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Legge Rejects Patrick Comparison

Toyota Atlantic race winner Katherine Legge has moved to play down the hype being whipped up between her and fellow female racer Danica Patrick

Legge took her second victory of the season at Edmonton last weekend and, with Patrick still chasing her maiden win in the Indy Racing League, the American media are having a field day comparing their careers.

But speaking at a press conference ahead of next weekend's race at San Jose, Legge said that she was not bothered by the focus being placed on her and Patrick.

"It's really not affecting me at all, you know, apart from the press trying to make it into something that it's really not, it's having no effect," she said.

"You know, Danica is just going down a completely different route to the route I'm going down. I think she's a really good driver and I really genuinely wish her well. If we were in the same series, I could understand the deal that's being made out of it, but we're really not.

"I think the most important thing is we want to be seen as drivers. We're not terribly keen on being seen as female drivers. Obviously, we wouldn't change the fact that we're female, but I think the most important thing to us is that we're seen as competitive."

Legge has been linked with a move to Champ Car next season, but she has made it clear that she would rather spend another season in Toyota Atlantic gaining experience and hopefully winning the title next year.

"My short-term goals for the rest of the season are just to be consistent and to get a few more wins and just to learn as much as I can," she said. "Everybody seems to be under the impression that I'm going to Champ Car next year, and it's really not the case.

"I'm not going to get there just because I'm a girl. I have to get there because I'm a really good driver. At the moment, I don't have the experience and the talent to get me there.

"When I get there, I don't want to be driving around at the back learning for another year. I'd rather do another year in Atlantics; really win a championship before going into that, if I do, indeed, get the opportunity. It's not written down that I definitely will.

"I mean, hopefully I will because I honestly believe that it's the best form of open-wheel racing in the United States for sure, and one of the best in the world. But I really feel like I'm learning a lot right now in Atlantics. I don't want to run before I can walk."

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