Debate Over NASCAR's Driver Approval Process Intensifies

Katherine Legge believes she’ll surpass her Phoenix performance, though some drivers have raised concerns about NASCAR’s approval process, saying it placed both Legge and Helio Castroneves in challenging situations for their Cup debuts this season.

While competing in Phoenix last weekend, Legge spun out twice, with the second incident leading to damage on Daniel Suarez’s vehicle. Meanwhile, Castroneves was involved in accidents during his qualification race and the Daytona 500 last month.

There’s been increased focus on NASCAR’s driver approval system since the year began.

In January, NASCAR refused to approve Mike Wallace, despite his 197 career Cup races, for the Daytona 500 as he hasn’t raced in the series since 2015. Conversely, Castroneves, noted for his four Indianapolis 500 victories but lacking NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, or Truck experience, was cleared to participate in the Daytona 500.

Legge, having extensive experience in IndyCars and IMSA but only one Xfinity start since 2019, was greenlit for her Cup debut in Phoenix. Additionally, news broke this week that Casey Mears, with 489 Cup starts, will compete at Martinsville later this month in his first Cup event post the 2019 Daytona 500.

Joey Logano, a three-time Cup champion, advocates for more definitive guidelines in NASCAR’s driver approval protocol. “A bit of structure in the process would be appreciated,” he stated.

Similarly, two-time Cup champion Kyle Busch proposes that current Cup drivers should take part in the approval decision-making. “There’s definitely room for improvements,” he remarked.

Since the onset of the 2023 season, sixteen drivers have initiated their Cup careers, with eleven having either no or minimal experience in the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, or Truck Series.

Addressing her experience on her podcast, Legge defended her participation in Phoenix. She acknowledged the mixed reactions from fellow drivers: “Many have been quite understanding, but there are others who might hold some resentment, which I can comprehend.”