Potential Collaboration Between Women’s Basketball and NASCAR in 2025
2025 might just mark the beginning of an exciting partnership between women’s basketball and NASCAR.
This weekend, stock car racing and women’s basketball will intersect at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in Daytona.
“It’s a privilege to wave the green flag at the Coke Zero Sugar 400,” Johnson expressed. “Being part of this legendary moment is really something special, and I’m excited to bring my energy to the track. It’s definitely going to be memorable.”
This isn’t the first instance of a presence from women’s college basketball at one of NASCAR’s iconic tracks. In 2022, the successful South Carolina coach, Dawn Staley, had the honor of driving a pace car at Darlington.
Hailing from Savannah, Georgia, Johnson is becoming a well-known figure in women’s college basketball as she heads into her senior season at LSU. She’s a likely candidate for the lottery in the upcoming 2026 WNBA Draft. With impressive stats last season—averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game—she stood out alongside USC’s Juju Watkins.
Interestingly, Johnson also pursues a music career as a rapper under Jay-Z’s Lock Nation. Her recent invitation to Daytona is just another highlight in her growing list of opportunities. It’s worth noting that she doesn’t appear to partner with brands like JBL, Taco Bell, Powerade, or Puma.
A three-time All-SEC selection, Johnson played a key role in LSU’s national championship victory in 2023. The Tigers, featuring her talent, triumphed over Iowa, led by Caitlin Clark from Dallas, Texas. Last year, a representation of Clark was even showcased on the hood of Josh Berry’s car, sponsored by Panini.
As Johnson waves the green flag, WWE’s Rey Mysterio takes on the role of grand marshal, signaling everyone to “start the engines.”
“Ray will certainly bring his high-energy flair for the engine start, while Johnson passionately waves the green flag under the lights,” stated Speedway President Frank Kelleher in a news release. “Their star presence sets the scene for a memorable evening at the World Center of Racing.”
This particular race holds significance on the NASCAR schedule, being the last one before the playoff season kicks off. Drivers are vying fiercely for a spot in the 16-driver postseason field, as they compete in this important early-season race at the renowned speedway. William Byron, known as the 24th Chevrolet driver and regular season champion, clinched victory at the Daytona 500 earlier this February.
