NASCAR driver hits the track after Indy 500 return confirmed

Part-time NASCAR Cup Series driver Katherine Legge has been confirmed for the 2026 Indy 500, making her return to IndyCar after not racing in the 2025 season.

Legge took to NASCAR instead, running seven Cup Series races for Live Fast Motorsports, as well as six races (plus a DNQ) in the Xfinity Series as she switched open-wheel racing for stock cars.

The British driver hasn't raced in IndyCar or NASCAR yet this year, but that will change at the 110th running of the historic race.

Of course, she won't have to wait until late May to jump back in the car – hitting the track for refresher testing this Tuesday from noon ET, at the first day of testing for the event.

Legge returns for Indy 500 testing this week

Legge set both the fastest one-lap qualifying speed (231.627 mph) and the fastest four-lap average qualifying speed (231.070) for a woman in the race's history back in 2023, and will be hoping that her HMD Motorsports (partnered with AJ Foyt Racing) car will be able to match or surpass that next month.

Speaking this week ahead of testing, she said: “We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted.

"I’m beyond grateful to e.l.f. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena – including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve.

“It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the 500. Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes, not just to compete here but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event.”

AJ Foyt Racing President Larry Foyt hailed his organization's ongoing partnership with HMD Motorsports as well as Legge's abilities, saying: “We’ve already seen what this partnership can do on the INDY NXT side with the speed, poles and race wins we’ve earned this season.

“HMD Motorsports has built an outstanding reputation and having them involved with this Indianapolis 500 effort adds another layer of depth to our program. Katherine is a talented and determined racer, and we’re excited to work together to bring this effort to life on the sport’s biggest stage.”

Tuesday's test is being streamed live for free, and can be watched below.