--- title: "Katherine Legge Is Returning to the Indy 500 This Year" date: "2026-04-27" modified: "2026-04-27" authors: - name: "Jerry Perez" job_title: "Deputy Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/jerry-perez" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/katherine-legge-is-returning-to-the-indy-500-this-year" categories: - "News" - "Racing" --- # Katherine Legge Is Returning to the Indy 500 This Year ![INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 18: Driver Katherine Legge poses for a photo with her car after qualifying for the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)]() *\Icon Sportswire\* [Katherine Legge]() is set to make her fifth start at the [Indy 500]() come May, having been confirmed as the 33rd (and likely final) entry for this year's race. Unlike in previous years, however, Legge will not be driving a Honda; this time, piloting the No. 11 fielded by AJ Foyt Racing and Indy NXT team HMD Motorsports. Legge's primary backer is a familiar brand, e.l.f. Cosmetics, which has previously supported her throughout several racing endeavors, including the 500. Per *[Racer.com]()*, the experienced racer has also received "significant backing" from General Motors. On the technical side, the team and Legge will enjoy technical support from Team Penske. “We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted,” Legge said during the announcement. “I’m beyond grateful to e.l.f. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena – including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. ![INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 18: Katherine Legge of United Kingdom (51) driving for Dale Coyne Racing on pit lane during qualifications for the NTT IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500 Qualifying on May 18, 2024 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire)]() ![INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 19: Katherine Legge of United Kingdom (51) driving for Dale Coyne Racing exits turn one during the practice session for the last four prior to qualifications for the NTT IndyCar Series Indianapolis 500 Qualifying on May 19 2024 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire)]() "It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the 500. Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes – not just to compete here, but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event," she added. So far, Legge is the only female driver confirmed for the 110th edition of the 500, and with the race being less than a month away, it's very unlikely that'll change. Heck, it's very unlikely that any additional entries will be added overall, meaning that no one will be bumped during this year's qualifying. It's great to have Legge back in IndyCar and especially at the 500. Fingers crossed she enjoys better luck this year than at her last outing in 2024, when a mechanical issue ended her race after just 22 laps. *Got a tip? Email us at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Jerry is responsible for upholding The Drive's ethos as an audience-first, enthusiast-driven car blog that serves up industry-leading news, reviews, culture, and motorsport coverage. Overseeing a staff of writers and editors from his home base in Indianapolis, he helps curate the site's daily rundown, as well as its medium- and long-term content strategies. Jerry joined The Drive in 2018 as a writer and worked as news editor and managing editor before becoming the deputy in 2023. As a lifelong car enthusiast and racing fan, Jerry believes that all cars are cool, but the people behind the machines are even cooler. This belief often gives The Drive a slightly different focus from most other car sites, where we explore the humanity behind the machines. When he's not obsessing over the day's biggest stories or hanging out at a race track, Jerry can be found behind the wheel of a car, most likely sharing a laugh with his teenage son or daughter. ### Author social links [Instagram]()