Katherine Legge has altered perceptions of her NASCAR Cup Series career following her debut earlier this year at Phoenix Raceway. Over her last three races, she has demonstrated consistent progress, culminating in a standout performance at last Sunday’s Brickyard 400 held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Driving the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports, Legge achieved her best finish to date by placing 17th.
Legge also reached a significant milestone by becoming the 21st driver to compete in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Brickyard 400, underscoring her versatility and skill across different major racing events. Her performance at Indianapolis did not go unnoticed, especially by fellow racer Denny Hamlin.
Denny Hamlin Highlights Legge’s Impressive Progress at Indiana
On his Actions Detrimental podcast, Denny Hamlin expressed high regard for Legge’s efforts during the Brickyard 400. Hamlin acknowledged the challenges Legge faced with limited team testing and data, noting that her ability to extract performance from her car was remarkable given these constraints.
He said,
“… It can’t be stated how impressive she’s been. I mean, staying on the (leap lap). It’s not like she’s getting five lucky dogs, and getting back on the lead lap and squeaking a finish out. Like, she’s staying on the lead lap at these racetracks, and battling some of our better drivers for teens finishing position. That’s with a car that is clearly not up to snuff, compared to what she’s racing up against. … She optimized her day (at Indianapolis).”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin also remarked that although initial practice runs made the No. 78 car appear risky, the team’s minimal testing meant they entered the race weekend without clear data, yet managed to find a successful setup on race day.
Additional Praise from Kevin Harvick on Legge’s Development
Legge’s rising reputation has captured attention from other prominent figures in NASCAR, including Kevin Harvick, who shared his thoughts on the Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast. Harvick praised the steady improvement Legge has shown since her start and acknowledged the skepticism she initially faced.
Harvick stated,
“She did great. I’ve been super impressed with the progression of her and her performance,”
and continued,
“I think when you see a finish like this on an oval, we’re going in the right direction. Kudos to her and her team for what they did. … I think the criticism was well deserved and fair. But I also think the kudos are well deserved and fair, too.”
—Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Driver
Legge’s NASCAR Future Looks Promising
Katherine Legge’s improvements in the NASCAR Cup Series reveal her growing ability to compete at the top tier of stock car racing. Her ability to maintain position on the lead lap and challenge experienced drivers despite equipment limitations highlights her skill and determination. As she continues to adapt and gain experience, Legge is becoming a driver worth watching whenever she ties into the grid.
With endorsements from seasoned competitors like Denny Hamlin and Kevin Harvick, her trajectory suggests potential for even stronger results ahead, making her progress a notable storyline within the NASCAR community.