Female driver to run in the NASCAR CUP series for the first time since 2018

Phoenix (WBTV) – A female driver is running at NASCAR’s highest level this weekend, marking the first time a woman has been competing in the Cup series since 2018.

Katherine Legge will pilot no. 78 Chevrolet in Sunday’s race on Phoenix Raceway, run after Live fast motorsport.

While this weekend will be Legge’s Cup debut, the 44-year-old from England has many years of racing experience. She has driven warehouses in the XFinity and the Arca series, has made 19 Indycar starts and has competed in several other racing series.

Legge was driving on a warehouse car less than a month ago when she was driving in the Arca season opener on Daytona. She ended 39. After she was caught by a crash during the race’s opening foam. In the Five XFinity Series race, her best finish was 14 on Road America in 2018.

With only 37 cars entered during Sunday’s race, Legge is guaranteed a starting point. When she takes the green flag, it will be the first time a woman has been running in a cuplet since Danica Patrick ran 2018 Daytona 500. According to USA TodayLegge will be the 17th woman running at NASCAR’s top level.

Phoenix marks the second start of the year for Live Fixed Motorsports. Team owner BJ McLeod could not qualify for Daytona 500, but ended 22. At Atlanta the following week. The team has been running full time in the past, but was originally scheduled to run only six races this year. Legge’s start was not one of the six previously scheduled races.

Live Fast Motorsports said it was “excited” to have Legge in the car this weekend.

Sunday’s race at Phoenix has a start time at. 15.30. Christopher Bell, who comes from back-to-back victories, have the best odds of winning, according to Fanduel.

ALSO READ: NASCAR -MESTER TO RUN 1 WEEK AFTER LEAVING THE TRACK ON BIRTH

Copyright 2025 WBTV. All rights reserved.