This weekend, history will be made at Phoenix Raceway as Katherine Legge becomes the first woman to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series race since 2018. Legge, a veteran driver with extensive experience in various racing series, will pilot the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports in Sunday’s race.
A Long-Awaited Return
For the first time in nearly seven years, a female driver will take the green flag in NASCAR’s top division. The last woman to race in the Cup Series was Danica Patrick, who competed in the 2018 Daytona 500. Legge’s entry marks a significant moment in the sport’s history, as she becomes just the 17th woman to compete at NASCAR’s highest level.
At 44 years old, Legge is no stranger to motorsports. The English driver has a storied career, having competed in multiple racing categories. She has made 19 starts in IndyCar, driven in the Xfinity Series, and competed in the ARCA Series. While her NASCAR Cup Series debut will take place this weekend, she has been a regular presence in various racing series for over two decades.
A Veteran of the Track
Legge is no rookie to stock car racing. Just a month ago, she raced in the ARCA Series season opener at Daytona. Unfortunately, her race ended prematurely as she was involved in an early crash, finishing 39th. She has also raced five times in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, with her best finish being 14th at Road America in 2018. While her NASCAR experience may not be extensive, Legge’s background in open-wheel racing and other series has helped her develop a diverse skill set, positioning her as a seasoned driver on the track.
Despite her relative inexperience in Cup Series racing, Legge’s participation this weekend is made possible by a unique entry in the field. With only 37 cars entered in Sunday’s race, Legge will be guaranteed a spot, making her debut a landmark achievement in the history of NASCAR.
Live Fast Motorsports’ New Chapter
Live Fast Motorsports, the team behind Legge’s entry, is excited to have the accomplished driver on board. The team, owned by BJ McLeod, has had a mixed start to the season. McLeod himself failed to qualify for the Daytona 500, but finished 22nd at the following race in Atlanta. Originally scheduled to compete in just six races this season, Live Fast Motorsports had not anticipated this particular entry when planning its 2025 campaign. However, the team expressed their excitement about having Legge behind the wheel for the Phoenix race, calling her a valuable asset to their operation.
A Groundbreaking Moment for NASCAR
Legge’s participation at Phoenix is more than just a personal achievement. It is a step forward for gender diversity in motorsports, particularly in NASCAR. For years, the sport has been dominated by male drivers, with few women breaking through to race at the highest levels. Legge’s entry this weekend represents a continuation of the slow but steady progress toward inclusion and opportunity for women in NASCAR.
The race at Phoenix will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET, and Legge’s presence on the track will undoubtedly draw attention from fans and media alike. While Christopher Bell, fresh off back-to-back victories, holds the best betting odds to win, the spotlight on Legge will be significant as she steps into uncharted territory.
Looking Ahead
Katherine Legge’s entry into the NASCAR Cup Series is a historic moment that will be remembered as a symbol of the growing presence of women in the sport. Her participation is not only a personal triumph but a step toward further expanding the diversity of NASCAR’s top-tier competition.
With Sunday’s race at Phoenix marking the beginning of Legge’s Cup Series journey, it remains to be seen how she will perform. However, one thing is certain: her presence will leave an indelible mark on the sport, paving the way for future generations of women to compete at the highest level in NASCAR.
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