On Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, former collegiate swimmer and women’s sports advocate Riley Gaines delivered the pre-race invocation for NASCAR’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. Gaines, a 12-time All-American swimmer from the University of Kentucky, has been a prominent voice in advocating for fairness in women’s sports.
Expressing her excitement prior to the event, Gaines stated, “It’s a surreal honor to deliver the pre-race invocation for Sunday’s race at Circuit of the Americas. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead this moment of prayer to our Heavenly Father, asking for safety, sportsmanship, and a spirit of unity for everyone—the drivers, teams, and fans alike.”
Gaines also acknowledged the significance of her role, noting that few women have had the opportunity to deliver the invocation at NASCAR events. She mentioned sports journalist Sage Steele, who performed a similar role at the same race two years prior, as a role model.
The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix marked the third official race of the NASCAR season, with drivers competing over 95 laps on the road track. The event was broadcast on FOX, featuring commentators Mike Joy, Clint Bowyer, and Kevin Harvick.
Gaines’s participation in the event underscores NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to engage with diverse figures who embody the sport’s values of unity, sportsmanship, and national pride.
