Katherine Legge’s attempt to make motorsports history at the Indianapolis 500 hit an early setback after just 18 laps.
Legge, the only woman in this year’s Indy 500 field, is attempting “The Double,” the grueling same-day challenge of racing both the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600.
No woman has completed both races in a single day.
Her historic double-duty effort is backed by e.l.f. Cosmetics, which has prominently promoted the campaign with full-scale activations around the track.
Despite being a fan favorite, the veteran driver crashed out at Indianapolis Motor Speedway within the first few minutes.
The crash occurred exiting Turn 2 when former Indy 500 winner Ryan Hunter-Reay lost control and slid into Legge’s car, sending her into the inside retaining wall and bringing out the race’s first caution flag.
Both drivers climbed from their cars under their own power, and Legge waved to the crowd with a smile as she was escorted from the track.
Despite the early end to her Indy 500, Legge’s day may not be over.
The 45-year-old British driver was still expected to travel to Charlotte Motor Speedway for Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600 as part of her bid to complete one of racing’s most demanding feats.
Legge has built one of the most versatile careers in motorsports, competing in IndyCar, IMSA sports cars, Formula E and NASCAR over more than two decades.
She will now head to Charlotte Motor Speedway for Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600, which is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. ET, as she continues her attempt at completing “The Double.”
