Hailie Deegan’s NASCAR journey has been a mix of high hopes and tough realities, drawing fans eager to witness her rise as a breakout star. Despite her talent and potential, her NASCAR career failed to gain significant traction. Her performances in the Truck Series showcased occasional promise, but consistent top-tier opportunities remained elusive. As a result, Deegan has taken a bold step, leaving NASCAR to explore new horizons. However, her departure wasn’t solely due to a lack of success—it was largely driven by financial challenges.
In a conversation with NASCAR Insider Bob Pockrass, Deegan shared insights into her shift to the Indy NXT Series. Explaining the move, she revealed her long-standing passion for open-wheel racing. “I like all racing. I grew up go-karting, and when the opportunity to drive open-wheel cars came up, I took it. I fell in love with it,” she stated. Deegan also emphasized her strength on road courses, saying her success on those tracks played a key role in her decision. When the chance to join Indy NXT arose, she eagerly embraced it.
Beyond her love for road course racing, Deegan acknowledged the financial pressures in NASCAR. The sport’s heavy reliance on sponsorships posed significant challenges. “It’s hard to secure enough sponsor money. That was a big factor for me,” she admitted. Even top drivers face the constant struggle of maintaining sponsorships, and for someone trying to establish herself, the hurdles proved too steep.
Despite this shift, Deegan hasn’t closed the door on NASCAR entirely. When asked if her NASCAR career was over, she responded, “I wouldn’t say my NASCAR days are done. If someone wants to pay for a ride, I’ll do it.” However, her limited success in Xfinity, with 18 starts and no top-10 finishes, could make attracting sponsors a difficult task.
For now, Deegan is focused on the Indy NXT Series, viewing it as a fresh start and an opportunity to refine her skills. This platform, which emphasizes road course racing and serves as a stepping stone to the prestigious IndyCar series, offers her the chance to rebuild her career. Fans remain hopeful that Deegan may one day return to NASCAR, but for now, she is embracing this new chapter, ready to prove her potential in a different racing arena.
