NTT IndyCar series driver Katherine Legge poses for a photo after qualifying for the 107th running … [+] of the Indianapolis 500 on May 20, 2023, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Katherine Legge is known for racing in anything and everything. This Sunday, she will make Nascar history as she will become the first woman to race in the Nascar Cup Series since Danica Patrick’s final start in the 2018 Daytona 500.
The open-wheel series veteran will make her Cup debut with BJ and Jessica McLeod’s Live Fast Motorsports at Phoenix Raceway. The part-time No. 78 Chevrolet will be sponsored by DROPLiGHT.
“We’re happy to partner with Katherine for this race,” Jessica McLeod said. “The opportunity to have such a versatile and dynamic championship winning driver join our program is exciting for everyone on our team. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing opportunities for drivers making their way into the Nascar Cup Series in the Next Gen era.”
Legge will join Patrick and Janet Guthrie as the only women to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and in Nascar’s premier division.
“Entering the Nascar Cup Series is a dream come true,” said Legge. “I’m excited to team up with Live Fast Motorsports for Phoenix, and to represent our sponsors DROPLiGHT and Sherfick Companies. Racing stockcars has been an incredibly fun and new challenge that’s given me a renewed sense of vigor for this sport.
“As always, I’m grateful for the opportunity to do what I love and am inspired by all of the effort, preparation and behind the scenes work it takes to get here.”
Legge’s No. 78 car is an open entry, but she will not be in jeopardy of missing the race as there will not be more than 40 cars entered. The No. 78 car did not qualify for the Daytona 500, but McLeod himself drove the Chevrolet at Atlanta Motor Speedway and finished 22nd.
In 2024, she made seven NTT IndyCar Series starts for Dale Coyne Racing with Rick Ware Racing, including the Indianapolis 500. She has four Indianapolis 500 starts. Her 2025 Indy 500 plans have yet to be announced.
Legge has made five starts in the Nascar Xfinity Series, with a best finish of 14th at Road America in 2018.
This winter, she competed in the Chili Bowl Nationals, as well as the ARCA Menards Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway, where she finished ninth.
Legge boasts an impressive motor sports resume. She has a best finish of second in the Rolex 24 at Daytona (2018). She has spent the better part of 11 years competing in IMSA, as well, tallying four wins.
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