Katherine Legge has been chosen as the inaugural female honoree for the 2024 Motorsports Walk of Fame, alongside two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Takuma Sato. The induction ceremony will take place during the Grand Prix of Long Beach on 18-21 April. The event will be free and open to the public, commencing at 11am PT in front of the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center on South Pine Avenue.
During the ceremony, Legge and Sato will reveal 22-inch bronze medallions that showcase their iconic cars and highlight their significant accomplishments in motorsport. Legge currently competes in Gradient Racing’s #66 Acura NSX in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. She previously drove the distinctive DeltaWing prototype racer from 2014 to 2016.
Expressing her gratitude, Legge stated, “I am extremely honored to be inducted into the Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame. My professional racing career began here in 2005, and that victory on these renowned streets remains one of my most cherished memories. I am humbled to be in the company of such legends in our sport, and I cannot adequately express how much this recognition means to me.”
In 2023, Legge made headlines by breaking the record for the fastest female qualifier in the history of the Indianapolis 500. Throughout her diverse motorsport career, she has secured three championships, six race wins, and 15 podium finishes. Notably, she became the first woman to lead a Champ Car race in 2006 in Long Beach and the first woman to win a major North American open-wheel race in 2005. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in securing the first victory for the Acura NSX GT3 in the IMSA in 2017.
Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his enthusiasm for the induction, stating, “We are honored to welcome Katherine Legge and Takuma Sato to the Long Beach Walk of Fame. Our Motorsports Walk of Fame pays tribute to the legends who have made a lasting impact on Long Beach and the racing community. We eagerly anticipate celebrating their remarkable careers during the induction ceremony.”
First District Councilwoman Mary Zendejas also praised Legge and Sato, saying, “We are thrilled to acknowledge Katherine and Takuma for their exceptional contributions to the world of motorsports. It is a true privilege to have their achievements commemorated on exquisite medallions embedded on the sidewalks of our beautiful downtown shoreline. These medallions will be admired by racing enthusiasts from around the globe for years to come.”
Vice Mayor and Second District Councilwoman Cindy Allen echoed the sentiment, remarking, “What an honor it is to bestow Katherine and Takuma with this prestigious recognition. Their accomplishments on and off the track have inspired countless individuals to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact on the world. We extend our best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.”