KATHERINE LEGGE Beat Räikkönen’s Lap Record for Historic Formula Renault Pole

July 4, 2025

by Shivranjini Parihar // from www.essentiallysports.com

• Back in 2002, KATHERINE LEGGE made waves by setting a new lap record at Oulton Park that beat Kimi Räikkönen’s previous time, earning her first Formula Renault pole position. Racing against future stars like Lewis Hamilton and Jamie Green, Legge became the first woman to secure pole in Formula Renault Zetec across Britain – though she jumped the start due to nerves and got taken out just two laps in. That electric qualifying lap became her calling card and proved she belonged on track with motorsport’s future elite.
• That breakthrough moment launched LEGGE to her historic 2005 Toyota Atlantic win at Long Beach, making her the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in North America. The British driver has since competed across IndyCar, SportsCar, Formula E, DTM, and European LeMans Series, refusing to let a horrifying 180+ mph crash at Road America in 2006 derail her career. Her resilience turned one defining lap into a legacy that continues inspiring women racers worldwide.
• Currently running NASCAR Xfinity Series with Jordan Anderson Racing, LEGGE faced another setback at Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway when she got caught in a multi-car wreck on the backstretch. With 3 DNFs in 4 Xfinity starts this season, she’s had little opportunity to prove herself in stock cars, though she remains focused on Chicago’s upcoming street course. Beyond the track struggles, Legge has also confronted social media harassment following an incident at Rockingham, declaring she won’t be bullied and is here to compete.

formula renault, jordan anderson racing, nascar xfinity series, oulton park