Katherine Legge caused a significant Denny Hamlin 23XI Racing setback by outpacing Corey Heim during the Chicago Street Course qualifying ahead of the Grant Park 165 on Sunday. By eclipsing Heim’s lap, Legge not only claimed a spot in the race but also eliminated Heim and the third charter entry from 23XI Racing, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan.
Legge Surpasses Heim in a Competitive Qualifying Session
Despite carrying damage from a hard practice crash, Legge drove a 92.368-second lap, narrowly faster than Heim’s 92.506. The slim margin was enough for her to bump Heim out, as the 23XI Racing driver was hampered by a bent tow link, which he damaged by hitting the wall earlier in the session. Heim, a leading contender for the Truck Series championship, was unable to improve his time, delivering a setback for both himself and his racing team.</p>
Steven Taranto shared news of the surprising qualifying result on social media:
“An upset in Cup qualifying! Katherine Legge just ran a 1:32.368 in Cup qualifying, a tenth faster than Corey Heim who cannot make another lap. That means Legge will make the race tomorrow and that Heim has failed to qualify in the fourth 23XI car.” —Steven Taranto, Reporter
This outcome marks a substantial change in 23XI Racing’s expectations for the event, especially with Heim regarded as a rising star expected to perform strongly. The incident also raises questions for Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s team as they adjust their race strategies without Heim on the grid in Chicago.
Katherine Legge’s Remarkable Career and Milestones
Katherine Legge’s motorsport background includes a string of pioneering accomplishments. In 2005, she became the first woman to secure a win in a major North American developmental open-wheel series, collecting several Toyota Atlantic Championship victories. That season, she tested a Formula One car, breaking a three-year absence of women in such roles. Throughout her career, Legge has demonstrated adaptability and skill, competing in IndyCar, DTM, IMSA, and NASCAR events across challenging disciplines and locations, from North America to Europe.
Taking On the Pressure and Spotlight in NASCAR
Now, as the only woman in the Chicago Street Race field for the NASCAR Cup Series, Legge addresses both the challenge and attention that accompany her endeavor. With more than 20 years of experience in diverse racing series, the British driver recognizes the significance of the opportunity and its potential impact on her career trajectory.
“I definitely think there is pressure… Coming over to NASCAR, with no one knowing me or what I’m capable of, for sure I think it’s added pressure. The spotlight is on. That would be for anybody new, but there’s probably extra pressure because of the female piece,” she told the Chicago Tribune. —Katherine Legge, Driver
Earlier in the season, Legge faced adversity, including a did-not-finish (DNF) in Phoenix and an incident in Mexico, but has approached each challenge with humor and resilience. As she prepares for the Chicago race, Legge acknowledges the greater scrutiny that comes with being a female driver in a male-dominated environment, remaining both driven and optimistic.
Implications for 23XI Racing and What Lies Ahead
The elimination of Corey Heim and the third charter car from Sunday’s race represents an unexpected hurdle for 23XI Racing and owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan. As Legge takes the grid, her performance could reshape narratives about gender and opportunity in motorsports, while 23XI Racing faces strategic recalibration ahead of future NASCAR Cup Series events. The outcome at the Chicago Street Course will serve as a key moment for both Legge’s career and the future prospects of Hamlin’s organization as the season continues to unfold.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin began racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Over time, he has achieved great success.
Hamlin has won 51 Cup Series races and claimed victory at the Daytona 500 three times—in 2016, 2019, and 2020.
Q. Why did NASCAR penalize Denny Hamlin?
A. Denny Hamlin’s No. 11 team received a penalty for breaking NASCAR’s engine inspection rules. This was announced on Thursday. The Joe Gibbs Racing team and driver Denny Hamlin violated Sections 14.7, leading to an L2-level penalty.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Through his career earnings, endorsements, and investments, he has amassed a $65 million fortune. The keys to his wealth include: ✔ Significant NASCAR earnings from race wins and contracts. ✔ Long-lasting sponsorship agreements with companies like FedEx, Jordan Brand, and Toyota.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin lose 75 points for engine violation?
A. NASCAR penalized Denny Hamlin and team owner Joe Gibbs 75 regular-season points and 10 playoff points for breaking engine seal rules. This penalty came after Hamlin won at Bristol in the spring, according to NASCAR’s announcement on Thursday.
