The Shriners Children’s 500 in Phoenix will see Britain’s Katherine Legge become the first woman since Danica Patrick to compete in the NASCAR Cup Series. Driving the No. 78 Chevrolet, Legge will start the race in P37, right behind John Hunter Nemechek.
While this marks Legge’s Cup Series debut, the British driver is no stranger to stock car racing. She has competed in five Xfinity Series races, with her last start coming in 2023. She also took part in the ARCA Menards Series race at Daytona last month.
Noting the milestone, NASCAR legend Mark Martin shared his thoughts on social media.
Mark Martin Welcomes Katherine Legge to NASCAR Cup Series With Wholesome Message
Legge originally had an opportunity to race at COTA but was only given a week’s notice to prepare. With limited time, she and Last Five Motorsports opted to race in Phoenix instead.
Following the practice session, Martin shared a video of Legge on X with the caption:
“It’s fun to see @katherinelegge racing at Phoenix.”
It’s fun to see @katherinelegge racing at Phoenix. https://t.co/MOWZ6T7fBR
— Mark Martin (@markmartin) March 8, 2025
Following Saturday’s practice session in Phoenix, Legge spoke to Jamie Little about her highly anticipated Cup Series debut. Legge admitted she was “still shaking” ahead of the race and noted that not everyone understands the magnitude of the challenge she is taking on.
Racing against 36 men with prior experience on this track is no easy feat, but Legge is taking it step by step.
With practice over, her focus shifted to qualifying. She planned to study “a bunch of data” and “a bunch of videos” to develop a race plan.
Ultimately, Legge was unable to climb out of last place in qualifying and will start from the back of the field. Nevertheless, she is keeping realistic expectations.
Legge’s primary goal, though, is to finish the race and take the checkered flag. With her Cup Series debut, she becomes just the eighth woman to compete in NASCAR’s premier series.
Legge expressed disappointment that so few women have had the opportunity despite the talent available. Looking ahead, she hopes to help grow female representation in motorsports.
“Once I’m done racing, I’d like to help bring up the next generation,” she said.
