Katherine Legge Bio
Early Life and Background
Katherine Anne Legge was born on 12 July 1980 in Guildford, Surrey, England. Growing up in a family that encouraged her passion for racing, Legge began her journey in motorsports at a young age. She participated in various developmental open-wheel series in Britain, including Formula Three, Formula Renault, and Formula Ford, where she made a name for herself by achieving significant milestones, such as being the first woman to achieve a pole in a Zetec race in 2000.
In 2001, Legge broke Kimi Räikkönen’s lap record and became the first woman to receive the British Racing Drivers’ Club’s “Rising Star” accolade. Her determination and talent paved the way for her eventual move to the United States, where she sought to further her racing career.
Path to NASCAR
Legge’s transition to the United States came in 2004 when financial constraints threatened her racing ambitions. After a bold visit to Cosworth’s UK offices, she caught the attention of Kevin Kalkhoven, who offered her a drive in the 2005 Toyota Atlantic Championship. Legge made an impressive debut by winning the series opener at Long Beach, making history as the first woman to win a developmental open-wheel race in North America. She finished the season third in the championship, solidifying her status as a rising star in motorsports.
Legge’s early career included testing for a Formula One car in 2005, making her the first woman to do so since Sarah Fisher. This experience, along with her success in the Toyota Atlantic series, helped her secure a spot in the Champ Car series, where she continued to break barriers for women in racing.
Katherine Legge Career
Early Career (2005–2010)
Legge began her professional racing career in 2005, competing in the Toyota Atlantic Championship and quickly establishing herself as a formidable competitor. She won three races in her inaugural season and earned the Toyota Atlantic BBS Rising Star Award. Following her success, she transitioned to the Champ Car series in 2006, where she became the first woman to lead a lap in series history.
Her time in Champ Car was marked by challenges, including a serious accident at the 2006 Grand Prix of Road America. Despite the setbacks, Legge continued to race in various series, including the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) and the IndyCar Series, where she faced both triumphs and tribulations.
IndyCar Breakthrough (2012–2015)
In 2012, Legge signed with Dragon Racing in the IndyCar Series, marking a significant step in her career. She competed in ten races that season, achieving a best finish of ninth at the MAVTV 500. Legge returned to the Indianapolis 500 in 2013, where she qualified 33rd and finished 26th.
Her involvement in the IndyCar series also included a notable attempt to enter the 2016 Indianapolis 500 with an all-female team, although they ultimately did not compete. Legge’s commitment to promoting women in motorsports remained strong throughout her career.
IMSA and Recent Years (2017–2024)
Legge joined Michael Shank Racing in 2017, driving an Acura NSX GT3 in the IMSA SportsCar Championship. She participated in the 2019 24 Hours of Daytona as part of an all-female team, showcasing her versatility across different racing formats. In 2024, she returned to the Indianapolis 500, setting a new qualifying speed record for female drivers, further solidifying her legacy in motorsports.
In 2025, Legge made her NASCAR debut, driving for Live Fast Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series. She also competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where she became the fourth woman in history to lead a race, demonstrating her continued impact in the sport.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Legge is known for her aggressive driving style and ability to adapt to various racing conditions. Her experience across multiple racing disciplines has honed her skills, making her a competitive force in both open-wheel and stock car racing.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Katherine Legge’s career is marked by several significant achievements, including being the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in North America and setting the fastest qualifying effort for a woman in Indianapolis 500 history in 2023. Her pioneering efforts have opened doors for future generations of female drivers.
Katherine Legge Career Wins
Katherine Legge has achieved notable success across various racing series, although she has not yet secured wins in the NASCAR Cup Series or Xfinity Series. Her victories in the Toyota Atlantic Championship and her groundbreaking performances in other series highlight her competitive spirit and determination.
Current NASCAR Series Highlights
In the 2025 NASCAR season, Legge made her debut in the NASCAR Cup Series, where she finished 19th at the Chicago Street Course, marking the best result for a woman in the series since Danica Patrick. Her journey in the NASCAR Xfinity Series has also been notable, with her leading a race at Talladega and showcasing her talent on the track.
Previous Racing Series Achievements
Legge’s accomplishments in the Toyota Atlantic Championship include three wins and a third-place finish in the championship standings. In the Champ Car series, she made history as the first woman to lead a lap, further establishing her legacy in motorsports.
Katherine Legge Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Katherine Legge is engaged to German racing driver Peter Terting. While details about her family background are limited, her commitment to racing and her achievements have made her a prominent figure in the motorsports community.
Personal Life
Legge is an advocate for women in motorsports and is a member of the Women in Motorsport Commission of the FIA. She was inducted into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame in 2024, becoming the first woman to receive this honor, highlighting her influence and contributions to the sport.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for Katherine Legge as she made her NASCAR debut. Competing in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the Xfinity Series, she has faced challenges and triumphs. Legge’s performance at the Chicago Street Course, where she achieved a top-twenty finish, has set a positive tone for her ongoing participation in NASCAR. Her ability to lead a race at Talladega further emphasizes her potential and determination to succeed in this competitive environment.
