Katherine Legge is set to make her first NASCAR Cup Series start of the year this weekend at Watkins Glen, before heading to Indiana for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500.
Legge will start 38th in Sunday’s race at Watkins Glen, marking her eighth career Cup start and first of the 2026 season. She returns to the No. 78 Chevrolet fielded by Live Fast Motorsports, with sponsorship from e.l.f. Cosmetics. After the checkered flag falls at The Glen, the British driver will travel directly to Indianapolis as practice begins for the Indy 500. Driving the No. 11 Chevrolet in a joint effort between HMD Motorsports and A.J. Foyt Enterprises, Legge will make her fifth appearance in IndyCar’s crown jewel event, again partnering with e.l.f.
Following multiple starts in both the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series during 2025, speculation has grown about a potential attempt at the Indy 500/Coke 600 Double. Legge expressed interest when asked, noting the challenge appeals to her but ultimately depends on sponsorship.
“Yes, I think it would be awesome,” Legge said. “A lot of people have mentioned that, and I think it would definitely be something e.l.f. would be willing to do because they want to pursue groundbreaking, really cool things. I hope I get the opportunity one day down the road.”
Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is the most recent driver to attempt the 1,100-mile Double, completing both races on the same day. He was the fifth driver to do so, with Tony Stewart remaining the only one to finish all 1,100 miles (2001). Legge has extensive experience in major endurance races across North America, and at 45, she believes she has the stamina needed to tackle the Double. If she follows through, she would become the oldest driver to attempt the feat.
“I think I’m in a unique position where I’ve done a lot of miles in whatever I’ve driven,” Legge said. “I told someone recently that back in 2017 or so, I did a triple stint in the car, exited, and literally collapsed over the pit wall because it was 100 degrees. They gave me IVs, and I wasn’t sure I could go back in. Ten minutes later, I was ready to go. My endurance is pretty strong. We train all year, keeping our heart rate in the 160-180 range for hours at a time. The biggest challenge for me is not eating for that long—I’m always hungry. But I’ve done so much racing over long periods that I hope it won’t be an issue. I’m as fit as I’ve ever been, probably fitter. Hopefully one day I’ll get the chance to test that.”
Legge also praised NASCAR racing, reflecting on her recent journey into the sport.
“I didn’t realize how awesome NASCAR would be,” Legge said. “Obviously, I knew how difficult it would be because they’re some of the best drivers in the world. I still have a love for IndyCar.”
