In years gone by it was common practice for many of motorsports greatest drivers to earn a living and develop their skills by driving a variety of different racing cars throughout their careers.
Whether it was single-seaters, sportscars, touring cars you name it they would drive it, having the willingness and ability to compete in different series provided them with a degree of versatility many of today’s drivers don’t get to experience.
Versatility and adaptability have been qualities Katherine Legge has demonstrated in her career to date. Arguably Britain's most famous female racer, Katherine has also shown speed, bravery and commitment as she rose through the single-seater ranks first in the UK and then in the U.S. Success in Toyota Atlantic's led to a move-up to the Champ Car series where she impressed both on and off the track and became a firm fan favourite. Further headlines were made and experience gained with tests in Formula One with the Minardi team, Team Great Britain in A1 Grand Prix and more recently in the ultra competitive German DTM touring car championship with Audi.
This year saw Katherine move back to America, a country she loves, with a new challenge in mind, to land a full-time drive in IndyCar for next season. The series has been making headlines as it continues to develop and with Chevrolet and lotus joining Honda, a new Dallara chassis waiting in the wings, Katherine's decision looks to be a smart one. With this in mind, I recently caught-up with Katherine to see how her plans are developing for next year, her thoughts on what it will take for a female racer to break into Formula One and much more.
Girlracer: Katherine you were very popular and successful in open-wheel racing in North America when you raced in Toyota Atlantics and Champ Car. What prompted you to leave and race in the DTM?
Katherine: I felt with the merger happening between the IRL and Champ Car to form IndyCar it was a period of uncertainty. I thought that being part of a factory effort would be a great opportunity to grow as a driver. Of course being back in Europe I thought it might even open doors into the F1 world. I would have stayed if I had thought I had a chance to be with a competitive outfit here but like I said everything was up in the air with the merger and I took the security route.
Girlracer: Looking back, how do you view your time in the DTM and what will you miss about the series?
Katherine: That’s a tough question. I have very mixed emotions about my time in the DTM, we had some good days and some very bad ones. However, I did learn a lot and I grew as a person and a driver. I don’t think my results reflect that for a number of reasons.
Girlracer: How are you finding life back in the States again?
Katherine: I have a personal love affair with the USA! When I was gone I missed it here and the friends I made. I miss things from the UK still of course and my family. I also miss the mountains in Germany, although if I had the time I could travel to the mountains here!! I think the American outlook on life as a whole is more positive and I really enjoy that ‘can do’ attitude.
Girlracer: We see women racing successfully in many different types of motorsport, why do you think that there are no women racing in Formula One?
Katherine: I don’t think F1 is ready for a female driver and I don’t think there are that many talented enough to pull it off… I don’t mean that in a bad way its just F1 is not just about the driving, having to manage all the personalities and politics that goes on is way harder!! When I tested I proved that I could drive the car fast enough, it will just take a major commercial backer to open those doors.
Girlracer: You impressed in your Formula One test with Minardi in 2005, do you see Formula One as a closed chapter or still unfinished business?
Katherine: Gosh I have been so focused this year on putting my IndyCar deal together I haven’t really pursued it as an option. I would jump at the chance to drive in F1 but realistically its not going to happen unless like I say you can get major backing from a global commercial force.
Girlracer: So what made you decide to return to the U.S. and IndyCar?
Katherine: I felt it was where I belong. I missed racing stateside and I really feel its one of the few places to race in the world where gender is a non-issue. I wanted the chance at winning races and being given an equal shot at it where your results directly depend on the effort and talent you have both on and off the track.
Girlracer: Next year Chevrolet and Lotus will join Honda as IndyCar engine suppliers. These manufacturers don't know yet how many cars will start the season next year and therefore how many engines they will have to supply. At the same time, some of the teams are saying they don't know yet which engines they may be using or if they will be able to sign a deal with the manufacturer of their choice. What impact is this situation having on your talks with teams and when would you hope to have a deal announced?
Katherine: It’s a tricky situation, because the teams have that as their number one priority at the moment. It will all work itself out pretty quickly here though. I am looking forward to it as I really believe it will make for more interesting racing.
Girlracer: Having raced in Europe for a few years, would you anticipate any difficulties in re-adjusting to an IndyCar, ovals and the U.S. style circuits, some of which will be new to you?
Katherine: Gosh I think it will take me a while to get used to the car again, but really after a test day it should start to come back!
Girlracer: Do you think that you will have the opportunity to have a test in either the current car or new car before the end of the year?
Katherine: I hope so!
Girlracer: You attended the Indy 500 this year, have you been able to attend any other races since then?
Katherine: Yes I have been at quite a few of the races this year. I have to get myself back into the consideration of team owners for next year and that means them seeing you at the track right. It hurts a lot to see the others racing when you are not but it just makes you more determined to make it happen for yourself. I have also had quite a few commercial meetings that take place at the races so it has been important for me to be at as many as possible.
Girlracer: IndyCar introduced double-file race restarts this year, what's your thoughts, is this good for the series?
Katherine: I think it is good for the series as it creates closer racing, but I cant really judge myself having not been part of one.
Girlracer: Are there any particular IndyCar circuits that you're looking forward to racing at again next year or any of the new circuits that you're looking forward to getting to race at?
Katherine: All of them!!!
Girlracer: Looking at the championship this year it looks like it's going to come down to Dario Franchitti and Will Power again, who's your money on taking the title?
Katherine: Oh that’s a tough one! They have both done a great job this year and created a lot of interest for IndyCar racing! I will go with Dario but only because it was a gut instinct!!
Girlracer: What do you do you stay fit and in such great shape?
Katherine: I enjoy running and so in a typical week will run 20-30miles, some long easy, some hard, some intervals. I also do circuits and weight training 3 times a week. I try to do some cycling but on more of a casual basis, and I just started Yoga!
Girlracer: Who's inspired you the most in your career?
Katherine: My dad… He has been there for me the whole time. Senna was my childhood hero growing up in racing.
Girlracer: What advice would you give to any of our readers interested in starting a career in motorsports?
Katherine: Don’t do it!!! Go grab a tennis racquet instead!!... No, seriously if its what you have your heart set on than be prepared for a lot of hard work and you will need a thick skin. You have to make sure its what you want 110% and you are prepared for the journey because if you don’t have total commitment it will chew you up and spit you out very quickly. If you are prepared for it then be single minded, focused and don’t give up! One of the main things I would suggest is get some professional advice from someone you trust early on to guide your career.
Girlracer: Thank you Katherine for taking the time to talk with Girlracer, we can't wait to see you back in Indycar next year!
Katherine: Thanks Girlracer, I hope to make you proud! I have been working very hard and being very patient and diligent with my 2012 aspirations and program... xoxo
You can find out more about Katherine on her website, http://katherinelegge.com/ By James Foreman
