What is 'The Double'? Katherine Legge attempts to join elite group in auto racing

Katherine Legge will attempt "The Double" this weekend at the 2026 Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 , and not only because she wants to make history. She's aware no female has tried to finish both races on the same day before, but that distinction has been less motivating than simply being presented with an opportunity so few have before. "It’s an exciting time," Legge told USA TODAY Sports recently .

"It’s another groundbreaking thing that I can showcase to the world really that, if you set your mind to things, you can do anything, and you can do things that maybe you never even dreamt of before. " There have been several who wanted to be like Legge, but fell short of pulling it off. They couldn't qualify or weather delayed the precise planning necessary to make the logistics work, or they ran into mechanical problems or a wreck during one of the races.

2026 INDY 500: What type of milk each driver will drink if they win This wasn't even possible until 1992 when Charlotte Motor Speedway installed lights and the Coca-Cola 600 became NASCAR's first annual night race. Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson is the most recent driver to attempt "The Double" last year, but failed to finish either the Indianapolis 500 or the Coca-Cola 600 in 2025 due to wrecks. Legge, a 45-year-old from England , will be making her 20th career IndyCar appearance, and fifth career start in the Indianapolis 500 , on Sunday afternoon.

She made her NASCAR Cup Series debut last year as the first woman since Danica Patrick to race on NASCAR's top circuit. Here's everything to know about Legge's attempt at "The Double" at the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 over Memorial Day weekend: What is 'The Double' at Indianapolis 500, Coca-Cola 600? "The Double" is the name given for the rare accomplishment of completing the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day over Memorial Day weekend.