Sydney Sweeney spent Sunday, November 2, at Phoenix Raceway, joining in on the excitement of the NASCAR championship as she promoted her upcoming film. Christie.
The 28-year-old plays Christy Martin, the famous boxer whose life story includes surviving her husband’s attempt to kill her.
Before the race began, Sweeney took the stage to address the four drivers vying for the title: Chase Briscoe, William Byron, Denny Hamlin and Kyle Larson.
She associated the intensity of the championship with her role in the film, telling the crowd: “Most of the time, that checkered flag means victory, but today it means something more. A dream fulfilled, a life changed, a name that will never be forgotten.”
She shared that her character in Christy embodies resilience, saying, “In my new film ‘Christy,’ I play a warrior. A fighter who refuses 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’re not just another driver, you’re a NASCAR champion.
Dressed in a racing-inspired look, complete with a bold red jacket, shorts and boots, Sweeney fit in perfectly with the energetic, sold-out crowd.
The actress recently opened up about the physical preparation needed to play the boxing icon. She shared on SiriusXM that she gained about 35 pounds for the role and relied on heavy protein shakes and Uncrustables to achieve it.
Calling it a major challenge, she explained that entering Christy’s life meant undertaking both an emotional and physical transformation, saying the character’s journey involved “a lot of growth, a lot of pain and a lot of understanding.”
She added that the physical change alone “meant a lot.”
Sweeney later reflected on the experience in an Instagram post, calling the project “one of the most moving and transformative experiences of my life.”
She wrote about Christy Martin’s presence on set, noting how meaningful it was to see her clapping during filming. The presence of the real boxer moved her deeply. Sweeney said Christy’s story represents survival and strength, and she hopes audiences feel that way when watching the film.
She also teased that viewers will get to see her “kick some serious ass,” joking that she may have enjoyed those scenes a little too much.
Ending her message, she expressed her gratitude for the role and said she will always carry this experience with her, excited that fans will eventually get to see Christy’s story come to life.
