By admin 
Sophie Cunningham and the Indiana Fever have officially returned to practice as the return of the 2026 WNBA season inches closer, with Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston helping Team USA win gold at the 2026 FIBA World Cup. And on Friday, the Fever, sitting at 26-14, will return to action as they hit the road to face Sandy Brondello and the Toronto Tempo.
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Cunningham has become a key part of coach Stephanie White’s rotation, averaging 8.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game off the bench. But the former Phoenix Mercury guard has made the most of her WNBA break, returning to her hometown in Missouri, while potentially revealing her relationship status.
But with less than a week until Indiana faces Toronto, Cunningham wasn’t done making moves during the break, teaming up with NASCAR on Sunday.
Cunningham made her way to the World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois, for Sunday afternoon’s NASCAR Cup Series race. And she was a major feature during the event, meeting fans, getting a chance to go onto the track and even gearing up as a member of USA Sports.
“So we’re here in Illinois with NASCAR,” Cunningham said. “It’s been the best day in my entire life. I feel like these are my people. I belong here. I’m wearing all black. I got my leather on, I got the leather boots on. I’m pulling out my Talladega Nights baby.”
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Cunningham even got to meet many major names in NASCAR, including drivers Ryan Blaney and Chase Elliott, along with driving legend Jeff Gordon and former NBA superstar Michael Jordan. She even got a chance to speak during the USA Sports pregame show, before revealing everything she had done at the event.
“You are the salt of your people,” Cunningham commented to the USA Sports pregame crew. “Truly, you guys are an amazing group of men. And I got to hang out with Ryan. I got to hang out with Chase, Carson (Hocevar). Austin (Dillon) was absolutely amazing. And so, it’s been really cool to talk to them about racing cars. But also just getting to know them outside of the track. You guys truly are amazing. I’ve had a heck of a day, it’s been a lot of fun.”
Welcome to the track, Sophie! 🏁
Sophie Cunningham takes us through her day at World Wide Technology Raceway. pic.twitter.com/LOB0VFTYOK
— NASCAR on USA (@NASCARonUSA) September 13, 2026
Cunningham and the Fever will face the Tempo on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on ION.
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This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 3:30 PM.