The current Open Exemption Policy in auto racing is proving to be a challenging hurdle, particularly for newcomers to the sport. This policy has not only impacted the sport’s dynamics but has also placed external drivers under immense pressure. A prime example of this scenario is the four-time IndyCar Champion, Helio Castroneves. Despite his extensive experience and proven track record, Castroneves struggled in the Daytona 500 race, unable to finish, while 53-year-old seasoned veteran Tim Brown managed to complete the Clash in the ‘Madhouse’. This scenario was mirrored by British racing driver, Katherine Legge, at Phoenix.
Legge, known for her remarkable racing career, recently stepped onto the NASCAR scene for the Shriners Children’s 500. However, her debut was far from dreamlike when her vehicle spun out on the fourth lap of the race due to steering issues. To exacerbate matters, she spun out once more on the 215th lap, sidelining Trackhouse Racing driver Daniel Suarez. Suarez, however, refrained from placing the blame solely on Legge, instead pointing a finger at NASCAR. This incident has led many, including veteran racer Kevin Harvick, to question the preparedness of drivers transitioning from different racing series.
Harvick voiced his concerns, stating, “She [Legge] was really thrown to the wolves in this situation. She was in the worst car and showing up to Phoenix in a Cup car that she has never driven, (and) not a lot of NASCAR experience. And I know that we want people from different series to be able to come into the cup series but, we gotta get back to some accountability of making sure that the people that are driving these cup cars are properly prepared to go out on the race track and do the things that they need to do.”
Despite the surprising turn of events and the rising concerns, Legge remains undeterred. Speaking to the Racing Writer’s Podcast, she shared her steadfast determination, saying, “I had somebody from another team call me today and say, ‘Part of me thought you were going to say, ‘Okay I don’t want to do this anymore. This isn’t for me.’ I was like, ‘Hell no! You don’t know me well, but what all this does is make me dig my heels in deeper and go. You know what, I’m going to prove everybody wrong. I know that I’m a good race car driver and this was just a blip in the matrix.'”
Legge, who began her racing career in 2000 with the Formula Ford Great Britain, has an impressive and extensive resume. From competing in Formula Renault 2.0 UK to finishing third in the 2005 Atlantic Championship and testing for Minardi in Formula One, her career spans across several racing disciplines. In 2018, she finally ventured into NASCAR with the Xfinity Series, where she secured her best finish at Road America.
Despite the unfortunate debut in the NASCAR Cup Series, Legge is eager to take on the challenge again. “I absolutely want to do it, I love it so much and I’ve had such a good experience in every other part of it. We’ll focus on the positives because that’s all you can do, and it honestly just drives me to want to prove myself to myself,” Legge affirmed.
Her resilient spirit and unwavering determination serve as a testament to her racing prowess. Even though her inaugural NASCAR race didn’t go as planned, her illustrious career cannot be overlooked. Katherine Legge is indeed a force to reckon with, and her journey in the world of NASCAR is far from over.