Hailie Deegan’s jump to Indy NXT has sparked a wave of backlash after her disappointing test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fans who anticipated her transition from NASCAR to the world of open-wheel racing were left stunned when she recorded the slowest time on the track. The immediate criticism from racing enthusiasts has left Deegan at a crossroads, with many questioning her decision to leave stock cars behind. Despite the intense scrutiny, Deegan remains optimistic and determined to find her footing in the highly competitive Indy NXT series.
This isn’t Deegan’s first experience with open-wheel racing. In 2019, she first tested an IndyCar and joked about how much she loved the experience, hinting at a future move. Fast forward six years, and she has officially made the switch, leaving NASCAR behind after a challenging run in the Truck Series and the Xfinity Series. Her time in NASCAR saw promise early on, especially with her success in the ARCA West Series where she won three races. But that momentum didn’t carry over to NASCAR’s top levels, where she struggled to secure victories and ultimately parted ways with AM Racing after a mediocre 2024 season.
Determined to revive her career, Deegan decided to join Indy NXT, hoping to reinvent herself in open-wheel racing. Her test session at Indianapolis was meant to be her big introduction to this new chapter, but instead, it became a source of controversy. Clocking in with a time of 1:18.9038, she placed last, leaving fans disappointed. However, Deegan was not fazed by the poor result. After the session, she expressed excitement about the opportunity and acknowledged that adjusting to the new style of racing would take time. “It’s a lot to take in at once,” she admitted, emphasizing that she’s committed to improving as the season progresses.
Open-wheel racing is a steep learning curve, even for seasoned drivers. The cars handle differently from stock cars, requiring precision and skill that can only be developed through experience. Deegan’s background in karting, where she honed her driving skills from a young age, will undoubtedly help her adapt, but the challenge remains significant. Despite the backlash, Deegan is determined to stay focused and rise above the noise.
Growing up in a motorsports family, with her father Brian Deegan being a Motocross legend and her brother Haiden excelling in AMA Pro Motocross, Deegan is no stranger to adversity. Her passion for racing runs deep, and she’s proven before that she can bounce back from tough situations. The road ahead in Indy NXT may be tough, but she’s not one to shy away from a challenge.
As Deegan prepares for the full 14-race schedule in Indy NXT, all eyes will be on her to see if she can overcome this early setback and prove her critics wrong. Will she rise to the occasion and make her mark in open-wheel racing? Let us know what you think in the comments!
