Katherine Legge is set to carve her name in NASCAR history this weekend, becoming the first woman to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series since Danica Patrick's last race at the 2018 Daytona 500. The 44-year-old British racer will take the wheel of the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports during the Shriners Children's 500 at Phoenix Raceway.
Legge, who boasts extensive experience across multiple racing disciplines, including IndyCar and IMSA, has previously started five times in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Her most recent race was at Road America last year. Saturday's race will mark her second time racing on an oval track; the first was back in 2018 at Richmond International Raceway.
“Entering the NASCAR Cup Series is a dream come true,” Legge expressed, enthusiasm radiant through her voice. “I’m excited to team up with Live Fast Motorsports for Phoenix and to represent our sponsors DROPLiGHT and Sherfick Companies. Racing stock cars has been an incredibly fun and new challenge, giving me renewed vigor for this sport. I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love, and I am inspired by all the effort and preparation behind the scenes.”
This occurrence is particularly noteworthy as it highlights a significant moment for women in motorsport. Legge's participation not only marks her return to competitive driving at the highest level of stock car racing but also signifies the first time since 2010, when Patrick drove for team owner Kelly Earnhardt Miller, where both the driver and team owner are women.
Live Fast Motorsports, co-owned by Jessica McLeod, is fielding the No. 78 Chevrolet. The team is considered part-time within the NASCAR Cup Series with plans to run seven races this season. Acknowledging this milestone, Jessica McLeod shared, “We’re happy to partner with Katherine for this race. This opportunity to have such a versatile and dynamic championship-winning driver join our program is exciting for everyone on our team.”
While Legge's stock car experience is limited, she brings with her an impressive background. Aside from her five Xfinity starts, she has competed at the Indianapolis 500 four times, with her recent effort boasting the fastest qualifying record for any woman when she reached 231.070 mph last year. Throughout her career, she has accumulated invaluable experience, racing everything from sports cars to open-wheel racing, and is aiming to bring this breadth of knowledge to her NASCAR debut.
Legge has already had her share of challenges. Her last outing at Daytona, during the ARCA Menards season opener, ended prematurely due to being caught up in an early incident. “That was chaotic for sure,” she commented about her experience. “I know what happened, but it also provided me with important lessons. Now I have another chance at Phoenix to really establish myself.”
The Shriners Children's 500 is set to take place on March 9, with the green flag waving at 2:30 p.m. CT. While the No. 78 entry is open, Legge confirms she is not concerned about making the lineup, as there are not more than 40 cars entered. At Daytona, the team had previously failed to qualify for the Daytona 500.
Regarding her expectations, Legge remains grounded. She considers learning the nuances of NASCAR—like drafting and pitting—as significant parts of her debut. “I have to prove competence at the end of the day. I don’t think anybody expects me to set the world on fire,” she said, reflecting on her approach to this new dimension of racing. “I want to show I can handle it with skill and confidence.”
Legge's determination to succeed is fueled by her desire to break barriers for women within the sport. Despite her remarkable accomplishments, she wisely acknowledges the double-edged sword of being categorized as a female driver. Legge distinctly wants to make her mark based on merit rather than fulfilling diversity quotas. “I want to be recognized for my achievements and capabilities rather than just my gender,” she asserted.
Through the challenges and experiences she has faced—whether battling physical injuries or adjusting to new racing disciplines—Legge continues to inspire many aspiring female racers. From her historical feats to her humble approach to racing, Katherine Legge is delivering excitement on the NASCAR front, and fans across the nation are eager to witness her debut.
Legge understands the significance of this momentous event for women and racing as she prepares for her NASCAR Cup Series start. “This is not just for me, but for all the women who dream of racing at this level,” she expressed. Her race this weekend may pave the way for future generations and signal changing tides within the motorsport community.
The spotlight is on Legge as she prepares for her remarkable feat this weekend—where she hopes to bring her A-game and fulfill her passion for the sport on the grand stage of NASCAR.