What Happened to Katherine Legge? Who is Katherine Legge? Are There Any Female Drivers in the Indy 500?
by A N Rahul
Updated May 29, 2023
What happened to Katherine Legge?
During practice for the 2023 Indianapolis 500, Katherine Legge was involved in a crash that took place on Monday, May 22nd. The incident occurred during the final hour of practice when Legge and Stefan Wilson were running side-by-side in Turn 1. Wilson decelerated to avoid another car, but Legge was unable to avoid the collision, resulting in their cars colliding. The impact caused Legge's vehicle to spin out of control and collide with the wall.
Fortunately, Legge emerged from the crash without any injuries, although her car sustained significant damage. As a result, she was unable to continue practicing for the event. However, after being cleared to race, Legge participated in the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday. She started in the 29th position and ultimately finished in 26th place.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in racing. Nevertheless, Legge's swift recovery and commendable performance demonstrated her resilience and skill as a driver.
Who is Katherine Legge?
Katherine Legge is a professional racing driver from Britain. She is known for being the sole female driver participating in the 2023 Indianapolis 500. Legge has an extensive racing background, having competed in various racing series such as IndyCar, Formula E, and NASCAR. She has also taken part in prestigious endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Born on July 12, 1980, in Guildford, Surrey, England, Legge began her racing career at the age of 11, starting with karting. At 14, she secured her first karting championship. In 2000, Legge made a significant move to the United States to compete in the Formula Renault 2000 series. She made an immediate impact by earning the Rookie of the Year accolade and finishing third in the championship standings.
In 2002, Legge transitioned to the Champ Car World Series, where she achieved several notable milestones. In 2005, she became the first woman to secure a pole position in a Champ Car race, and the following year, she became the first woman to lead a Champ Car race.
In 2007, Legge made her way to the IndyCar Series, where she had a solid rookie season, finishing 11th in the championship. Throughout her career, she has also ventured into other racing disciplines such as the American Le Mans Series, the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Beyond her racing accomplishments, Legge is a vocal advocate for women in motorsport. She actively supports organizations like the Women's Sports Foundation and the Women's Automotive Association International. Additionally, she serves as a mentor for young female drivers, aiming to inspire and guide the next generation.
In the 2023 Indianapolis 500, Legge participated for the fifth time, holding the distinction of being the sole female driver in the field. She qualified in the 29th position and ultimately finished in 26th place.
Are there any Female Drivers in the Indy 500?
In the 107th running of the Indy 500, there is only one female driver among the competitors, and her name is Katherine Legge. Hailing from Britain, Legge is set to participate in the race driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, specifically in car number 44. While Legge stands as the lone female racer in the current edition of the Indy 500, it is worth noting that she follows a line of accomplished women who have previously competed in this prestigious event.
Throughout the history of the Indy 500, various female drivers have left their mark on the race. From trailblazers like Janet Guthrie, who became the first woman to qualify for the race in 1977, to the successful runs of Danica Patrick, who achieved the highest finish by a woman in the Indy 500 with her 3rd place result in 2009. These remarkable women, among others, have paved the way for Legge and have inspired future generations of female drivers to pursue their dreams in motorsport.
As the sole female competitor in the 107th running of the Indy 500, Katherine Legge carries the torch for women in racing, showcasing their skill and determination on one of the biggest stages in motorsports. Her participation exemplifies the ongoing progress and inclusivity within the sport, serving as a reminder that gender should never be a barrier to pursuing one's passion and excelling in the world of racing.
Katherine Legge Car Number
For the 2023 Indy 500, Katherine Legge has teamed up with RLL Racing and secured a partnership with Hendrickson. It is with great pride that Hendrickson joins forces with Legge for this prestigious event. Among the 33 drivers participating in the race, Legge stands as the sole woman competitor, adding to the significance of her presence on the track.
During the race, Legge will be piloting the number 44 Hendrickson Honda Car, further emphasizing the collaboration between Legge and Hendrickson. The number 44 holds its own significance, representing the unique identity and association of Legge with the team and sponsors. It is a representation of the dedication, hard work, and shared vision that Legge and Hendrickson bring to the Indy 500.
