Katherine Legge has qualified for the Indianapolis 500, taking the first step toward attempting “The Double”. She will become the first woman to attempt to race in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte, North Carolina, on the same day.
Qualifying Performance
Legge’s qualifying run on Sunday secured her a spot in the Indy 500. She finished with an average speed of 229.456 miles per hour. This speed placed her 27th in the field of 33 cars. Qualifying was moved to Sunday after Saturday’s session was rained out.
Making History
At 45 years old, Legge will be the oldest driver to attempt the Double. She is also the first non-American-born driver to attempt it. The native of England will be sponsored by e.l.f. Cosmetics in both races.
Legge stated that e.l.f. wants to do groundbreaking things. She added that she can showcase to the world that people can do anything they set their minds to.
The Races
Legge will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing in the Indy 500. She will then drive the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports in Charlotte. This will be Legge’s fifth time racing in the Indy 500, where she is the only woman in the field this year. Her best finish is 22nd, and she holds the track record for the fastest qualifying time by a woman.
She made her NASCAR Cup Series debut last season, becoming the first woman to race in the series since 2018. Charlotte will mark her ninth Cup race. Her best finish came last year at the Brickyard 400, where she placed 17th.
The Double Challenge
Qualifying for the Coca-Cola 600 is next up for Legge. She’ll attend the driver’s meeting in Indianapolis before flying to Charlotte for qualifying. If Legge qualifies for the Coca-Cola 600, she will be the sixth driver to attempt The Double.
- John Andretti was the first in 1996.
- Robby Gordon attempted it five times.
- Tony Stewart tried twice.
- Kurt Busch in 2014 and Kyle Larson in 2024 and 2025 also attempted the feat.
Tony Stewart had the most success, placing sixth at Indy and third in Charlotte in 2001. The Double is one of the most demanding tests of endurance and skill in motorsports. Drivers attempt to cover more than 1,100 miles in one day with little recovery time.
Legge feels she has a great team and a car capable of finishing well in the Indy 500.