Katherine Legge is preparing for one of the toughest challenges in motorsport. She will be the first woman to attempt the famed “Double” by racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day later this month.
The British driver will compete in the Indy 500 with HMD Motorsports and AJ Foyt Racing before flying to North Carolina to drive for Live Fast Motorsports in NASCAR’s longest race. If the weather cooperates, Legge will cover 1,100 miles across two vastly different race cars in less than 12 hours. The feat has only been attempted by a handful of drivers since John Andretti first did it in 1994.
Legge’s attempt places her in rare company alongside names likeTony Stewart, Kurt Busch, Robby Gordon, and Kyle Larson. At 45, she will also become the oldest driver to attempt the challenge, adding another milestone to a career already defined by breaking barriers across IndyCar, IMSA, and NASCAR.
A Rare Motorsport Marathon
Known across racing as “The Double,” the challenge requires Legge to race in the Indianapolis 500 in the afternoon, before immediately traveling to Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600 later that evening. The combined distance totals 1,100 miles and demands physical endurance, rapid adaptation, and precise logistics.
Legge will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing at Indianapolis before switching to the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports in NASCAR. The transition is far from simple. IndyCars are lightweight, open-wheel machines built for speed and precision, while NASCAR Cup cars are heavier stock cars requiring a completely different driving style.
Only five drivers have previously attempted both races on the same day. Tony Stewart remains the benchmark after completing all 1,100 miles in 2001, finishing sixth at Indianapolis and third at Charlotte. More recent attempts have highlighted how difficult the challenge remains. Kyle Larson’s 2024 and 2025 efforts were disrupted by rain delays and crashes, underlining how even elite drivers struggle to complete the full schedule.
Legge Adds Another Barrier-Breaking Chapter
Legge has spent much of her career carving out space for women in top-level motorsport. She became the first woman to lead laps in a Champ Car race in 2005 and later competed in IndyCar, Formula E, IMSA, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. and the Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Her latest attempt carries historical significance beyond the racing itself. Janet Guthrie famously competed in both IndyCar and NASCAR during the 1970s, helping open doors for women in American motorsport. NASCAR noted that Guthrie made her Cup debut in the World 600 after failing to qualify for the Indy 500 in 1976. This was a moment many viewed as pivotal for female racers.
Legge said the challenge represents more than simply competing in two races. She described it as an opportunity to push past perceived limits and inspire others to pursue ambitious goals. Sponsor e.l.f. Cosmetics has heavily backed the campaign, framing the effort as a broader statement about representation and visibility for women in sport.
Experience Could Be Her Biggest Advantage
While the Double places enormous strain on drivers, Legge’s background may help prepare her for the physical demands. She has extensive endurance racing experience and has competed in events known for extreme heat, fatigue, and long stints behind the wheel.
In recent years, Legge has also increased her NASCAR schedule while continuing to compete in IndyCar. Earlier this month, she returned to NASCAR Cup competition at Watkins Glen before heading directly into Indianapolis 500 preparations.
The timing of the attempt also comes in as women continue gaining visibility across multiple forms of motorsport. Legge will be the only woman in this year’s Indianapolis 500 field, placing additional attention on her performance across Memorial Day weekend.
Whether she completes all 1,100 miles or not, the attempt itself already marks a significant moment in racing history. Few drivers are willing to take on the Double. Fewer still have managed to finish it. For Katherine Legge, simply reaching the starting grid for both races will place her name in one of motorsport’s most exclusive groups.