“Probably Wondering Why I Am Not At The Gym”: Sophie Cunningham Finds Herself Dodging Michael Jordan Amid Unexpected NASCAR Appearance

With everybody busy in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has ticked off another sport in her list after her unexpected appearance on the NASCAR pit lane.

With the WNBA still on a break due to the World Cup, Cunningham found herself as a special guest pit reporter for the race at Gateway, contributing to the USA broadcast and also seeing the speed machines up close.

However, while she’s soaking up all the experience in NASCAR, one particular person had her running off the pit lane because of his greatness.

“I got to be down here with Jeff Gordon. I saw Michael Jordan as well. He is probably wondering why I am not at the gym taking shoots and hoops. So, I tried to get away from him as fast as possible,” Sophie Cunningham explained regarding the experience.

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“I got to be down here with Jeff Gordon. I saw Michael Jordan as well. He is probably wondering why I am not at the gym taking shoots and hoops. So, I tried to get away from him as fast as possible,” Sophie Cunningham explained regarding the experience.

Before the start of the race, Cunningham had the opportunity to meet NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon. However, her encounter with Jordan was far bigger than meeting Gordon because of their common interest.

Videos showed Cunningham exchanging pleasantries and shaking hands with the six-time NBA champion.

Thanks to the World Cup, Cunningham had the opportunity to explore a whole new sport in her vocabulary, while meeting a legend in the sport that she’s more known for. With the quadrennial tournament now down with Team USA bagging its fifth straight title, the WNBA will soon resume, with Cunningham and the Fever taking on the Toronto Tempo on September 18.

While Sophie Cunningham tried to dodge Michael Jordan during the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, the Indiana Fever star couldn’t hide her happiness after everything she experienced that day.

May 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) and guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrate a made shot with guard Raven Johnson (3) in the second half against the Golden State Valkyries at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

In a video shared by NASCAR on USA on X, Cunningham flexed her race-day fit while talking about her experience at Gateway.

“We’re here in Illinois with NASCAR. It’s been the best day of my entire life. I feel these are my people. I belong here. I’m wearing all-black; I got my leather on, boots on. I’m pulling out my Talladega nights, baby,” she said.

“We’re here in Illinois with NASCAR. It’s been the best day of my entire life. I feel these are my people. I belong here. I’m wearing all-black; I got my leather on, boots on. I’m pulling out my Talladega nights, baby,” she said.

Cunningham’s role as an “athlete contributor” for the USA broadcast allowed her to visit several NASCAR garages, join pre-race festivities, and even exchange pleasantries with the basketball legend, Michael Jordan, who owns 23XI Racing Team.

Jul 15, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) celebrates a made basket while Golden State Valkyries guard Kaila Charles (6) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images