Katherine Legge's Historic Indy 500 and NASCAR Double Attempt Ends in Crash
British driver Katherine Legge, 45, qualified 27th for the 110th Indianapolis 500, aiming to become the first woman to complete "The Double"—racing both the Indy 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 (1,100 miles) on May 24, 2026. Her Indy 500 ended on Lap 19 after a crash triggered by Ryan Hunter-Reay. She then flew to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600, finishing 31st after losing a wheel. Tony Stewart remains the only driver to complete all 1,100 miles.
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Katherine Legge's Historic Double Attempt Ends in Indy 500 Wreck and Tough NASCAR Finish
Katherine Legge made history as the first woman to attempt The Double, racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Her Indy 500 run ended early on Lap 19 when she was collected in a wreck triggered by Ryan Hunter-Reay spinning in Turn 2. Legge tried to avoid contact but could not, ending her race prematurely. She expressed devastation but shifted focus to Charlotte. In the Coca-Cola 600, Legge started 37th and faced further difficulties, including losing a wheel and falling laps down. The race was shortened by rain to 373 of 400 laps, and she finished 31st, last among running cars. Tony Stewart remains the only driver to complete all 1,100 miles in a single day. Legge may attempt The Double again in the future.
Latest Sports News & Videos from FOX SportsKatherine Legge Crashes Out of Indy 500, 'Double' Attempt in Jeopardy
Katherine Legge's bid to complete the Memorial Day 'double'—racing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600—ended prematurely on Sunday when she crashed out of the Indy 500 on lap 18. Legge swerved to avoid Ryan Hunter-Reay, who had lost control and bounced off the wall. Smoke from Hunter-Reay's car obscured Legge's view, forcing a last-second evasive maneuver that sent her into the infield fence. Both drivers were uninjured. Legge expressed frustration at being taken out by circumstances beyond her control but planned to fly to Charlotte to compete in the Coca-Cola 600. The 'double' covers 1,100 miles and has been attempted by only five drivers since 1994, with Tony Stewart the only one to finish both races on the lead lap.
Deadspin > Sports News Without Fear, Favor or CompromiseKatherine Legge's Indy 500 Double Bid Ended by Early Ryan Hunter-Reay Crash
On Lap 17 of the 110th Indianapolis 500, 2014 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay lost control of his #31 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet exiting Turn 2, hitting the outside wall. Katherine Legge, attempting to avoid the spinning car, spun and crashed into the inside wall, ending her race. The crash also derailed Legge's historic 'Double' attempt to compete in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Hunter-Reay cited a loose car and skyrocketing tire temperatures as the cause. Legge expressed devastation, stating she was saving fuel when Hunter-Reay spun in front of her. Despite the crash, Legge later finished 31st in the Coca-Cola 600.
Motorsport.com - All - StoriesKatherine Legge's Indy 500 'Double' Dream Ends Early After Lap 18 Crash
British driver Katherine Legge's attempt at 'The Double'—competing in both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—ended prematurely at the 110th Indianapolis 500. On Lap 18, Legge swerved to avoid a spin by Ryan Hunter-Reay and hit the inside wall. Both drivers were taken to the infield care center and released. Legge will still travel to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600, where she is set to start 37th. The race weekend has been affected by weather, with rain washing out Saturday's qualifying and expected to impact Sunday's event. The Coca-Cola 600 will also be a somber occasion following the unexpected death of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch earlier in the week.
SB NationKatherine Legge's Indy 500 Ends in Crash, Ending Double Attempt
Katherine Legge's attempt to complete the 'Double' (Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600) ended on lap 18 of the 110th Indianapolis 500 when she crashed while trying to avoid Ryan Hunter-Reay. Hunter-Reay, driving the No. 31 Arrow McLaren, spun after entering turn 2 too high, similar to a practice crash that hospitalized Alexander Rossi. Legge dove low to avoid a T-bone collision but clipped Hunter-Reay's car, ending her race. Hunter-Reay reported his car was loose all week, with skyrocketing right rear tire pressure. Legge sacrificed her car to avoid injury to both drivers. She will travel to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600. The race resumed on lap 27, with Ed Carpenter later crashing on the restart.
Latest Content - Road & TrackKatherine Legge Qualifies for Indy 500, Pursues Historic Memorial Day Double
British racer Katherine Legge has successfully qualified 27th for the 110th Indianapolis 500, securing her place in the 33-car field with a four-lap average speed of 229.456 mph. Driving the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports and A.J. Foyt Racing, the 45-year-old has cleared the first major hurdle in her ambitious attempt to complete the Memorial Day Double. This feat involves competing in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, a grueling 1,100-mile challenge previously attempted by only five drivers, including Kyle Larson. If successful, Legge would become the first woman and the oldest competitor to achieve this milestone, as well as the first non-American-born driver to do so. While her Indy spot is secured, she faces another challenge in Charlotte, where she must qualify for the 40-car NASCAR field among 41 entrants. Driving the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports, Legge aims to prove herself as a pure racer rather than just a historical figure. Her effort is backed by e.l.f. Cosmetics, and she has sought advice from previous double-attempters to manage the intense physical and logistical demands.
yahoo sportsKatherine Legge Qualifies for Indy 500, Eyes Historic 'Double' Attempt
Katherine Legge has successfully qualified for the Indianapolis 500, marking the first major step in her historic attempt to become the first woman to complete "The Double." This feat involves racing in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Legge secured the 27th starting position with an average speed of 229.456 mph after qualifying sessions were moved to Sunday due to rain. At 45 years old, she will also be the oldest and first non-American-born driver to attempt this endurance challenge. Sponsored by e.l.f. Cosmetics, Legge will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports with AJ Foyt Racing in Indianapolis before flying to Charlotte to pilot the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports. If she qualifies for the NASCAR race, she will join an elite group of only five previous drivers who have attempted The Double, including Tony Stewart and Kyle Larson. The attempt highlights significant logistical and physical demands, covering over 1,100 miles in a single day with minimal recovery time.
yahoo sportsKatherine Legge Secures Indy 500 Spot in Bid for Historic Double
NASCAR driver Katherine Legge is attempting to make history during the 2026 Memorial Day Weekend by becoming the first woman and second driver overall to complete the 'Double.' This feat involves racing all 1,100 miles of both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, May 24. While Kyle Larson attempted this in 2024 and 2025, he was hindered by weather and crashes respectively. Legge joins a select group attempting this challenge, with Tony Stewart being the only driver to previously succeed. The article confirms that Legge has successfully qualified for the Indy 500, as the field consists of exactly 33 cars with no risk of being bumped. Under the revised qualification format, Saturday's sessions determined slots 16-33, while the top 15 drivers competed on Sunday for pole position and the top 12 spots. Regardless of her specific starting position, Legge is set to compete in the Indy 500 before traveling to Charlotte for the Coca-Cola 600, aiming to achieve an unprecedented milestone for female drivers in motorsports.
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