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Sydney Sweeney had racing fans’ hearts racing Sunday before the green flag waved during the NASCAR Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway.
Sweeney took the stage with a checkered flag and reminded William Byron, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe what victory would mean for their legacies.
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Sydney Sweeney poses for a portrait at the 28th SCAD Savannah Film Festival on October 27, 2025 in Savannah, Georgia. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SCAD)
“Most of the time this checkered flag means victory, but today it means something more,” she said. “A dream fulfilled, a life changed, a name that will never be forgotten. In my new film ‘Christy,’ I play a warrior. A fighter who refused to give up. ‘Christy’ is about courage, determination – the same spirit it takes to make it to the Championship Four.
“So, to our future champion, remember what this flag represents. You are not just another driver, you are a NASCAR champion.”
SYDNEY SWEENEY FEELS LIKE A “CAGED ANIMAL” IN HOLLYWOOD, BUT FINDS FREEDOM BY FLAVING HER CURVES
Sydney Sweeney arrives at the AFI FEST 2025 Premiere – “Christy” at TCL Chinese Theater on October 25, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)
Sweeney will play boxer Christy Martin in her new film. The film looks back at the legendary fighter’s career and her husband’s attempt to assassinate her in 2010. The film is expected to be released later this week.
The actress wore a racing jacket, boots and shorts as she entered the track in Avondale, Arizona.
She recently spoke about the challenges that come with being a Hollywood movie star.
“I play a lot of very controversial characters and I think a lot of people think they know me, but they don’t,” she told Variety. “So when people think, ‘Ah, she’s a sex symbol’ or ‘She’s leaning into that,’ I’m like, ‘No, I just feel good, I’m doing it for me and I feel strong.’
Actress Sydney Sweeney gave a speech at a NASCAR race. (Getty Images)
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“And I hope I can inspire other women to be confident, flaunt what they have and feel good about themselves because you shouldn’t have to apologize or hide or cover up in any room.”
