Katherine Legge Aims for Redemption in NASCAR with Upcoming Races

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Katherine Legge, the first woman in more than five years to compete in a NASCAR Cup race, is set to drive in 12 events over the next 18 weekends as she seeks to establish herself in the series. Announced on April 15, Legge’s schedule through mid-August includes participation in both the Xfinity and Cup Series, building on a career that spans multiple motorsport disciplines.

The 44-year-old from Guilford, England, will kick off her Xfinity series run at Rockingham Speedway on April 19, driving for Jordan Anderson Racing with sponsorship from e.l.f. Cosmetics. Her commitments also include five Cup races with Live Fast Motorsports, featuring key races on road and street courses.

After a challenging debut at Phoenix where she spun and ultimately finished 30th, Legge is determined to show her capabilities. “I know it wasn’t my best work. I made a lot of mistakes during the race,” she said in an interview with NBC Sports, addressing the controversies that arose from her first outing. “I intend to get back my reputation. But it was a mistake.”

Legge’s upcoming schedule includes the following races in the Xfinity Series: Talladega, Texas, Charlotte, Nashville, and Atlanta, as well as Cup events at Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and Richmond. This lineup not only promises a steady exposure to stock car racing but also a significant challenge as she faces a talented roster of drivers.

Mark Martin, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, commented on Legge’s schedule, identifying Rockingham as a significant test. “I think Rockingham will be the biggest challenge for Katherine Legge,” he stated. The 1.017-mile track is known for its demanding surface, which requires precision and excellent car management from drivers. With 40 drivers expected to compete in races like Charlotte and Mexico City, qualifying will be critical, adding pressure to Legge’s racing strategy.

To build experience and confidence, Legge expressed her excitement about the diversity of tracks she will encounter. “There’s a different level of comfort that comes with turning left and right,” she noted, referring to her future challenges in both ovals and road courses. “I almost want to get to Richmond as much as I want to get to Mexico [City].”

If her campaign at Richmond proves successful, Legge hopes to gain the necessary NASCAR permissions that would allow her to participate in future races, including a potential entry into next year’s Daytona 500. “This is what we need in order to get NASCAR permission to be able to run anywhere I want whenever I want,” she explained. “I want to open the door for the next generation.”

Considering her rich motorsport background, which includes time in IndyCars and Formula E, Legge remains dedicated to her goal of leaving a legacy while paving the way for other female drivers in the sport.

As she embarks on this ambitious NASCAR journey, Legge aims not only to compete but also to prove that mistakes can become stepping stones to greatness in the world of racing.