillon would finish sixth on Sunday, while Kyle Larson picked up the win.
