Katherine Legge Becomes First Woman to Race in NASCAR Cup Series Since 2018
Veteran racer Katherine Legge is set to break a six-year drought for female drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series as she prepares to compete in the race at Martinsville Speedway on April 7, 2024. Legge, a highly experienced driver with a background in IndyCar, sports cars, and NASCAR’s lower divisions, will be behind the wheel of the No. 51 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing.
Legge’s return to NASCAR’s top division marks the first time a woman has raced in the Cup Series since Danica Patrick’s final start at the 2018 Daytona 500. While Legge has previously competed in the Xfinity Series and made a NASCAR Cup debut in 2013, this opportunity represents a significant moment in her career and for women in motorsports.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to compete at the highest level of stock car racing again,” Legge said. “Martinsville is a tough track, but I’m excited for the challenge.”
Legge is no stranger to high-speed competition. She has raced in the Indianapolis 500 twice, competed in Formula E, and won races in sports car championships. In 2023, she ran in the Xfinity Series for SS-Green Light Racing and also qualified for the Indy 500 with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Her return to the Cup Series underscores the push for more female representation in NASCAR. While women like Hailie Deegan have been making strides in the Truck and Xfinity Series, Legge’s entry at Martinsville will be a rare sight in the Cup garage. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely as she takes on the short track in a historic moment for NASCAR.
