Exclusive: A Glamorous Night with PEOPLE x e.l.f. Cosmetics Honoring NASCAR’s Trailblazer Katherine Legge

By Carla Metts, Katherine Legge, and Dory Jackson
Photography: Aaron St Clair/Shutterstock

The energy was electric on May 23 as PEOPLE and e.l.f. Cosmetics threw an unforgettable kickoff gala in Charlotte, North Carolina, in honor of British racing sensation Katherine Legge — the only female competing in this year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series’ BetMGM 300.

Held at the stylish Folia venue, the evening marked a high-octane beginning to Coca-Cola 600 Weekend, shining a well-deserved spotlight on Legge, 44, who continues to break barriers in a male-dominated motorsport.

✨ A Starry Night of Speed and Style

The celebration was hosted by PEOPLE’s Dory Jackson and NASCAR’s Carla Metts, welcoming a star-studded guest list including:

• Kelsey Asbille (Yellowstone)
• Rain Spencer (The Summer I Turned Pretty)
• Journalist Alicia Quarles
• Barstool personalities Kelly Trotta, Maddie Schrader, and Rae Reichert

From behind-the-scenes names in motorsports to front-row Hollywood glam, the crowd was vibrant and supportive. PEOPLE and e.l.f. teamed up to create a dynamic ambiance with:

• A custom racecar-themed photo booth
• Craft jewelry stations courtesy of The Link Lab
• Signature cocktails and curated hors d’oeuvres (shrimp skewers, empanadas, and more)
• e.l.f. gift bags, featuring their fan-favorite Power Grip Primer and Suntouchable Invisi-Stick SPF 50

🏎️ Katherine Legge’s Moment in the Spotlight

With pride and gratitude, Legge addressed the crowd:

“I feel quite emotional now. Tear in my eye,” she said. “Honestly, super, super grateful and super proud to be here and to represent e.l.f. and to chat with all the wonderful PEOPLE people.”

She spoke candidly about her evolving journey in racing and the challenge of stepping into new territory within the stock car world:

“This year I’m doing something that is making me uncomfortable, and I’m getting comfortable being uncomfortable again… I probably have one of the most diverse careers in racing, but I haven’t really experienced that much stock car racing.”

“This only happens once in your lifetime,” she added. “So it’s my responsibility to do you all proud. I am giving you 110%.”

💄 Empowerment, e.l.f.-Style

Legge’s alignment with e.l.f. Cosmetics — known for their ethos of empowering women — feels like the perfect match. Patrick O’Keefe, e.l.f.’s Chief Integrated Marketing Officer, introduced Legge with enthusiasm and pride.

“When e.l.f. says they stand for empowering women, that is no s—, people,” Legge said to cheers. “I’ve never felt so empowered.”

📸 Event Highlights

• Nicole Kidman’s glam moment? Shared over lunch earlier in the week with Clea Shearer.
• NFL cheerleaders amping up the vibe.
• Barstool’s trio goofing off in the racecar photo booth.