Legge fighting for Indy 500 return

Katherine Legge made a considerable impact at the 2024 Indianapolis 500 with her e.l.f.-sponsored Dale Coyne Racing entry and has been working to make a return with the cosmetics brand and other supporters she’s rallied in 2026.

“The Indy 500 is the most iconic race in the world to so many people, and it's the world's largest sporting event, and it's one that's very close to my heart,” Legge told RACER. “I feel I have unfinished business there, and I've been working really hard, as have e.l.f., at getting the best possible situation to be competitive at Indy.

Beyond her own competitive ambitions, Legge says the absence of young women on the American junior open-wheel racing ladder has added motivation to get back to IndyCar’s biggest race and represent female talent at the highest level.

“We feel like it's an important showcase for us, it's an important opportunity for me, and it's important for the next generation, because currently, there are no women on the IndyCar ladder coming up through and we are keen on changing that,” she said.

“There's obviously a groundswell of female fans, as evidenced by the awesome job e.l.f. did with their Indy activation two years ago. And I think it's important that they are represented. It's important to put ourselves in the best possible position for success at Indy for women everywhere.”

As IndyCar waits for more entries to emerge at the Indy 500, Legge hopes one of the many teams she’s spoken with will open the door and welcome the 45-year-old and her supporters into the field.

“We have been very fortunate to have gather a lot of support, not only from sponsors, but also Chevrolet, which have been awesome,” she added. “And a number of IndyCar folks have been willing to put their name behind us, too. So we're just looking forward to putting all the final pieces together and want to go get a great result for everyone at the 500.”