Katherine Legge Encouraged by Strong Early Indy 500 Run

Kristin Enzor/For IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Katherine Legge Encouraged by Strong Early Indy 500 Run

Originally posted on RFKRacingDigest
By Debrup Chaudhuri | Last updated Apr 30, 2026 11:47 PM ET

Katherine Legge was back in IndyCar this week after a two-year absence. And after Day 2 of the Indy 500 Open Test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, she left the track with a big smile.

Legge returns to the 110th Indy 500 with AJ Foyt Racing in partnership with HMD Motorsports Racing and with e.l.f. Cosmetics back as her primary sponsor. After driving the No. 11 Chevrolet during testing, she spoke to Bob Pockrass about her experience in her new ride.

“Amazing. There’s a lot of anticipation, I would say, because it’s been a couple of years since I’ve been in one of these beasts,” said Legge. “As soon as I left pit lane and I was on the apron, I was like, this is the coolest feeling ever. I’ve been very lucky to drive some of the most b***** cars in the world, so it doesn’t escape me how blessed I am and how grateful I am.”

Katherine Legge completed her refresher program and is back in the Indianapolis 500 for the first time since 2024. She's driving a car that is a partnership of A.J. Foyt Racing and HMD Motorsports. @IndyCarOnFOX pic.twitter.com/h0YETPd2m5
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) April 29, 2026

This year’s Indy 500 qualifying will have no bumping, since only 33 entries have been confirmed. Katherine Legge said it’s a good thing for her program because the team can focus on setups and strategies for the race and how to get through traffic rather than planning to get into the 33-driver field.

Speaking about how the car felt around the IMS, she added, “We were really strong. I think we were Top 12ish on no tow speed, and I didn’t really ever get a good run on a good tow. I wanted to, but the team said I had to check my ego, and I wasn’t allowed.

“So I’m really happy with the car. The team have done an amazing job in a very short space of time to get it on track. So it’s happy days,” said Legge.

Katherine Legge aims to overcome Indy 500 misfortune

Legge has had a bittersweet relationship with the Indy 500. Returning for the biggest sporting event in the world “feels like Christmas” to her, but the fabled 2.5-mile IMS oval hasn’t treated her as well.

Her best finish at the 200-lap race came in 2012 when she finished 22nd on debut. In 2023, her return to the race with RLL Racing wasn’t encouraging, as the team hasn’t been known for its oval prowess. In 2024, she was unlucky with an engine failure on her Dale Coyne Racing Honda that ended her race on lap 22.

She did, however, say, “I had a great car in 2013 with Sam Schmidt’s team. He gave me a great car. And I feel like I’ve got that opportunity again, and it’s going to be the best car that I’ve driven at this speedway. And I can actually go out there with enough preparation and testing to show what we can do.”

Katherine Legge had attempted to race in the 2025 Indy 500. However, the lack of a competitive entry led her to explore a part-time NASCAR schedule.

This article first appeared on RFKRacingDigest and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: