Katherine Legge returns to Indianapolis 500 with HMD Motorsports and AJ Foyt Racing partnership
- RACERS
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Katherine Legge will contest the 110th Indianapolis 500 as the sole female entrant, joining forces with HMD Motorsports and AJ Foyt Racing in a high-profile new collaboration with elf Cosmetics backing.
Katherine Legge will return to the grid for the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, after being confirmed in a new collaboration between HMD Motorsports and AJ Foyt Racing.
Legge is set to pilot the #11 Chevrolet backed by e.l.f. Cosmetics at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 24, and will be the only female driver on the 2026 grid, preparing for her fifth career start in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” and her first appearance since 2024.
A racer that has made history across multiple disciplines that has also raced in NASCAR's top category over the past few years, she brings valuable experience to a program that combines one of the most successful junior single-seater outfits with one of the most historic names in American motorsport.
“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. “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."
“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.”
Legge’s history at Indianapolis includes a best finish of 22nd on her debut in 2012. She also made headlines in 2023 by setting the fastest qualifying lap and four-lap average ever recorded by a woman at the event. She remains one of only a handful of women to have competed in the race’s long history.
The partnership also represents a milestone for HMD Motorsports, which expands its presence into the Month of May through its alliance with AJ Foyt Racing. Known as a powerhouse in driver development, particularly in the INDY NXT feeder series, HMD has played a key role in nurturing talent, and now steps onto one of the sport’s biggest stages.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for HMD Motorsports and an incredibly proud moment for everyone involved with our organization,” said team president Mike Maurini. “We have worked hard to establish HMD as a leader in driver development, and to now be part of an Indianapolis 500 program alongside AJ Foyt Racing and Katherine Legge is something very special.
“Katherine brings a wealth of experience, AJ Foyt Racing brings unmatched history, and together we believe we have assembled a program that can make a strong impression throughout the Month of May.”
AJ Foyt Racing president Larry Foyt echoed that sentiment, highlighting the strength already demonstrated through the teams’ collaboration in the junior ranks.
“We’ve already seen what this partnership can do on the INDY NXT side with the speed, poles and race wins we’ve earned this season,” he said. “HMD Motorsports has built an outstanding reputation and having them involved with this Indianapolis 500 effort adds another layer of depth to our program. Katherine is a talented and determined racer, and we’re excited to work together to bring this effort to life on the sport’s biggest stage.”
With preparations set to begin on May 12, anticipation is building around the #11 entry, which brings together experience and an important backing for a brand that has expanded the horizon for women-oriented products in motorsport.
