Katherine Legge, 45, will attempt to compete in the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, May 24, 2026, during Memorial Day weekend [1, 2]. She will become the first woman and first foreign-born driver to attempt "The Double," which consists of racing roughly 1,100 miles in two of the longest and most demanding motorsports events back-to-back [1].
Only five drivers have previously attempted the feat: Tony Stewart (the only one to complete all miles), John Andretti, Robbie Gordon, Kurt Busch, and Kyle Larson [2]. Legge has made 19 IndyCar starts, including four previous Indy 500 appearances with a best finish of 22nd in 2012, and eight NASCAR Cup Series starts, most recently finishing 35th at Watkins Glen last week [1, 2].
Her 2026 Indy 500 entry will be with HMD Motorsports/AJ Foyt Racing in car No. 11 Chevrolet, while her NASCAR entries recently have been with Live Fast Motorsports, though not officially confirmed [1]. She is supported by sponsors e.l.f. Cosmetics and e.l.f. Beauty for the challenge [1]. Patrick O’Keefe, Chief Integrated Marketing Officer of e.l.f. Beauty, said, "Katherine attempting ‘The Double’ is a reflection of what empowering.legendary.females. looks like in action – backing women who push boundaries and inspire the next generation to dream even bigger" [1].
Legge acknowledged the logistical challenges ahead, saying, "It’s meticulously organized down to the minute. I just have to turn left a bunch of times that day. Hopefully there's no weather issues. We'll be all over the place" [2].
Her attempt comes 50 years after Janet Guthrie became the first woman to run practice laps at Indianapolis and distinguishes her from Danica Patrick, who never tried the "Double" [2]. The last full successful completion was by Tony Stewart in 2001, who finished sixth at Indy and third at Charlotte [2]. Kyle Larson's 2024 effort was hampered by rain delays and crashes in both races [2].
Legge's attempt will take place on May 24, with the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 scheduled that day as part of Memorial Day weekend racing events [1, 2].
