Sydney Sweeney Stuns Fans with Surprise Appearance at NASCAR Championship
Actress Sydney Sweeney attended the NASCAR Championship at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, November 2, as part of her promotional tour for her upcoming film.
Sweeney, 28, stars in Christy, a film that recounts the remarkable story of legendary boxer Christy Martin and her husband’s attempted murder of her.
During the driver introductions before the race, the actress delivered a speech to the four championship contenders, connecting her character in the movie to the significance of the race.
“Most days, this checkered flag signifies victory, but today, it represents something greater,” Sweeney told the drivers. “It symbolizes a dream fulfilled, a life transformed, a name that will endure.”
She added: “In my upcoming film ‘Christy,’ I portray a warrior. A fighter who never gives up. ‘Christy’ embodies grit and determination—the same spirit needed to reach the Championship Four. So, to our future champion, keep in mind what this flag represents. You are not just another driver; you are a NASCAR champion.”
Chase Briscoe, William Byron, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson are the four drivers competing for the championship on Sunday.
Dressed for the occasion, Sweeney sported a racing jacket, shorts, and red boots as she mingled with the sold-out crowd at the race.
She recently disclosed that she gained 35 pounds for the new movie, consuming “countless protein shakes” and Uncrustables to physically transform into her character.
“It was quite a challenge,” she explained during an interview on Sirius XM on Wednesday, October 29, discussing her physical transformation. “The emotional journey throughout [Christy’s] life is filled with significant growth, pain, and understanding.”
She noted: “The physical change I undertook was substantial.”
In an Instagram post, Sweeney shared that after filming wrapped, she described the experience as “one of the most emotional and transformative moments of my life.”
“Christy’s journey is truly inspiring, and having her alongside me during this process felt surreal,” she wrote, sharing a photo of herself with Martin. “There were times on set when I’d look over at her by the monitors, cheering us on, and I would feel incredibly emotional. Knowing what she has endured and how hard she fought to be there made me want to cry.”
The post continued: “This narrative is so much larger than just a film. It serves as a testament to resilience, survival, and the strength to keep fighting. I’m eager for you all to see it—not just because I’m proud of my transformation and the hard work I’ve invested in it, but because Christy’s story truly deserves to be told. And yes, you’ll see me kick some serious butt (like, seriously), but most importantly, you’ll experience a tale as powerful as the woman who lived it. I will carry this experience with me forever and look forward to sharing more.”
The Euphoria and Anyone But You star is familiar with sporting events, having recently attended Game 4 of the 2025 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays, donning a Dodgers jersey.
Christy is set to premiere on Friday, November 7.
