Katherine Legge’s Cup Series debut is not just another race—it is a statement. Her journey through various forms of motorsports has led her to this moment, proving that talent and perseverance can break barriers
As she prepares to compete at Phoenix Raceway, her story serves as a reminder that motorsports is evolving, and opportunities for women in racing continue to grow. Whether this is the beginning of a long NASCAR career or a single historic moment, Legge has already left an undeniable mark on the sport.
Her determination, adaptability, and love for racing ensure that this won’t be the last time we hear about Katherine Legge making history on the track.
Katherine Legge’s NASCAR Cup Series debut at Phoenix Raceway is more than just another race—it’s a historic moment for women in motorsports and a testament to her adaptability and resilience. From IndyCar to IMSA to NASCAR, Legge has continually broken barriers and taken on new challenges.
As she takes the green flag in the Shriners’ Children’s 500, all eyes will be on her performance. Whether she finishes inside the top 20 or simply gains valuable experience, her debut is a step toward greater diversity and representation in stock car racing.
NASCAR fans will be eagerly watching to see if Legge can swim rather than sink in her first Cup Series race.
Whatever the outcome, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring racers worldwide.
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Katherine Legge’s NASCAR Cup Series Debut
A Historic Moment at Phoenix Raceway
British motorsports driver Katherine Legge is set to make her highly anticipated NASCAR Cup Series debut at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, March 9, 2025.1
The 44-year-old will drive the #78 Chevy Camaro ZL1 for Live Fast Motorsports in the Shriners’ Children’s 500, marking a significant milestone in her diverse racing career.
With sponsorship from DROPLiGHT Studio and support from Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Chevrolet, Legge is stepping into one of the most challenging disciplines in motorsports.
Let’s explore her journey, preparation, and expectations ahead of her first Cup Series race.
Future pit crew right here 💪
Good job dad!!! https://t.co/wJaOqUubLG— Katherine Legge (@katherinelegge) November 16, 2024
A Versatile Racing Career Leading to NASCAR
Katherine Legge is no stranger to high-speed competition. Over the years, she has proven her mettle in various racing formats, including open-wheel racing, endurance sports car racing, and stock cars.
Her experience spans multiple prestigious series, such as:
- IndyCar Series – Competed in multiple seasons, including a start in the Indianapolis 500.
- Formula E – One of the early pioneers in electric single-seater racing.
- IMSA SportsCar Championship – Competed in endurance races like the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
- European Le Mans Series – Showcased her talent on some of the world’s most challenging circuits.
- Xfinity Series – Gained experience in NASCAR’s second-tier division.
- ARCA Menards Series – Recently ran a race at Daytona before her Cup Series debut.
With such a diverse background, Legge brings a wealth of knowledge and adaptability to her NASCAR Cup Series debut. However, adapting to the aggressive and contact-heavy racing style of stock cars will still be a learning curve.
Katherine Legge: Why Phoenix Raceway for Her Cup Debut?
Phoenix Raceway is a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval short track, known for its unique dogleg and challenging racing conditions.2
Unlike superspeedways like Daytona or Talladega, where the draft plays a huge role, Phoenix requires strong braking, smooth cornering, and tire management.
During her media day availability on March 7, 2025, Legge revealed why she wanted her Cup debut to be on a short track:
“I wanted to debut from a short track and spent my week in North Carolina practicing on a simulator.”
Short tracks generally allow for more driver control and reduce the reliance on pack racing, making them an ideal setting for rookies entering the Cup Series.
The Role of Simulators in Legge’s Preparation
Legge’s adaptation to NASCAR’s Cup Series machinery has been aided by extensive simulator work.
She credited both Richard Childress Racing and Chevrolet for providing access to their high-tech simulators:
- Static Simulator at RCR – Allowed her to familiarize herself with Phoenix Raceway’s layout.
- Chevy’s DIL (Driver-in-the-Loop) Motion Sim – Provided a more immersive and realistic experience, replicating the physical demands of a real race.
Simulators have become a crucial tool for modern-day drivers, especially those transitioning between different racing disciplines. While it cannot fully replace real track time, it has given Legge a foundation to build upon during practice and qualifying.
Live Fast Motorsports: A Team with Big Ambitions
Live Fast Motorsports, co-owned by BJ McLeod and Jessica McLeod, has been competing in the Cup Series since 2021. The team is known for giving opportunities to talented drivers looking to make an impact.
The #78 Chevy Camaro ZL1 has been a rotating seat for part-time and development drivers, and Legge now gets her chance to showcase her skills.
Though Live Fast Motorsports is not a top-tier team like Hendrick Motorsports or Joe Gibbs Racing, they provide a valuable entry point into NASCAR’s premier series.
Additionally, DROPLiGHT Studio has stepped in as the primary sponsor, bringing further exposure to Legge’s debut.
Challenges Facing Katherine Legge at Phoenix
Despite her experience in multiple racing disciplines, Legge faces several challenges at Phoenix Raceway:
- Adapting to Heavy Stock Cars – NASCAR Cup Series cars are much heavier than open-wheel cars or sports cars, making braking and cornering significantly different.
- Understanding NASCAR Racecraft – Stock car racing involves a high level of door-to-door battling and aggressive blocking, which is very different from open-wheel or endurance racing.
