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."

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.

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Yask Kotak