Katherine Legge’s attempt to become the first woman to complete ‘The Double’—competing in the Indianapolis 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 on the same day—ended abruptly on Sunday after a crash just 17 laps into the Indy 500. The English driver collided with Ryan Hunter-Reay at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, ending both their races.
Legge, starting from 26th place, was trying to avoid Hunter-Reay’s spinning car in Turn 2. ‘Ryan spun in front of me… I tried to go low and just didn’t make it,’ she said after being released from the medical centre. Hunter-Reay also checked out and described the conditions as ‘super tough’.
The 41-year-old had faced logistical challenges from the start, including a flight delay that caused her to miss media day and rain cancelling Coca-Cola 600 qualifying. Despite the setback, she plans to head to Charlotte to start 37th for Live Fast Motorsports, though rain is forecast.
Only six drivers have attempted ‘The Double’, which pairs the 1,100-mile challenge across two tracks. Tony Stewart is the sole driver to have completed it, in 2001. Legge’s attempt was announced only last week, requiring rapid organisation of helicopter and private jet travel.