- Managing Long Green-Flag Runs – Phoenix often sees long stretches of uninterrupted racing, meaning tire management and consistent lap times are crucial.
- Pit Stop Strategy – Pit stops in NASCAR are more complex compared to endurance racing, where refueling and driver changes are common. In the Cup Series, quick pit stops can make or break a race.
With a strong work ethic and preparation, Legge hopes to minimize these challenges and deliver a respectable performance.
Katherine Legge’s Perspective
A Sink-or-Swim Moment
During her media availability, Legge acknowledged the pressure of her Cup Series debut while also expressing confidence in her preparation:
“I’ve done a handful of stock car races in my career, so I feel like I’m either going to sink or swim, but everybody has given me the best possible opportunity to go out there and do a good job.”
Her previous experience in the Xfinity Series and ARCA will be beneficial, but she understands that the Cup Series is a different level of competition. The field consists of NASCAR’s elite drivers, many of whom have spent their entire careers mastering the intricacies of stock car racing.
What’s Next for Legge?
While her immediate focus is on Phoenix Raceway, fans are curious about Legge’s long-term NASCAR aspirations. Some potential next steps include:
- More Cup Series Starts – Depending on her performance, Live Fast Motorsports or another team may offer her additional races.
- Full-Time Xfinity Ride – A return to the Xfinity Series could help her gain more experience before committing to a full Cup schedule.
- Endurance Racing Crossover – Legge may continue balancing her NASCAR opportunities with endurance racing events in IMSA or Le Mans.
Regardless of what the future holds, her Cup debut marks an important chapter in her career and opens new doors in American motorsports.
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Katherine Legge Opens Up About Her Cup Series Debut
Katherine Legge has once again made history by becoming the first woman to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series since Danica Patrick’s retirement in 2018.3
Having built an impressive career across multiple motorsport disciplines, Legge’s entry into the Cup Series marks another significant milestone.
Her journey in stock car racing has been eventful, with previous experience in the Xfinity Series in 2018 and participation in the 2025 Ride the Dente 200 at Daytona International Speedway.
Now, she takes on the challenge of the NASCAR Cup Series with Live Fast Motorsports, a moment she describes as a “dream come true.”
A Veteran with a Fresh Challenge
Despite being a veteran in motorsports, Legge’s foray into the Cup Series presents a new challenge. The transition from open-wheel and sports car racing to NASCAR’s stock car format is no easy feat.
Legge acknowledged the learning curve, stating:
“Racing stock cars has been an incredibly fun and new challenge that’s given me a renewed sense of vigor for this sport.”
Her adaptability and determination have been key throughout her career, making this latest endeavor an exciting one for both her and her fans.
Representing Live Fast Motorsports
For her Cup Series debut, Legge is teaming up with Live Fast Motorsports. The team, co-owned by former NASCAR driver B.J. McLeod, has been competing in the Cup Series since 2021.
Live Fast Motorsports has gained a reputation for giving talented drivers opportunities at the highest level of NASCAR competition.
Legge expressed her gratitude for the chance to race for the team, saying:
“I’m excited to team up with Live Fast Motorsports for Phoenix and to represent our sponsors DROPLight and Sherfick Companies.”
Her participation not only highlights her personal achievements but also showcases the growing opportunities for female drivers in NASCAR.
Katherine Legge’s Diverse Racing Background
Legge’s racing career is one of the most diverse in motorsports. She has competed in various disciplines, proving her versatility as a driver.
IndyCar Career
Legge competed in the IndyCar Series as a part-time driver in the 2024 season with Dale Coyne Racing. Her most notable appearance was in the 2024 Indy 500, marking her fourth start in the prestigious event.
Her best finish in the Indy 500 came in 2012, when she drove for Dragon Racing and finished 22nd on the grid.
While she has not been a full-time IndyCar driver, her ability to return and compete at a high level showcases her enduring talent.
Sports Car Racing Success
Apart from open-wheel racing, Legge has found success in sports car racing. She has competed in IMSA, the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona, and the GTD class of the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Her ability to switch between vastly different racing formats speaks to her adaptability and skill behind the wheel.
NASCAR Experience
Legge’s NASCAR journey began in 2018 when she competed in the Xfinity Series for JD Motorsports. While her time in stock car racing has been limited, she has shown a willingness to embrace the challenge.
Her participation in the 2025 Ride the Dente 200 at Daytona further cemented her NASCAR experience, preparing her for her Cup Series debut.
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Breaking Barriers in Motorsports
Katherine Legge’s Cup Series debut is significant not only for her but also for women in motorsports. Since Danica Patrick’s departure in 2018, female representation in NASCAR’s top series has been limited.
By stepping into the Cup Series, Legge continues to pave the way for future female drivers. Her perseverance serves as an inspiration to young women looking to break into professional racing.
She has consistently spoken about the importance of representation, saying:
“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.”
The Road to the Phoenix Raceway
Legge’s Cup Series debut is set to take place at Phoenix Raceway, a track known for its challenging layout and intense competition.
Phoenix Raceway features a unique tri-oval design with variable banking, making it a difficult but rewarding track for drivers. For a driver like Legge, who has experience in different types of racing, adapting to Phoenix will be a crucial test.
Her preparation has included simulator work, testing, and gathering insights from experienced NASCAR drivers.
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