Flau’Jae Johnson Bridges NASCAR and Women’s Basketball at Daytona

In a pretty unexpected crossover between women’s basketball and NASCAR, LSU’s Flau’Jae Johnson is set to wave the green flag at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in Daytona.

This kind of collaboration keeps popping up more often, blending fans from both worlds and turning some heads. Johnson, a standout guard for LSU and a rising star in women’s basketball, will be the honorary starter for the race.

The event shines a light on Johnson’s many talents and adds another notch in the growing relationship between women’s basketball and NASCAR.

The Intersection of Women’s Basketball and NASCAR

Lately, there’s been a noticeable uptick in collaborations between women’s basketball and NASCAR. You might see this in paint schemes on race cars, with famous female athletes and teams front and center.

For example, Alex Bowman’s car featured Unrivaled’s logo at Homestead in Miami. Ryan Preece’s ride showed off Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas at the Brickyard 400.

Carson Hocevar raced with the Indiana Fever’s logo during the All-Star event, which just cements the connection between these two sports even more.

Flau’Jae Johnson: A Rising Star

Flau’Jae Johnson, who grew up in Savannah, Georgia, has quickly become one of the big names in women’s college basketball. Heading into her senior year at LSU, she’s ready to make waves both on and off the court.

At 5-foot-10, this All-American guard has some eye-catching stats. She was one of just two Power 4 players last season to average at least 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.

USC’s JuJu Watkins was the only other player to hit those numbers.

Flau’Jae Johnson’s Multifaceted Talents

But basketball isn’t Johnson’s only thing—she’s also a rapper, signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation. Her energy and versatility have opened up plenty of doors in the spotlight.

Besides waving the green flag at Daytona, Johnson has landed NIL deals with big names like JBL, Taco Bell, Powerade, and Puma. These partnerships show off her marketability and her growing influence as a role model for young athletes.

Previous Collaborations in NASCAR

This isn’t the first time women’s basketball and NASCAR have crossed paths. In 2022, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, fresh off her second national title, drove the pace car at Darlington.

Caitlin Clark’s face even appeared on the hood of Josh Berry’s stockcar at the Brickyard, thanks to Panini. These moments keep pushing women’s sports into the NASCAR spotlight and give female athletes more visibility.

The Significance of the Coke Zero Sugar 400

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 is a huge moment on the NASCAR calendar, acting as the last race before the playoffs kick off. Drivers hoping to grab one of the 16 postseason spots will be fighting for every inch at this legendary track.

William Byron, who drives the No. 24 Chevy and already snagged the regular season championship, won the Daytona 500 back in February. Stakes are sky-high, and the star power from other sports just adds to the buzz.

Rey Mysterio as Grand Marshal

WWE legend Rey Mysterio will join the fun as grand marshal for the Coke Zero Sugar 400. He’s famous for his high-flying energy and will handle the iconic *start your engines* call, setting the tone for a wild night at the World Center of Racing.

Speedway President Frank Kelleher thinks Mysterio’s energy, paired with Johnson’s excitement, is going to make this a race fans won’t soon forget.

The Impact of Cross-Sport Collaborations

These cross-sport moments aren’t just clever marketing. They’re part of a bigger push for more inclusivity and respect for women’s sports.

When female athletes take center stage at big NASCAR events, it boosts visibility and helps the appreciation for women’s sports grow. That kind of exposure can inspire the next wave of female athletes and fans.