Last week’s historic occasion in motorsport—Katherine Legge’s debut in NASCAR’s Cup Series—went south. A lackluster performance was the outcome of the seasoned IndyCar and IMSA racer’s entry into stock car racing. Serious discussion concerning NASCAR’s approval procedure for drivers switching from other racing disciplines was triggered by her difficulty adjusting to the Cup Series car. Legge’s first race at Phoenix ended with a catastrophic spin-out on the fourth lap, followed by a collision that stopped Daniel Suarez’s and Legge’s races early. This brought to light, for many, the possible drawbacks of permitting drivers with little stock car experience to participate in NASCAR’s premier series. Three-time Cup Series champion Joey Logano, as well as his longtime rivals Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch, were among those who expressed their concerns.
In an interview with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, Logano emphasized the challenges of transitioning from an IndyCar to a Cup car, particularly on a road course, comparing it to Shane van Gisbergen’s easier transition. Shane van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion who won his first Cup Series race at the Chicago Street Course in 2023, noted that supercars and Cup cars are more similar on road courses than are IndyCars and Cup cars. Logano also highlighted the significance of proper practice, citing Kyle Larson’s preparation for the Indy 500 as an example. Larson, the 2021 Cup Series Champion, spent a whole month in Indianapolis to get approval and become acquainted with the race car.
Legge, on the other hand, only completed 45 test laps before learning about her Phoenix race just ten days before. Following the race, some drivers, like as Daniel Suarez, expressed sympathy for Legge and blamed the accident on NASCAR rather than the English driver. Kyle Busch expressed worries regarding NASCAR’s control on driver approvals, and Logano agreed with Suarez. According to Busch, NASCAR’s decision-makers frequently lack the necessary racing background to render wise decisions. When he was a Truck Series owner with Kyle Busch Motorsports, he recalls times when NASCAR unjustly denied his drivers the opportunity to compete in races. Denny Hamlin, who maintained that NASCAR should only be used by the finest, also demanded a more stringent clearance procedure.
He recommended against permitting unqualified drivers to compete in order to preserve its reputation as the premier stock car racing series in the world. Legge seems unfazed by the criticism surrounding her Cup Series debut. The IndyCar legend, who currently holds the record for the fastest female qualifying time in the Indy500, is committed to establishing her value in the NASCAR ranks. She spoke with Suarez and the other impacted drivers, reaffirming her determination to grow and learn from the incident. The criticism of NASCAR’s approval procedure by Logano, Busch, and Hamlin highlights the necessity of improved regulation. A stricter system might lower safety hazards and increase competition. Additionally, it would force drivers like Legge to put in more effort to get approval, making them more ready when they hit the track.
Logano suggested that NASCAR could require drivers to compete in certain races before gaining Cup Series approval. He argued that this would provide a clearer path for drivers transitioning from other racing disciplines. As the debate rages on, motorsport fans are left wondering about the future of NASCAR’s approval process. Will Legge’s determination to make amends prompt NASCAR to refine their policies? Only time will tell.
