Katherine Legge Makes NASCAR History: First Woman in Cup Series Since 2018
Katherine Legge has never shied away from a challenge. From competing in the Indianapolis 500 and the Xfinity Series to testing her skills at the Chili Bowl Nationals, she has consistently pushed her limits. Despite admitting, “I’m no Kyle Larson; I wish I was,” Legge remains undeterred in her pursuit of greatness. Now, she’s set to take on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
On March 9, Legge will drive the No. 78 Droplight Chevrolet Camaro for Live Fast Motorsports at Phoenix Raceway, making history as the first woman to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series since Danica Patrick in 2018. Her debut adds another chapter to the legacy of female drivers in stock car racing.
Women in the NASCAR Cup Series: A Look at History
Since 1949, only 17 women have competed in a NASCAR Cup Series race. From pioneers like Sara Christian to trailblazers like Danica Patrick, these women have paved the way for future generations.
Danica Patrick (191 Starts, 2012-2018)
The most successful female driver in NASCAR history, Danica Patrick made 191 Cup Series starts and became the first woman to win a Cup Series pole at the 2013 Daytona 500. Her best finish—sixth at Atlanta in 2014—tied the highest placement for a female driver in the modern era. She wrapped up her career with a final start in the 2018 Daytona 500, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Janet Guthrie (33 Starts, 1976-1980)
A true pioneer, Janet Guthrie was the first woman to qualify for both the Indianapolis 500 and Daytona 500. A former aerospace engineer, she made 33 Cup Series starts, with her best finish—sixth at Bristol in 1977—standing as a record until Patrick matched it in 2014. She was honored with an induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 2006.
Louise Smith (11 Starts, 1949-1952)
Dubbed the “First Lady of Racing,” Louise Smith was one of the earliest women to gain national recognition. She competed in 11 Cup races and won 38 races across various series. Her legacy was cemented when she became the first woman inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in 1999.
Shawna Robinson (8 Starts, 2001-2002)
A standout in the early 2000s, Shawna Robinson became the first woman to compete full-time in the Xfinity Series and later made eight Cup Series starts. Her best Cup finish was 24th at Daytona in 2002, but she also made history with a Top 10 finish at Watkins Glen in 1994 in the Xfinity Series.
Sara Christian (7 Starts, 1949-1950)
The first woman to ever compete in a NASCAR race, Sara Christian made history on June 19, 1949, at Charlotte Speedway. Her fifth-place finish at Heidelberg Raceway remains the best finish for a female driver in Cup Series history.
Other Women Who Made Their Mark in NASCAR
- Patty Moise (5 starts, 1987-1989) – Competed in 133 Xfinity races, with a top finish of seventh at Talladega in 1995.
- Robin McCall (2 starts, 1982) – The youngest female driver to qualify for a Cup race at age 18.
- Ethel Flock Mobley (2 starts, 1949) – Competed alongside three of her brothers in the Daytona Beach Road Course race.
- Ann Chester (2 starts, 1950) – Finished 22nd and 21st in her two Cup starts.
- Fifi Scott (2 starts, 1955) – Made her Cup debut at Phoenix Motor Speedway.
- Ann Bunselmeyer & Ann Slaasted (1 start each, 1950) – Slaasted raced in the Daytona 500, while Bunselmeyer competed at Vernon.
- Marian Pagan (1 start, 1954) – Crashed out of her lone Cup race at Oakland Stadium.
- Goldie Parsons (1 start, 1965) – Wife of Benny Parsons, finished 14th in her only Cup race.
- Christine Beckers (1 start, 1977) – Competed in the Daytona 500 but finished last due to brake failure.
- Lella Lombardi (1 start, 1977) – Italian driver who retired early due to rear-end issues at Daytona.
The Future of Women in NASCAR
While only 17 women have raced in the Cup Series, more than 60 female drivers have competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the number exceeds 100 in the Truck and Modified Series.
With Katherine Legge now adding her name to this prestigious list, the hope is that more women will follow in her tire tracks in the years to come.
