Katherine Legge is preparing for a determined return to the Indy 500 after missing out on a seat for 2025, with e.l.f. Cosmetics confirmed as her sponsor for the upcoming year. Legge, known for her four previous Indy 500 starts, now plans a renewed effort to secure a competitive ride at the legendary race, aiming for an impressive Katherine Legge Indy 500 comeback in 2026.
Support From Racing Community Fuels Legge’s Ambition
IndyCar team owner Mike Shank, co-owner at Meyer Shank Racing, openly encouraged Katherine Legge to keep her Indy 500 ambitions alive during a recent appearance on Legge’s Throttle Therapy podcast. Meyer Shank Racing saw its own memorable win at the 2021 Indy 500 with Helio Castroneves, adding weight to his support.
“I can encourage you to try to not stop doing the Indy 500, Katherine, just because the effect it has on your life, it’s just incredible,”
Shank said. — Mike Shank, Co-owner, Meyer Shank Racing
In their conversation, Legge revealed that although Honda had allocated her an engine previously meant for Ganassi for the 2025 race, she could not secure a competitive chassis in time. Shank shared his empathy, highlighting the unique preparation required to field a top-tier entry at Indy.
“I understand your plight, your problem, I really do,”
he said.
“And yeah, it’s tough. There is a real problem with what’s available, period.”
— Mike Shank, Co-owner, Meyer Shank Racing
Recalling Legge’s Past at Indy and Her Recent Setbacks
Katherine Legge first took part in the Indy 500 in 2012 with Lotus Dragon Racing, before moving to Schmidt Peterson Motorsport (now Arrow McLaren) for another attempt in 2013. After a decade-long break from the event, she returned with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing and most recently competed for Dale Coyne Racing in 2024. Her best Indy 500 result remains a 22nd-place finish on her debut.
The veteran driver had initially planned to contest the 109th running of the Indy 500 but shifted her focus to NASCAR’s Xfinity and Cup Series ranks on a part-time basis after failing to secure a strong IndyCar entry. The financial backing from e.l.f. Cosmetics, who supported her last year, is already confirmed for her next Indy 500 race, boosting her confidence for a successful comeback.
Pursuing Dual Success in IndyCar and NASCAR
Throughout 2025, Legge ventured into NASCAR, facing a challenging debut at Phoenix in the Cup Series, where incidents on track brought increased scrutiny and even online hostility. Despite these setbacks, she demonstrated resilience, recording a personal best 17th-place finish at the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway—an effort that drew praise from Cup driver Chase Briscoe.
Looking ahead, Legge outlined her ambitions not only to return to the Indy 500 but to compete across both IndyCar and NASCAR events in 2026. She hopes to run both the legendary Indianapolis race as well as select stock car and open-wheel events, such as attempting the rare double at Phoenix Raceway in March.
“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. 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.”
— Katherine Legge, Driver
Prospects for 2026: Negotiations and the Road Ahead
Legge has revealed she is actively engaged in discussions with two teams—one in IndyCar, the other in NASCAR—about the possibility of contesting a full schedule across both disciplines in 2026. While a formal announcement remains pending, her tenacity and established support network, including returning sponsors and encouragement from figures like Mike Shank and Sam Schmidt, provide a strong foundation for her plans.
Katherine Legge’s story continues to resonate across the motor racing world, as she seeks to prove herself once again on the grand stage of both the Indy 500 and major NASCAR events. With experienced teams, influential backers, and fierce determination behind her, the racing community is watching closely for her next move. The prospect of a Katherine Legge Indy 500 comeback in 2026 stands as a significant narrative for the sport, promising excitement and anticipation as preparations progress.
