NASCAR star to attempt 'unique' and historic Indy500 and Charlotte 'Double Duty'

NASCAR star Katherine Legge will attempt to become the first woman to complete an historic double by racing both the Indy500 and the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte on the very same day.

The 45-year-old British star has announced that she will look to join a select band of five men who have already tried the storied Sunday route so far in racing history.

‘Double Duty’ as it is called, is a grueling test of not just speed and endurance but also logistics with travel between Indianapolis and Charlotte presenting a further challenge.

To date only one driver - the great Tony Stewart back in 2001 - has completed both races. He claimed sixth in Indy and third in Charlotte, that despite being moved to 43rd and last in the Charlotte starting lineup for missing the pre-race drivers meeting!

Reigning Cup Series champion Kyle Larson was the latest driver to attempt ‘Double Duty’ in 2025, but he was a DNF in both races.

Kathryn Legge ‘trying to do something unique’

Legge, who will make her record bid on Sunday May 24 with the backing of HMD Motorsports and A.J. Foyt Racing, says this attempt is all about pushing boundaries. That is a pretty accurate statement based off the potential for more than 1100 miles of racing in one day, plus a flight in between.

"This challenge is about pushing through perceived limits ... taking risks, and trying to do something unique,” she stated.

Legge - who finished 35th in her first Cup Series star of 2026 at Watkins Glen last weekend - had been asked about the potential for a ‘Double Duty’ bid ahead of that race.

She admitted: "I think it would be awesome, right? I think a lot of people have mentioned that, and I think it would definitely be something that e.l.f [cosmetic brand, her sponsor] would be willing to do because they want to do all the groundbreaking, glass ceiling breaking, really cool stuff. So I hope that I get that opportunity one day down the road."

Well, ‘down the road’ turned into literally a few days as now that historic double bid is confirmed for May 2026 and Legge attempts to become the first female racer to etch her name into this particular piece of racing history.

The logistics: What does ‘Double Duty’ timetable look like?

The Indy500 is up first on Sunday May 24 with a start time of 1245 Eastern (0945 Pacific). The race typically lasts for around three hours.

The next challenge for Legge will be hotfooting from Indianapolis to Charlotte - flight time is normally around 90-100 minutes from gate to gate, assuming good weather.
That good weather is very much required with Legge’s schedule not leaving much wiggle room. The scheduled start time for NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 is 6pm Eastern.

It is the tightest of turnarounds, bookended by that sheer physical challenge of 1100 miles of elite racing. We wish Katherine the very very best of luck.