This partnership not only showcases Legge's exceptional driving skills and determination but also highlights the commitment of Hendrickson to supporting women in motorsports. By providing Legge with the platform and resources to compete at the highest level, Hendrickson reaffirms its belief in gender equality and the importance of inclusivity in the racing world.
As Legge takes to the track in the number 44 Hendrickson Honda Car, she carries the hopes and aspirations of many, serving as an inspiration to aspiring female drivers and fans worldwide. This collaboration between Legge, RLL Racing, and Hendrickson symbolizes the power of unity and the shared pursuit of excellence in the Indy 500.
Katherine Legge Net Worth
Katherine Legge, a renowned racing automobile driver, was born on July 12, 1980, in the United Kingdom. As of January 9, 2023, her estimated net worth is $5 million. Legge's journey to the United States began in 2004 when she faced financial difficulties that threatened her racing career. Determined to pursue her passion, she visited the UK offices of Cosworth, where she insisted on meeting the company's boss, Kevin Kalkhoven.
Initially, Kalkhoven's daughter was sent to persuade Legge to leave, but after a brief conversation, Legge convinced her to arrange a meeting with Kalkhoven. Recognizing her talent and determination, Kalkhoven offered her a drive in the first three rounds of the 2005 Toyota Atlantic Championship with Polestar Motor Racing. This opportunity marked Legge's first full-time drive, and she made an impressive debut by winning the series opener at Long Beach. Her victory made her the first woman to win a developmental open-wheel race in North America.
Throughout the season, Legge continued to showcase her skills, securing two additional wins at Edmonton and San Jose. With three wins and five podium finishes, she finished the season in 3rd place in the championship standings. Legge's outstanding performance earned her recognition, and she was honored with the Toyota Atlantic BBS Rising Star 2005 Award.
Legge's achievements and success in the racing industry have contributed to her net worth, which stands at $5 million as of January 9, 2023. Her talent, determination, and groundbreaking victories have solidified her status as a prominent figure in the world of racing.
Katherine Legge Indy 500 Results
Katherine Legge participated in the Indy 500 and finished in the 33rd position. The race was won by Josef Newgarden from Team Penske, claiming his first victory in the prestigious event. In a thrilling single-lap sprint to the finish, Newgarden overtook Marcus Ericsson, who was the winner of last year's Indy 500, to secure the top spot.
Here is the complete list of results:
- Josef Newgarden
- Marcus Ericsson
- Santino Ferrucci
- Alex Palou
- Alexander Rossi
- Scott Dixon
- Takuma Sato
- Conor Daly
- Colton Herta
- Rinus VeeKay
- Ryan Hunter-Reay
- Callum Ilott
- Devlin DeFrancesco
- Scott McLaughlin
- Helio Castroneves
- Tony Kanaan
- Marco Andretti
- Jack Harvey
- Christian Lundgaard
- Ed Carpenter
- Benjamin Pedersen
- Graham Rahal
- Will Power
- Pato O'Ward
- Simon Pagenaud
- Agustin Canapino
- Felix Rosenqvist
- Kyle Kirkwood
- David Malukas
- Romain Grosjean
- Sting Ray Robb
- RC Enerson
- Katherine Legge
Although Katherine Legge finished in the 33rd position, her participation in the Indy 500 demonstrates her skill and commitment as a racing driver.
What happened to Katherine Legge-FAQs
During practice, Katherine Legge was involved in a collision with Stefan Wilson. They were running side-by-side in Turn 1 when Wilson slowed down to avoid another car. Unfortunately, Legge couldn't avoid the collision, causing her car to spin out of control and hit the wall.
Fortunately, Katherine Legge emerged from the crash without any injuries.
Katherine Legge participated in the race after being cleared to race. She started in the 29th position and finished in 26th place.
Katherine Legge is a professional racing driver from Britain. She has competed in various racing series such as IndyCar, Formula E, and NASCAR. She has also participated in endurance races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. Throughout her career, Legge has achieved notable milestones, including being the first woman to secure a pole position in a Champ Car race and the first woman to lead a Champ Car race. She is a strong advocate for women in motorsport and actively supports organizations like the Women's Sports Foundation and the Women's Automotive Association International.