KATHERINE LEGGE’s Record-Breaking Speed Can’t Silence NASCAR’s Boys Club

November 26, 2025

• KATHERINE LEGGE proved her speed credentials by setting the fastest qualifying lap by a woman in Indy 500 history at 231.67 mph in 2023, then became the first woman since 2018 to race in NASCAR Cup Series. Her father Derek’s early sacrifice—quitting smoking to fund her karting tires—launched a career that saw her beat future F1 stars like Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in junior categories.
• The 45-year-old’s NASCAR debut wasn’t without controversy, as contact with Daniel Suarez at Phoenix triggered a wave of death threats and vulgar messages from anonymous keyboard warriors. Yet she’s delivered results when it matters, finishing 19th on Chicago’s street course and 17th at the prestigious Coca-Cola 600, proving she belongs at NASCAR’s top level despite the backlash.
• What’s most telling is how NASCAR’s boys club still operates—people won’t even call LEGGE directly, instead going through her sponsors to negotiate deals. “I want to be taken seriously; like, talk to me. I’m the one doing the deal,” she said, highlighting how women drivers face institutional disrespect even after proving their capabilities on track through decades of international racing experience.

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