A heated moment shook Rockingham Speedway when a late-race crash stopped Katherine Legge’s strong run. The contact wasn’t random—and Joey Gase had sharp words online. A Joe Gibbs Racing driver was in the center of it all, changing the race in an instant. But what exactly happened between fourth place and the wall? With damaged cars and pointed comments, the drama didn’t end on the track. Even Kasey Kahne wasn’t spared in the chaos that followed.
Key Highlights
- Joey Gase criticized the Joe Gibbs driver responsible for the crash on social media.
- He pointed out the driver’s low standing in owner points as a reason for the incident.
- Gase’s comments highlighted Katherine Legge’s strong performance before the crash.
- Katherine Legge was taken out of the race after contact with William Sawalich.
- The incident sparked discussions on driver accountability and racing tactics.
The Crash and Immediate Aftermath
The race took a dramatic turn around the 50-lap mark when a tense battle for fourth place between Kasey Kahne and the Joe Gibbs Racing driver, William Sawalich, escalated.
As they vied for position, Katherine Legge’s No.32 Chevrolet became an unwitting participant in the unfolding drama. Sawalich, in his passionate attempt to outmaneuver Kahne, made untimely contact with Legge’s vehicle. This resulted in Legge losing control, spinning out, and forcefully colliding with the wall—a sequence that inadvertently involved Kahne’s No.33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.
The aftermath of this incident was immediate and severe. Legge’s race was abruptly ended, and Kahne’s vehicle sustained notable damage, altering the competitive landscape of the event.
The crash highlighted the perils of aggressive racing tactics and emphasized the delicate balance between assertiveness and recklessness on the track. The incident left teams scrambling to reassess their strategies during the chaos.
Joey Gase’s Reaction on Social Media
In the wake of the chaotic crash involving Katherine Legge and Kasey Kahne, attention swiftly shifted to the digital arena where Joey Gase voiced his frustrations.
And this is why this Joe Gibbs driver is 24th in owner points. Sad. @katherinelegge was doing a hell of a job https://t.co/uf5PfnDGMr
— Joey Gase Racing (@JoeyGaseRacing) April 19, 2025
Without delay, Gase took to X, expressing his discontent over the unfortunate incident. His pointed critique targeted the Joe Gibbs driver responsible, highlighting his dissatisfaction with the performance and decision-making on the track.
Gase’s post not only served as a critique but also an affirmation of Legge’s efforts during the race:
- Direct Criticism: Gase explicitly called out the Joe Gibbs driver’s position in owner points, stating, “And this is why this Joe Gibbs driver is 24th in owner points. Sad.”
- Praise for Legge: His post emphasized Legge’s commendable performance, stating she was doing “a hell of a job.”
- Public Nature: By posting on X, Gase guaranteed his opinions reached a broad audience, amplifying the incident’s visibility.
Katherine Legge’s Initial Reaction
Legge attributed the crash to another driver, stating, “I just got taken out by Sawalich.”
Her succinct assessment, “So it is what it is in that situation,” represented an acceptance of the unpredictable nature of racing, despite her evident disappointment.
Her initial reaction highlighted the challenges and unpredictability inherent in motorsports.
Katherine Legge’s Breakdown of the Incident and Weekend Experience
Despite the chaos of the incident, Katherine Legge provided a detailed breakdown of the crash, illustrating her perspective on the weekend’s events. She expressed that she had conscientiously left space on the inside lane, anticipating a clean corner exit. However, her expectations were abruptly shattered when the opposing driver understeered into her vehicle.
“I mean, I’d given the inside lane to whoever had just gone past me and I thought we were gonna finish the corner, but he just moved up the racetrack and understeered straight into my left rear. So not much you can do.” – Katherine Legge
Legge’s weekend was not without its challenges, yet she approached them with resilience and adaptability. Her reflections included:
- Adjustment Period: Legge noted the car felt different than during practice, requiring approximately 20 laps to acclimate.
- Positive Momentum: Once settled, she managed to stay competitive, hanging with the pack and gaining valuable experience.
- Unavoidable Collision: Concluding with a sense of frustration, she articulated the helplessness of being taken out without an option to avoid the impact, emphasizing the absence of a “disappear button” on her steering wheel.
“You know, I was settling in and actually we were doing great. I think the car wasn’t the car that I was used to driving in practice yesterday, so it took me, you know, 20 laps or so to get used to it.
“But then we were just hanging with the pack there and I was thinking, ‘okay, I’m getting experience and my goal was just to finish,’ right?
“And then when you get taken out and you get hit like that, there’s literally nothing you can do. So I don’t have a disappear button on my steering wheel.” – Katherine Legge
News in Brief: Joey Gase Criticizes Racing Tactics
In the aftermath of the Rockingham incident, tensions flared as Joey Gase took to social media to express his frustration, pointing fingers at a Joe Gibbs driver for the crash involving Katherine Legge. Legge, shaken but determined, shared her perspective on the wreck, detailing her experience throughout the tumultuous weekend. The incident highlighted the intense emotions and high stakes inherent in motorsports, leaving the racing community to reflect on the need for accountability and safety.
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