Flau’jae Johnson, standout guard for LSU women’s basketball, stepped into the motorsports spotlight during the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, making her Toni Breidinger NASCAR Daytona appearance a memorable event. The multi-sport star was welcomed warmly by drivers and fans as she waved the green flag, marking a unique crossover from the basketball court to the racetrack.
On the heels of an impressive basketball season, Johnson traveled to Daytona, where she was embraced both by the NASCAR community and her LSU team with playful and supportive messages. Amanda Barbee, LSU’s associate athletic trainer, lightened the mood, posting on social media,
“Looking for Flau’jae, hope she doesn’t drop the flag,”
—Amanda Barbee, LSU Athletic Trainer—in a humorous nod to Johnson’s first time as a race honorary starter. Johnson quickly reassured fans and teammates in her own words,
“My babies, I don’t drop the flag.”
—Flau’jae Johnson, LSU Guard
Her anticipation and joy for the honor were evident, as she shared,
“Getting to wave the green flag at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 is such an honor. I’m hyped to be part of something this legendary and bring my energy to the track. This is going to be a moment to remember!”
—Flau’jae Johnson, LSU Guard The moment further captured her competitive and energetic spirit, which has become her hallmark throughout an already lauded career at LSU.
In the lead-up to the race, Johnson continued to display excitement, promising her followers,
“I’m not gonna drop the flag, I promise. So excited”
—Flau’jae Johnson, LSU Guard—a testament to her confidence and commitment.
Building Community in NASCAR and College Basketball
Toni Breidinger, a prominent NASCAR driver, took to social media to offer a warm welcome to Johnson, signaling growing connections between athletes from different worlds. Breidinger’s shoutout affirmed that Johnson’s presence was appreciated in the traditionally close-knit realm of NASCAR. The exchange fostered goodwill and showcased the versatility of women athletes making strides in new arenas.
The recent honor for Johnson recalled similar moments in sports, such as when South Carolina’s esteemed coach Dawn Staley drove the pace car at Darlington following her 2022 national championship—highlighting the increasing intersection between women’s basketball and major motorsports events. These appearances shine a light on the achievements of women in both collegiate basketball and auto racing, expanding the reach and appeal of these sports.
Continuing Excellence on the Basketball Court
While Johnson’s day at Daytona brought a new kind of attention, her impact for the LSU Tigers has remained front and center. In a recent Elite Eight matchup against UCLA, she delivered an outstanding individual performance with 28 points and four rebounds, reinforcing her role as a game-changer. Although LSU fell short in that contest, her coach, Kim Mulkey, offered high praise:
“That’s the essence of what All-Americans do; they find ways to influence the game, and Flau’Jae certainly did that.”
—Kim Mulkey, LSU Head Coach
Coach Mulkey also emphasized Johnson’s leadership and stamina this season, where the guard averaged 18.6 points per game. Her ability to inspire on and off the court was further underlined by supportive figures like Amanda Barbee, who plays a significant behind-the-scenes role for the basketball team. Barbee’s expertise, developed over years at LSU and the University of Houston, helps sustain the Tigers’ competitive edge and player support.
A Moment with Lasting Impact
As Flau’jae Johnson expands her profile beyond basketball, her appearance at Daytona symbolizes more than a ceremonial gesture—it demonstrates the growing synergy between sports communities and the influence of figures such as Toni Breidinger in welcoming new personalities. The moment hints at a future where athletes navigate arenas as varied as the basketball court and the racetrack, breaking traditional boundaries and inspiring new generations of fans to follow their passions wherever they may lead.
