Katherine Legge is on the verge of making motorsports history—but don't expect her to dwell on the milestone. The 45-year-old British driver is set to become the first woman to attempt "The Double," racing both the Indianapolis 500 and the Coca-Cola 600 on the same day, May 24. Yet, when asked about the significance, Legge keeps her focus squarely on the track.
"I don't want to be like the first woman because at the end of the day, I always say I just want to be a race car driver," Legge told reporters. "It doesn't matter whether I'm Black, white, female, male, whatever it may be. I think I'm probably getting the opportunity to do this because I'm female, so that does not escape me and I'm very grateful for it. Being the first to do anything is cool. Being one of the very few who gets to attempt to race at Indy and at Charlotte and then do both on the same day—like, looking back in 10, 20 years, yeah."
Legge's historic bid comes at a fitting time. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Janet Guthrie's first appearance at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In 1976, Guthrie didn't make the Indy 500 grid but still made the trek to Charlotte for her NASCAR Cup Series debut in the World 600, the precursor to today's Coca-Cola 600. Now, Legge is following in those tire tracks, with a little help from a familiar name.
A.J. Foyt, a legend in his own right, is once again playing a role in breaking barriers. In 1976, Foyt lent Guthrie a backup car for her qualifying attempt. This weekend, Legge will pilot the No. 11 Chevrolet for HMD Motorsports with A.J. Foyt Racing as she tries to qualify for the 500. The connection deepens: in 1977, Guthrie became the first woman to start the Indy 500 on the same day Foyt became the first four-time winner. And in 1994, Foyt set aside his famous rivalry with the Andrettis to help John Andretti become the first driver to attempt "The Double."
For Legge, this isn't just about breaking records—it's about seizing an opportunity that few have ever had. With a nod to the past and eyes on the future, she's ready to write her own chapter in racing history.