KATHERINE LEGGE Makes NASCAR History: First Woman Since Patrick, First Beauty Brand

August 10, 2025

by Kara Jillian Brown // from www.instyle.com

GRRL! SUMMARY:

KATHERINE LEGGE breaks a six-year drought as the first woman to compete in NASCAR Cup Series since Danica Patrick in 2018, while also making history with e.l.f. Cosmetics as the first beauty brand to sponsor a driver in the race’s 115-plus year history. This groundbreaking partnership represents more than just marketing—it’s about a driver who refuses to hide her femininity in a sport that’s historically demanded women blend in with the boys.
After leasing issues derailed her Indy 500 plans, LEGGE pivoted to NASCAR and faced the ugly reality of motorsports misogyny head-on. Following a multi-vehicle crash at Talladega Superspeedway during her second Xfinity Series race, she received death threats and hate mail fueled by sexist attitudes. Rather than backing down, she’s embraced the technical challenges of learning NASCAR’s competitive landscape while maintaining her commitment to authenticity both on and off track.
With nearly 25 years of professional racing experience, LEGGE has found renewed vigor in NASCAR’s depth of competition while staying true to her comprehensive approach to performance. Her pre-race routine now includes waterproof makeup prep alongside mechanical preparation, and she credits discipline in self-care—from skincare routines to hot tub recovery sessions—as essential to handling the sport’s physical and mental demands while representing the next generation of women in racing.