KATHERINE LEGGE’s Shoe Melts to Gas Pedal During Historic NASCAR Mexico Race

June 16, 2025

by Terez Owens // from terezowens.com

• KATHERINE LEGGE became the first woman since Danica Patrick to compete in NASCAR Cup Series when she raced in the historic Mexico City event. At 44, she’s proving that breaking barriers doesn’t come with an expiration date—though apparently racing shoes do have their limits in extreme heat.
• Mid-race disaster struck when LEGGE’s driving shoe literally melted and fused to the gas pedal due to insufficient insulation in the pedal box. She radioed that the pedal was “literally welded onto my foot,” creating a dangerous situation that’s virtually unheard of in professional racing. The cockpit temperatures exceeded 130°F, turning her shoe’s rubber sole into automotive adhesive.
• Despite being stuck to her own car, LEGGE maintained control and finished the race in 32nd place—proving that sometimes the most impressive performance isn’t about position but pure determination. She completed her second Cup Series start of the season, continuing to pave the way for women in NASCAR’s top tier while literally being glued to the challenge.

mexico city, nascar cup series, phoenix raceway, stock cars