In the qualifying session for the Grant Park 165 scheduled on Sunday, Katherine Legge caused a major upset by outperforming Corey Heim, a 23XI Racing driver co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan. Legge’s surprising lap time put pressure on 23XI Racing as she clinched a faster time despite facing challenges earlier in the weekend.
Facing the aftermath of a hard crash during practice, Legge posted a lap time of 92.368 seconds, narrowly beating Corey Heim’s 92.506 seconds by 0.138 seconds. Heim’s performance was hindered after hitting a wall earlier, which damaged his car’s tow link and prevented him from making another qualifying attempt. This outcome is a setback for Heim, a strong contender for the Truck Series title, and his team.
The Impact on 23XI Racing and Corey Heim’s Prospects
Corey Heim’s failed qualifying run is significant given his status as a potential Truck Series champion and key member of the 23XI Racing lineup. The team, backed by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, now faces a crucial challenge heading into the race weekend. Steven Taranto reported the qualifying upset on social media, highlighting the shock of Legge’s faster lap and Heim’s inability to improve his time further.
“An upset in Cup qualifying! Katherine Legge just ran a 1:32.368 in Cup qualifying, a tenth faster than Corey Heim who cannot make another lap. That means Legge will make the race tomorrow and that Heim has failed to qualify in the fourth 23XI car.”
—Steven Taranto, Reporter
Katherine Legge’s Racing Career and Versatility
Katherine Legge has a long and diverse racing history, dating back to 2005 when she became the first woman to win a major developmental open-wheel race in North America with victories in the Toyota Atlantic Championship. That same year, she made history by testing a Formula One car, the first woman to do so since 2002. Throughout her career, Legge has competed across several elite motorsport series including IndyCar, DTM, IMSA, and NASCAR, demonstrating her adaptability and driving skill across different racing environments.
Legge Reflects on the Pressure of Competing in NASCAR
Having raced professionally for more than 20 years, British driver Katherine Legge is contending with the intense pressure of participating in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. As the only female driver in the Chicago Street Race, she views this test on a challenging street course as an important opportunity to prove herself under scrutiny. Legge acknowledges the added attention and expectations that come with being a newcomer and a woman in a male-dominated sport.
“I definitely think there is pressure… Coming over to NASCAR, with no one knowing me or what I’m capable of, for sure I think it’s added pressure. The spotlight is on. That would be for anybody new, but there’s probably extra pressure because of the female piece,”
—Katherine Legge, NASCAR driver
Despite some setbacks earlier in the season, including a Did Not Finish (DNF) at Phoenix and a wreck in Mexico, Legge maintains a determined attitude. She approaches the challenges with both humor and humility, aiming to carve out her place in NASCAR history despite the difficulties faced.
What This Means for the Race and Future Prospects
Katherine Legge’s qualifying success serves as a critical moment for her and a disruptive twist for 23XI Racing. Her ability to post a leading lap time amid adversity indicates she may be a formidable competitor in the Grant Park 165. Meanwhile, Corey Heim and 23XI Racing must regroup and reassess as they face the consequences of a strong qualifying upset. The results underscore the unpredictable nature of street racing and set the stage for an intense race day.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Since starting his full-time Cup Series career with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006, Hamlin has achieved impressive success. He has won 51 Cup Series races, including the Daytona 500 three times (in 2016, 2019, and 2020), and made millions in earnings.
Q. Why did NASCAR penalize Denny Hamlin?
A. Driver Denny Hamlin and the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing team received a penalty for breaking engine inspection rules. On Thursday, NASCAR announced they were given an L2-level penalty. The team violated Sections 14.7 of NASCAR’s regulations.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. His career earnings from racing, endorsements, team ownership, and real estate investments have created a huge empire valued at $65 million. Hamlin’s Path to Wealth: ✔ Big NASCAR earnings from race wins and contracts. ✔ Long-lasting sponsorship deals with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Q. Why was Denny Hamlin penalized in NASCAR?
A. The Toyota Racing Development team accidentally took apart and reassembled the engine that won the race. They did this before showing it to NASCAR for inspection. This broke several rules in NASCAR’s Rule Book.
