Despite her initial intentions of laying low and avoiding trouble on the track, British motor racing driver Katherine Legge found herself in hot water during the NASCAR Cup Series race in Phoenix. The Shriner’s Children 500 race turned out to be a baptism of fire for the seasoned racer, who was making her debut in the Cup Series.
Legge, no stranger to racing, has been active this year, participating in both the Chili Bowl and the ARCA race at Daytona. However, her much-anticipated Cup Series debut was marred by repeated issues. Piloting the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports car, Legge started the race in the 37th position. But only four laps in, she spun off Turn 2 at the rear of the field, triggering a chain of unfortunate events.
Despite the initial setback, Legge managed to keep her car on the track. However, frequent pit stops due to recurring problems with her vehicle led to a disappointing 30th place DNF (Did Not Finish). Reflecting on the race, she shared, “It was a really rough start. There were mistakes made, but I learned so much and hopefully, I get to come back and do it again.”
The trouble didn’t stop there. On lap 214, Legge spun off Turn 2 once more while being lapped by Josh Berry. This resulted in a collision with Daniel Suarez, causing significant front-end damage to her car. Despite the rough start and subsequent troubles, Legge maintained a positive outlook, stating that her team had found some pace throughout the race.
In addition to the challenges on the track, Legge’s race was also marked by the significance of her participation. Women in NASCAR have been few and far between, with Legge being just the eighth woman to compete in NASCAR’s modern era. What’s more, she was the first woman to participate in a Cup Series race in seven years, following Danica Patrick’s run in the 2018 Daytona 500.
Legge’s debut was further highlighted by the fact that it coincided with International Women’s Day weekend. Despite her initial intention to “fly under the radar” for her first Cup race, the timing of the race and the occasion made it impossible for her to keep a low profile.
Despite the various setbacks and unmet expectations, Katherine Legge’s determination and resilience remain undaunted. The British racer is eager to hit the track again and make her mark in the world of NASCAR. Her performance, despite the challenges, has sparked curiosity about how she would fare on a more conventional road course that suits her style of racing.
Legge’s experience serves as a testament to her grit and dedication to the sport. Although she didn’t achieve her desired result in her NASCAR debut, she’s optimistic about her future in the sport. Her persistence and positive attitude, coupled with her undeniable skill on the track, make her a racer to watch out for in future NASCAR events.