British driver Katherine Legge secured a spot in the 2026 Indianapolis 500, posting an average qualifying speed of 229.456 miles per hour that set a new track record for women. Her achievement makes her the oldest driver and the first non‑American to attempt what is known as ‘The Double,’ a schedule that pairs the Indy 500 with NASCAR’s Coca‑Cola 600 on the same day.
A Milestone in Motor Sports
Only five drivers have previously taken on the Double, including Tony Stewart and Kurt Busch. Their daring feats have inspired a new generation, and Legge hopes to join their ranks as the sixth competitor to attempt the grueling double‑header.
The effort will be backed by e.l.f. Cosmetics, which will sponsor Legge in both the Indy 500 and the Coca‑Cola 600, underscoring a partnership that blends speed with beauty branding.
Team Assignments and Experience
Legge will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing in Indianapolis, while she will switch to the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports at Charlotte. Last season marked her debut in the NASCAR Cup Series, making her the first woman to compete since 2018, and her best finish to date is a 17th‑place result at the Brickyard 400.
If she qualifies for the Coca‑Cola 600, Legge will become the sixth driver in history to attempt the Double, a list that also includes John Andretti, Robby Gordon, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch and Kyle Larson.
Looking Forward
Beyond the personal milestone, Legge sees the Double as an opportunity to broaden interest in motor sports and to showcase the capabilities of female drivers on the world stage. Her historic attempt is poised to leave a lasting imprint on both the IndyCar and NASCAR ecosystems.