Folks, after Danica Patrick exited the Cup Series in 2018, it did not seem like we’d see another female driver in NASCAR’s top level for a long time. But then came Hailie Deegan, who was impressive in the Truck Series, with three back-to-back ‘Most Popular Driver’ awards. This earned her a full-time seat in the Xfinity Series in 2024 with AM Racing. And it looked like she was climbing the ranks and would eventually end up in the Cup Series. However, thanks to her sub-par runs, she was sacked mid-season. And now, finally, we have Patrick’s successor: Katherine Legge!

Women and the Cup Series have been a rare combination. Before Patrick’s debut in 2013, it was back in 2001 when Shawna Robinson was the last woman to race here. So, Patrick came more than a decade after her, and the trend continues. Now, 7 years after Patrick, Legge is making her Cup debut. We’ll see her at the next race at Phoenix Raceway, piloting the #78 car for Live Fast Motorsports. And let’s hope Katherine Legge is here to stay. But before that, let’s have a look at what she brings to the table.

Can Katherine Legge set an example for all women drivers?

It’s no secret that the Cup Series is extremely competitive. That’s probably the reason why Legge is only the 17th woman ever to drive in the top league of stock cars. And while it’s largely a male-dominated sport, Patrick has shown that it’s not impossible to get good finishes if you have the talent. Remember how Patrick managed to get 7 top-10 finishes in her Cup career? That’s the best for a woman in the sport. So talent is kind of an important part and Legge is counting on it.

Ahead of the Shriners Children’s 500 weekend, she said, “I don’t want to just be a female driver for the sake of ticking a diversity box, right? I want to be there on merit, and I want to be a good example for everybody that’s coming up behind me.” She continued, “I have to prove competence at the end of the day, right? Don’t think anybody expects me to go out and set the world on fire and be competitive because it’s the most competitive championship in the world. I just don’t want to make any mistakes and look silly or look incapable. I think the competitiveness will come with experience.”

Well, Legge is 44, and she’s already a successful motorsports driver with her Sportscar career (92 races, 4 wins). So this seems like a one-off experience to add to the diversity of her resume, which also includes IndyCar. But still, Katherine Legge could get a good finish in Phoenix and that could chart the way forward for the current active women drivers in NASCAR. Like Toni Breidinger, who is currently driving a full season in the Truck Series.

Breidinger is making her debut in the Truck Series with TRICON Garage in 2025 after an impressive stint in the ARCA Series. If Legge somehow manages a top-10 on the next weekend, reaching the Cup might not seem like a daunting task for Breidinger. So Legge is actually shouldering a huge responsibility in the race. And she’s got the experience to be successful. If you recall, she has run five races in the Xfinity Series.

The most recent was the 2023 Road America race, and with little stock racing experience, she managed a P14 finish there. Also, she’s got the skill for ovals, too. That’s probably the reason why NASCAR approved her for the race. Veteran NASCAR Journalist Bob Pockrass, in his latest X post, wrote, “Katherine Legge is approved to race Cup at Phoenix. NASCAR cites her recent competition on high-speed ovals (Indy 500, ARCA test/practice) as well as that race having a 45-minute practice so extended time for NASCAR to observe her.” 

Also, she has run not one but four Indy 500s so far. And in 2023, Legge set the fastest qualifying time for a woman in the history of the sport (231.07 MPH). To give you a comparison, Danica Patrick‘s best was 227 MPH in the 2018 Indy 500. So, there is hope that she’ll give the boys a run for their money on the 1-mile track. But whatever it is, she’s pumped for this whole experience!

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It is a dream come true for Katherine Legge

Legge is someone who just loves racing, no matter what car or what competition; she just likes getting behind the wheel. And she’s proved to be good at what she picks up. Look at her resume: Legge has competed in 92 IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship races since 2014, winning four times and scoring 11 podium finishes. To add to this, she has made 28 starts in CART (2006 and 2007), earning a combined seven top-10s. She also has 19 IndyCar starts to her name.

And the versatility has helped her to try new things. That’s probably why Live Fast Motorsports owner B.J. McLeod is trusting her with his car at Phoenix. And Legge is going to make the most of it. “Entering the NASCAR Cup Series is a dream come true. I’m excited to team up with Live Fast Motorsports for Phoenix, and to represent our sponsors DROPLiGHT and Sherfick Companies,” Legge said.

Surely, the next-gen car is going to be a challenge, but Legge is in it for that very reason. “Racing stock cars 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,” she added.

How do you think Katherine Legge fares in her Cup debut? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.