Legge to race at TMS for the first time

Kathryn Legge

Tim Wohlford/AR1.com

Katherine Legge is racing at Texas Motor Speedway for the first time this weekend.

But her journey to the IZOD IndyCar Series began at Texas Motor Speedway in November 2004 when she participated in a test for female drivers organized by Infiniti Pro Series (now Firestone Indy Lights) team owner Kathryn Nunn.

In Europe at the time following a season in British Formula Three and not invited to the three-day session, the 2002 British Racing Drivers' Club "Rising Star" award winner nonetheless arrived at the track with firesuit and helmet in hand.

Though it didn't procure a ride in the series, the results caught the attention of the Polestar Racing Group. Legge delivered again during the 2005 Atlantic Championship, winning three races and finishing third in the championship. The next season, she graduated to Champ Car with PKV Racing, and in '07 joined Dale Coyne Racing.

"It was an amazing experience and I am still grateful for Kathryn giving me the chance to get in the car, since I was not originally chosen for the test," said Legge, who recorded a dozen "get comfortable" laps before the all-car practice session for the Firestone 550. "I believe it gave me the much needed chance to prove I could drive these types of cars here in the United States."

Legge returned to Europe to race in DTM touring cars after INDYCAR absorbed Champ Car teams for the 2008 season, but longed to return to the States. Her four-year wait was rewarded in January.

The Firestone 550 will be the 34th Indy car start for Legge, who turns 32 on July 12 (28 in Champ Car) and third oval race. It was at the Milwaukee Mile in 2006 where Legge posted her career best of sixth (tied at Long Beach).