Katherine Legge, who recently faced setbacks in securing a seat for the 2025 Indy 500, is setting her sights on a comeback in IndyCar for the upcoming season and is reportedly planning to expand her NASCAR Cup Series involvement. The seasoned driver, now 45, is actively working on her racing future, focusing on both prestigious motorsport categories as she outlines her Katherine Legge IndyCar NASCAR plans.
Legge pursued an entry in the 2025 Indy 500 but did not succeed in joining the field. She subsequently redirected her efforts and resources toward the NASCAR Cup Series, making her debut and completing seven races in 2025. Her most notable NASCAR finish was 17th place at the Brickyard 400, highlighting her adaptability and competitive pace across racing formats.
Recently, in an interview with Racer, Legge shared her determination to return to IndyCar and strive for an improved result at the Indy 500, noting that her debut performance there remains a significant career milestone. She reflected on her earlier opportunity with Sam Schmidt, whose team provided her with a car capable of challenging for a win or a top-10 result. Legge emphasized the unique emotional resonance of competing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway:
“I would love the opportunity to see where I end up. With Sam Schmidt, I had a car that was capable of winning, or at least a top 10, and I know I can run there again. There’s no race that evokes the same emotion as Indy.”
– Katherine Legge, Driver
Highlighting her ambitions further, Legge indicated her intention to pursue another attempt at the Indy 500 while also exploring the unprecedented challenge of racing in both IndyCar and NASCAR on the same weekend at Phoenix Raceway—with the potential to become the only competitor attempting this feat:
“As long as you’re in with a shot and you feel like you’ve still got it, and I feel like I’ve still got it, I want to race again at Indy. And I’d love to do Phoenix as well and do the Cup weekend with IndyCar and maybe be the only driver who goes there to do both,”
added Katherine Legge
Her debut in the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix in 2025 and the upcoming scheduling of both IndyCar and NASCAR events at Phoenix Raceway in 2026 present a rare dual opportunity. Legge expressed eagerness for the chance to compete in both series at the same event weekend, underscoring her versatility and drive.
Discussions with Teams for 2026 Double Schedule
Katherine Legge began her IndyCar career in 2012 with Lotus Dragon Racing and has since made selective appearances in the series, including her recent runs with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and Dale Coyne Racing, with notable sponsorship from Dale Coyne Racing and e.l.f. Her progression has included a series of diverse team partnerships, with her 2024 appearance marking her latest in the high-profile race at Indianapolis.
During an episode of her Throttle Therapy podcast in October, Legge confirmed she is in advanced discussions regarding her dual program for 2026. With one team for the Indy 500 and another for NASCAR, her preparations are focused on aligning sponsorship and team commitments to make the ambitious schedule possible. Legge expressed her hopes and the pressures she feels as she targets strong performance and cross-series impact:
“Working really hard on next year. Trying to figure out the sponsorship and team aspect. You know, I’m talking to two teams – one for the (Indy) 500 and one for NASCAR stuff next year, and I’m kind of really hoping and praying that it works out. Feeling very anxious about it because I really want a good car. I really want a chance to show what I’m capable of. I want to tie all the worlds together and have it be successful,”
said Katherine Legge (12:55 onwards)
Legge originally aimed for six Cup Series starts in 2025 but expanded her NASCAR season by returning for the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, bringing her total to seven starts. This experience broadens her credentials and provides momentum as she seeks substantial roles in both championships for 2026.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Legge’s Ambitious Plans
If realized, Katherine Legge’s pursuit of double-duty racing would set a new precedent by bridging two of North America’s top motorsport series within a single weekend, particularly at venues like Phoenix Raceway. Her history with teams such as Schmidt Peterson, Dale Coyne Racing, and Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, alongside her efforts in the NASCAR Cup Series, highlights her status as one of the most versatile competitors in contemporary racing.
The outcome of her ongoing negotiations for the 2026 season will be closely watched by fans, sponsors, and industry insiders alike. A successful dual campaign could draw further attention to crossover opportunities between IndyCar and NASCAR, encouraging more drivers and teams to consider such ventures, and solidifying Legge’s legacy as an innovator willing to test the limits of motorsport endurance and adaptability.
