Katherine Legge’s NASCAR Journey

Katherine Legge, with over 25 years in the racing world, has driven countless races across various cars. From speedway circuits to road courses, her experience is vast and rich.

Imagine a scenario where, let’s say, a 44-year-old from Surrey, England, races anything on four wheels. Legge certainly did, pushing limits and competing at exhilarating speeds in a variety of settings—whether it be the Indianapolis 500 or the Daytona 24 Hours.

She’s ticked off races in Bahrain, Germany, and even events like the Pikes Peak Hill Climb and Formula E. It’s quite an impressive list.

Legge made a mark in the IndyCar series, holding the record for the fastest qualifying time for a woman at the Indy 500. Not to mention, she was the first woman to clinch a major open-wheel race victory in North America. Breaking barriers and shattering ceilings has been her forte.

Now, she’s focused on NASCAR, a stock car competition that traces its roots back 80 years in North Carolina. The passion ignited for her in 2018 when she placed 14th at a Road America event in Wisconsin, marking her entry into the Xfinity series.

Legge is all in this time. “I’ve raced in different forms like open-wheel and sports cars, but the stock cars? I wanted more after trying it a bit in 2018,” she remarked. “NASCAR is different—it’s arguably the most competitive championship globally, and when the chance arose, I jumped at it.”

In March, she participated in the NASCAR Cup Series, becoming the first woman to do so since Danica Patrick in 2018 when she drove a Chevrolet at the Phoenix race.

Thanks to her partnership with ELF, she aims to race in stock cars more frequently. This weekend holds significance as she gears up for her second Cup Series race, heading to Mexico City for a road event—the first point race outside the U.S. since 1958.

Legge’s relationship with ELF started more than two years ago, with them being her main sponsor during last year’s Indy 500—her fourth stint there. Though ELF couldn’t secure a car for this year’s Indy 500, they quickly pivoted to support her NASCAR endeavors.

“It’s a different market and demographic, but there’s tremendous potential in revitalizing interest,” Legge noted, adding how such support is crucial, particularly for women in the sport.

Surveys indicate that 41% of NASCAR fans are women, highlighting the growing audience. Earlier this year, driver Alex Bowman introduced a special paint scheme promoting women’s basketball, showcasing the crossover appeal in sports.

Legge believes her partnership with ELF opens doors for more racing opportunities than ever before. She plans to participate in several Xfinity Series races and hopes to race at Watkins Glen in August.

While ELF remains her primary sponsor, she’s teaming up with other brands, including Droplight and Desnuda Tequila. “It’s a year of possibilities,” she reflected. “ELF has a well-respected brand that resonates with many women.”

Currently, 25-year-old Toni Breidinger is the only woman racing full-time in one of NASCAR’s leading series, but Legge sees more female talent emerging, citing Isabella Robust’s top finishes earlier this year and Lanie Buice’s strong season performances.

In a sport predominantly led by men, Legge feels NASCAR is progressing towards greater diversity. “It’s improving, albeit slowly,” she said, recognizing the historical barriers but also expressing optimism. “Success is about being the best, and the field is gradually opening up.”

Recently, Legge faced a significant challenge after a crash in Rockingham, North Carolina, which led to some alarming online backlash. “The toxicity of social media is jarring,” she admitted. Yet, she chooses not to dwell on the negativity, finding humor in the absurdity of some comments. “Sure, fans are passionate, but certain threats are over the line,” she laughed.

With her experience, she looks forward to her performance at the Mexico City race, a course where she previously triumphed back in 2019. Regardless of placement, she’s aware that every lap contributes to her growth in the sport.

“Road racing is my forte, but adapting to stock cars is a challenge I’m ready for. It’s all about becoming a better driver,” she concluded.