(Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Sophie Cunningham Steps Into NASCAR Spotlight in Atlanta

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Thomas Carelli | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 6:41 PM ET

NASCAR is a promoter's heaven, as there seem to be endless brands represented at every race weekend. This is a staple of the sport, with the most iconic cars being known for their sponsors, such as Jimmie Johnson x Lowes and Tony Stewart x Home Depot.

Arby's is the latest brand to take over NASCAR. On Friday and Saturday, Carson Kvapil has been the talk of the town with his eye-popping Arby's "Meats" firesuit. For the O'Reilly Series race itself, Arby's brought in Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever (WNBA). As she is such a big name in sports and social media, she is now bringing some buzz to the race.

Talk about UNMISSABLE. pic.twitter.com/j6fNuM9qAU
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) February 20, 2026

Sophie Cunningham x Arby's x NASCAR

HAMPTON, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 20: Carson Kvapil, driver of the #1 Arby's Chevrolet, enters his car during qualifying for the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 at Echo Park Speedway on February 20, 2026 in Hampton, Georgia. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Arby's is actually a sponsor of JR Motorsports and Dirty Mo Media. The brand has shifted from its previous association to now working with JR Motorsports in a multi-year deal. People love Arby's, and this weekend, they join forces with the Carson Kvapil No.1 Chevrolet. In turn, they bring some pop with Sophie Cunningham.

I stand on it too…. but extra sauce. pic.twitter.com/ahzAvQERPH
— Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) February 21, 2026

The fast-food roast beef chain, Arby's, had signed Cunningham back in 2025. They hailed this campaign "Hot Girls Eat Arby's." She has 1.3 million followers on Instagram, so it's perhaps not such a bad marketing idea.

Cunningham plays WNBA basketball alongside Caitlin Clark on the Indiana Fever. She is widely considered one of the league's most well-known stars, despite being a mid-tier player.

At the event, Cunningham has been around, shooting bits for social media, meeting fans, and serving as an ambassador for JR Motorsports.

Arby's will continue to reach the NASCAR audience this season as it will be featured with all four JR Motorsports cars and drivers. They will also be a feature sponsor in the Dirty Mo Media podcast network, which airs drivers such as Denny Hamlin and Corey LaJoie.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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