By Sunday 
A Groundbreaking Return to NASCAR’s Biggest Stage
Katherine Legge made history at Phoenix Raceway, becoming the first woman to compete in NASCAR’s Cup Series since 2018. Her return marked a significant moment for women in motorsports, proving once again that she belongs on racing’s grandest stage.
Though her race ended prematurely after a late spin-out on lap 216, Legge completed an impressive 210 laps in the Shriners Children’s 500. Despite the setback, she embraced the experience with a positive outlook.
“Baptism of fire,” she told reporters. “You know, I think there’s a lot of positives to take from it. Obviously, there were mistakes made, but I learned so much.”
Battling Through Challenges on Race Day
Driving the No. 78 Chevrolet, Legge faced early struggles after her team made overnight adjustments to the car that didn’t pan out as expected. She described the changes as “horrible” and admitted she had difficulty controlling the vehicle early on.
“I was hanging on that first stint,” Legge said. “I was so loose. I was just hanging on to it. We kept making adjustments. We kept making the car way more stable for me. At the end there, I think we were relatively quick compared to the field, so it wasn’t bad. I wish we hadn’t made the changes. But we were trying to find some pace.
“We found it throughout the race, but it was a rough start.”
Despite the challenges, Legge’s ability to adapt and improve throughout the race was evident, showcasing the resilience that has defined her career.
A Career Marked by Versatility and Determination
Born in Guilford, England, Legge is no stranger to high-stakes racing. She has competed in the IndyCar Series, Formula E, and NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, in addition to several other motorsport events. Her versatility has made her one of the most accomplished female drivers in the modern era.
Her participation in the Cup Series places her alongside legendary female racers such as Danica Patrick, who was the last woman to compete at this level before her final appearance in the 2018 Daytona 500. Patrick’s career included one pole position and seven Top 10 finishes in 191 Cup Series races. The legacy of women in NASCAR dates back even further to Sara Christian, who became the first female driver in NASCAR history in 1949.
What’s Next for Legge?
Legge’s performance at Phoenix may not have ended the way she had hoped, but she remains optimistic about her future in NASCAR.
“Hopefully I get to come back and do it again,” she said, reflecting on the experience.
As the Cup Series moves forward to the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Legge’s determination and competitive spirit suggest that this is just the beginning of another exciting chapter in her racing career. Whether or not she returns to the Cup Series in the near future, her presence alone has already left a lasting impact.