Katherine Legge had a point to prove when she returned to NASCAR at Rockingham this weekend. The English-born driver, long known for her success in IMSA and IndyCar, had made history earlier this year when she became the first woman since Danica Patrick in 2018 to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series race. But that debut at Phoenix Raceway didn’t go according to plan. She spun twice, one of which collected Daniel Suárez and ended his day early.

Critics pounced. Online backlash questioned her ability, and a storm of scrutiny followed. Legge didn’t back down. In interviews, she admitted her mistakes. “I know Phoenix wasn’t my best work… but I’m a damn good race car driver,” she told NBC Sports. She brushed off the hate, refocused, and committed to a fuller NASCAR schedule. With a combined twelve races ahead across the Cup and Xfinity Series, she looked forward to gaining seat time and silencing her critics.

But fast-forward to Rockingham, a track making its own comeback, and the story shifted again. Legge, who failed to qualify in the No. 32 car, was gifted a second chance when teammate J.J. Yeley gave up his seat in the No. 53 Joey Gase Motorsports ride. She started the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 with high hopes. Instead, another on-track mishap put her back in the fire. And this time, the victim wasn’t just any driver — it was NASCAR veteran and fan favorite Kasey Kahne, making his emotional return after a seven-year hiatus.

Katherine Legge blames William Sawalich!

Midway through Stage 1, as the leaders came around to lap the No. 53 car, Katherine Legge slowed down too much heading into the corner. William Sawalich, who was right behind her, had nowhere to go and ploughed into the rear of her car. The collision knocked Legge sideways — and directly into Kasey Kahne’s path. Kahne, attempting to avoid the incident by dipping low, instead found himself caught in the mess.

The result: heavy damage to Kahne’s No. 33 Chevrolet, a broken rhythm in his long-awaited return, and another controversy for Legge. Kahne had to pit for repairs, his front right tire and fender visibly damaged. The incident all but ruined his day. However, after jumping out of her car, Legge alleged that Sawalich bumped her. “I think I must have been really bad in a previous life or something because I was a bit unlucky,” she told broadcasters.

“I mean, I’d given the inside lane to whoever had just gone past me, and I thought we were going to finish the corner, but he just moved up the racetrack and understeered straight into my left rear, so not much you can do,” she further added.

However, fans failed to buy her argument as Legge faced a massive backlash on social media. “She’s now 2 for 2 in f—– over other drivers. 100% her fault. If you’re that slow, get the f— out of the race,” a user wrote.

That sentiment is spreading quickly, especially as Legge’s stats don’t offer much defense. She’s made only five Xfinity starts with a best finish of 14th, and her Phoenix debut in Cup ended with a 35th-place result. She also crashed out early in the ARCA race at Daytona earlier this year. However, for fans of Kasey Kahne, the Rockingham wreck felt like a gut punch. Kahne, 45, hadn’t driven in a NASCAR race since 2018.

His return to the No. 33 car, backed by Rick Hendrick and HendrickCars.com, was one of the most anticipated storylines of the season. He was looking forward to competing on the track where he’d once celebrated victory. “This place has always been special to me,” Kahne said in Friday’s press conference. “I’ve missed this. We’ll see how it goes, maybe we do another.” But the dream comeback got cut short.

Notably, Legge’s entry into the Rockingham field was unconventional. After failing to qualify with Jordan Anderson Racing, her team worked out a deal for her to drive Yeley’s No. 53 based on owner points. While legal under NASCAR rules, many in the garage whispered about “buying” a spot. Now with two major on-track incidents in as many NASCAR races, questions are growing louder.

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Fan rips into Legge’s NASCAR career!

The moment Katherine Legge’s No. 53 car disrupted the flow of the race, NASCAR fans lit up social media. And the reactions weren’t kind. Fans recalled how she made similar mistakes in Phoenix and found a pattern in her racing. “Bought her way into the race and couldn’t even last one stage. Embarrassing for women in motorsports,” a user posted. This harsh reaction reflected the frustration of fans who feel that race seats should be earned.

Given that Legge took over a ride through team negotiation and not qualifying performance, many saw her presence as undeserved. And after her incident helped take out Kahne, a widely beloved driver, critics doubled down. Meanwhile, a user pointed to a broadcaster’s comments: Jamie McMurray caught on a hot mic: “She bought her way in.” While unofficial, the moment spread quickly. It echoed the opinion of many who believe NASCAR’s system for owner points and ride-swapping may be undermining competition.

Some fans also feared how her remaining NASCAR schedule will look like. “She did the same in Phoenix and she still has 11 races to go,” a user posted. This points to the concern ahead. Legge’s schedule runs through August, and fans are worried. If she’s already made two high-profile mistakes in two races, what’s coming next? The next few events will be under intense scrutiny, especially Richmond, where Legge hopes to overcome her past oval struggles.

Some fans also joked and said, “Xfinity race at Rockingham!! + 1 ARCA car Katherine Legge.” This sarcastic comment sums up how slow some felt she was. As leaders lapped her early in the race, she was seen as a moving hazard — more like an ARCA car than an Xfinity competitor. This isn’t just backlash. It’s a credibility test. Legge wanted to prove she belonged. Instead, she’s only opened the door for more criticism with her latest on-track incident.