It’s International Women’s Day, yet the landscape of female representation in NASCAR remains sparse. Despite Danica Patrick’s trailblazing career, which included being the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race and competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, the gap in female participation has persisted. The sport continues to face challenges in attracting and retaining female talent, a trend that is both puzzling and concerning. Katherine Legge, who makes her debut in the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix this weekend in the #78 car for Live Fast Motorsports, shares her thoughts on the sorry state of affairs of women’s representation in NASCAR.

Katherine Legge’s historic NASCAR Cup Series debut

Katherine Legge is a seasoned driver with a diverse racing background. Her extensive experience includes her Sportscar career (92 races, 4 wins) and a dabble in the Xfinity Series, with 5 races under her belt. Legge’s journey reflects her dedication to motorsports, having competed in everything from IndyCar to Formula E.

Legge’s career is marked by numerous achievements, including being the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in North America in 2005. She has also competed in the Chili Bowl Nationals and holds the record for the fastest qualifying time by a female driver in the Indianapolis 500, set in 2023 at 231.07 MPH. Her versatility and skill make her a notable addition to the Cup Series.

However, in a pre-race press conference, Katherine Legge expressed disappointment over the lack of female representation and their ability to achieve success in top-tier racing. She stated, “It’s disappointing that there aren’t more women [in] INDYCAR, NASCAR Cup, sports cars.” This sentiment highlights the gap in female participation since the era of drivers like Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher. “There was Sarah Fisher, me, Danica… a bunch of good drivers in that era, and then there’s been really like this gap,” she added. Katherine Legge’s debut to the Cup Series is a significant moment. But it also underscores the broader issue of female underrepresentation in NASCAR.

Sarah Fisher, a pioneering female driver, retired from racing in 2010 after a successful IndyCar career. She was the first female driver to win a pole position in a major American open-wheel race. Fisher also held the record for the highest placing for a woman in the Indy Racing League until Danica Patrick broke it with a 3rd place finish in 2009. That was just one of the many records that Patrick broke in her illustrious career.

Danica Patrick, another trailblazer, retired from NASCAR in 2018. Some of her achievements include being the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race and securing the first pole position in the NASCAR Cup Series. She also holds the record for the most starts, laps led, and top-tens by a female driver in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Hailie Deegan, despite her achievements in the K&N Pro Series and ARCA, has struggled to make a mark in NASCAR. She won three races in the K&N Pro Series and was the 2020 ARCA Menards Series Rookie of the Year. he held her own in the Truck Series and won multiple ‘Most Popular Driver’ of the year awards as well. But a move to Xfinity in 2024 proved to be a bad one, as she left her seat from AM Racing in the middle of the season. She hasn’t been able to secure a spot in the Cup Series, instead transitioning to Indy NXT in 2025.

Katherine Legge, debuting in the Cup Series at 44, will carry the weight of expectations as she steps into the driver’s seat. Her journey serves as both inspiration and a stark reminder of the uphill battle female drivers continue to face. While her debut is a monumental moment, it raises a question. Why has it taken this long for another woman to break into the highest level of stock car racing? Well, Katherine Legge is determined to change that.

Legge plans to mentor future drivers after racing retirement

Katherine Legge’s dedication to racing extends beyond her time behind the wheel. Looking toward the future, she expressed a deep desire to mentor the next generation of drivers. “When I stop racing, I’d love to bring up the next generation,” she shared. This passion for helping others navigate the racing world is rooted in her own experiences.

Legge’s journey through racing has been filled with challenges and triumphs, making her perspective valuable to young drivers. She believes that the lessons she’s learned could help others avoid pitfalls and carve out their paths. “There’s only a handful of us that have those shared lived experiences,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of passing on her knowledge.

As Katherine Legge contemplates life after racing, her focus is on nurturing new talent. She’s keen to be a guiding force for up-and-coming drivers. She wants to ensure that they’re equipped to face the demands of the sport. Legge added, “I only have my experience… I know what my journey has been, and I know that it’s gone for me, and it’s gone against me. And I know where the struggles are and mentally what you have to do to overcome those struggles.” With her vast experience in various racing series, Legge’s insights will undoubtedly prove valuable to those who follow in her footsteps.

For Katherine Legge, retirement isn’t the end but a new chapter where she can contribute to the growth of racing. She hopes that by sharing her story and advice, she can play a role in shaping the future of motorsports, ensuring that the next generation of drivers has the tools they need to succeed.