Katherine Legge's NASCAR Debut Fuels Calls for Practice Reforms

Her challenging first race highlights systemic issues in driver preparation and reignites conversations about women in motorsports.

Katherine Legge became the first woman in seven years to compete in a NASCAR Cup Series race, debuting at Phoenix Raceway on March 9, 2025.
Her race ended prematurely on lap 215 following a crash involving Daniel Suárez, sparking criticism of NASCAR's limited practice opportunities for new drivers.
Legge and NASCAR veterans, including Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick, pointed to the lack of practice sessions as a key factor in her struggles with the Next Gen car.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of NASCAR's approval and preparation processes for new drivers, with calls for systemic changes gaining traction.
Despite the challenges, Legge remains determined to return to NASCAR, inspired by the support of fans and her role in encouraging young women in motorsports.