Katherine Legge is set to make history by becoming the first woman in seven years to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series race. She will drive the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports at Phoenix Raceway, marking a significant milestone in her diverse racing career.
Legge’s racing portfolio is extensive, encompassing various disciplines and achievements. She has competed in the IndyCar Series, with four starts in the Indianapolis 500, notably setting a record in 2023 for the fastest qualifying time by a woman. Her experience also includes participation in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where she made her debut in 2018 and returned for select races in 2023.
Her upcoming entry in the NASCAR Cup Series is not just a personal achievement but also a significant moment for women in motorsports. Legge will be the first woman to compete in the Cup Series since Danica Patrick’s participation in the 2018 Daytona 500.
Throughout NASCAR’s history, several women have made notable contributions to the sport at its highest level. Here’s a look at some of these trailblazers:
Sara Christian
Sara Christian holds the distinction of being the first woman to compete in a NASCAR race. She participated in the inaugural NASCAR race on June 19, 1949, at Charlotte Speedway. Christian competed in seven races during the 1949 season, finishing 13th in the standings.
Janet Guthrie
Janet Guthrie broke significant ground in the 1970s as the first woman to compete in both the Daytona 500 and the Indianapolis 500. She made 33 starts in the NASCAR Cup Series between 1976 and 1980, with a career-best finish of sixth place at Bristol Motor Speedway in 1977.
Shawna Robinson
Shawna Robinson made her mark in the 1990s and early 2000s. She became the first woman to win a NASCAR-sanctioned race, achieving victory in the Dash Series in 1988. Robinson competed in eight Cup Series races between 2001 and 2002, with a best finish of 24th.
Danica Patrick
Arguably the most well-known female driver in NASCAR’s recent history, Danica Patrick transitioned from a successful IndyCar career to NASCAR in 2012. She competed full-time in the Cup Series from 2013 to 2017. Patrick’s eighth-place finish in the 2013 Daytona 500 remains the highest finish for a woman in that race.
Katherine Legge
With her upcoming debut, Katherine Legge adds her name to this list of pioneering women. Her diverse background in motorsports, including open-wheel racing and sports cars, brings a wealth of experience to her NASCAR endeavors. Legge’s participation not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores the gradual progress of female representation in motorsports’ top tiers.
As Legge prepares to compete at Phoenix Raceway, her entry serves as both a personal milestone and an inspiration for future generations of female racers aspiring to reach NASCAR’s premier series.
