NASCAR Championship Race Heats Up with Sydney Sweeney

Before the NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, Sydney Sweeney got fans of horse racing quite excited.

Taking the stage with the iconic checkered flag, she spoke to drivers William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and Chase Brisco, emphasizing the significance of victory in their careers.

“Most days, this checkered flag means victory, but today it means so much more,” she mentioned. “A dream came true, a life changed, and a name I’ll never forget. In my new movie, ‘Christie,’ I play a warrior who refuses to quit. ‘Christie’ embodies grit and determination, much like what it takes to reach the Championship 4.”

She encouraged upcoming champions by stating, “Remember what this flag stands for: You’re not just a driver, you’re a NASCAR champion.”

Sweeney, who portrays boxer Christy Martin in the film, reflects on the legendary athlete’s life and the challenges she faced, including a 2010 attempted murder by her husband. The movie is expected to hit theaters soon.

Arriving at the Avondale, Arizona racetrack in a racing jacket, boots, and shorts, she opened up about her experiences in Hollywood.

“I often play very divisive characters, and I think people assume they know me, but they really don’t,” she shared with Variety. “When some say I’m a ‘sex symbol,’ I just want to clarify that I’m simply feeling good and strong because I do it for myself.”

She hopes to inspire other women to embrace their confidence and not feel the need to hide or apologize for who they are. “There’s no need to patch up in any room,” she added, reinforcing that authenticity matters.