Sophie Cunningham, Cole Swindell gave Homestead NASCAR start command
NXTbets Pro | Published On: November 9, 2026
Cunningham command at Homestead
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and country singer Cole Swindell handled the pre-race “Drivers, start your engines!” command at the NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Cunningham opened with the word “Gentlemen.” NASCAR shared video of the moment online. Cunningham was visible around the speedway as well, spending time with fans at the speedway. For NASCAR, the pre-race command came from a pair of guests with different backgrounds, one from basketball and one from country music. Cunningham’s delivery, and the fact that she began with “Gentlemen,” became the detail that stuck with many viewers.
Fan reaction to Cunningham
The Homestead appearance drew mixed reactions from NASCAR fans online. Some praised Cunningham as a role model for young women, and others liked the classic phrasing after she started with “Gentlemen.” Some fans questioned why NASCAR put Cunningham in that position, and some critics attacked the decision on social media. At Homestead, the reaction centered on the command itself, the first word she used and the fact that NASCAR put video of the moment online.
Cunningham’s growing list
Homestead was Cunningham’s third NASCAR appearance of the year, after stops at Atlanta Motor Speedway and World Wide Technology Raceway. Her reach in sports has gone well beyond one series. She worked as a guest pit road reporter for USA Network, waved the checkered flag at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin and appeared as an Octagon Girl at UFC 329. She also served as an honorary pace car driver at last year’s NASCAR Cup Series Championship in Phoenix. Put together, those appearances show a growing list of motorsports and combat-sports appearances for Cunningham. Homestead gave her another high-visibility moment.
