Hailie Deegan has officially confirmed her return to the racetrack following her unexpected departure from NASCAR, and this time, she’s taking a new direction in her career. The 23-year-old driver will be making her debut in the world of single-seater racing as part of the Formula Regional Americas series, marking a significant shift from her previous career in stock cars. Deegan is scheduled to make her open-wheel racing debut on November 2nd and 3rd at the renowned Circuit of the Americas (COTA), a track located in Austin, Texas, that is well-known in the racing world for hosting the United States Grand Prix as part of the Formula 1 World Championship.
Deegan will be racing with the Toney Driver Development (TDD) team, alongside Brady Golan, a rising star in the motorsports scene. The partnership signifies a fresh start for the talented driver, who expressed her enthusiasm about this new challenge in her career. “I’m beyond excited to be making my first open-wheel start at COTA with TDD,” Deegan said. “I have competed in a handful of races at COTA, and I am looking forward to my first open-wheel race start being at a track I’m familiar with. Standing starts will be new for me, but I’m always up for a challenge and the opportunity to continue to learn and drive.”
This debut in the Formula Regional Americas series represents a major transition for Deegan, who has spent the last several years building a strong reputation in NASCAR. Her career in stock car racing began with a bang, as she quickly became a fan favorite in the sport. Deegan has amassed a significant following on social media, and her approachable personality and natural driving talent have endeared her to racing enthusiasts worldwide.
However, despite her promising results and popularity, Deegan’s time in NASCAR came to an unexpected end in 2024. She spent three seasons competing in the NASCAR Truck Series, where she delivered several solid performances, including two notable sixth-place finishes. In 2023, she took the next step in her career by joining the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving for AM Racing in the No. 15 VIVA Tequila Seltzer Ford. Over the course of the season, she delivered some strong performances, with her best result being a 12th-place finish. Yet, despite these achievements, her partnership with AM Racing ended abruptly.
The decision for Deegan to leave AM Racing surprised many in the racing community, as it was announced unexpectedly. In a statement released by the team, AM Racing said: “AM Racing and Hailie Deegan have decided to part ways, effective immediately. We are grateful for Hailie’s contributions and dedication as the driver of the No. 15 Ford Mustang during her time with the race team. We wish Hailie the best in her future endeavors and look forward to her continued success on and off the track.”
Deegan’s departure from AM Racing left fans speculating about what her next move might be. Initial rumors suggested that she could transition to IndyCar’s feeder series, Indy Nxt, given her growing interest in open-wheel racing. However, Deegan ultimately chose to carve her path in Formula Regional Americas, a move that has generated considerable excitement and anticipation among her fanbase.
Nathan Toney, team boss at Toney Driver Development, shared his thoughts on signing Deegan and emphasized the significance of their collaboration with Kiwi Motorsport, a top-tier racing outfit. “We are thrilled to have Hailie on board for the upcoming season,” Toney said. “Her dedication to the sport and her versatility as a driver make her a perfect fit for our team. Working alongside Kiwi Motorsport gives us the advantage we need to be competitive in this series, and we believe that Hailie will thrive in the Formula Regional Americas series.”
For Deegan, the challenge of competing in single-seater racing presents a new opportunity to develop her skills and expand her versatility as a driver. Formula Regional Americas features high-speed racing in aerodynamic open-wheel cars, which are drastically different from the heavier, closed-wheel stock cars she drove in NASCAR. The series serves as a stepping stone for drivers aspiring to reach higher levels of open-wheel racing, such as IndyCar or even Formula 1.
One of the biggest adjustments Deegan will face is mastering the standing starts that are typical in open-wheel racing, as opposed to the rolling starts she is used to from her NASCAR days. “Standing starts will be new for me, but I’m always up for a challenge,” Deegan said, adding that she is eager to adapt to this new format. Her familiarity with Circuit of the Americas will undoubtedly help her as she navigates this transition, but the experience will still be a learning curve.
Circuit of the Americas is a world-class facility that has hosted some of the most prestigious motorsport events in the world, including the Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix, MotoGP, and endurance racing. For Deegan, racing at a venue with such history and significance adds to the excitement of her debut. COTA’s 3.4-mile, 20-turn layout presents a unique combination of elevation changes and technical corners, making it a challenging track for any driver, particularly in the high-downforce open-wheel cars used in the Formula Regional Americas series.
Deegan’s entry into the open-wheel racing scene also opens new doors for female representation in motorsports. As one of the most prominent female drivers in NASCAR, Deegan has already broken barriers, and her move to Formula Regional Americas positions her as a role model for young girls and aspiring female drivers interested in all forms of racing. The world of open-wheel racing, much like NASCAR, is still predominantly male-dominated, but Deegan’s entry adds another layer of visibility for women in motorsports.
Looking ahead, Deegan’s fans and supporters are eager to see how she performs in this new chapter of her racing career. While the transition from stock cars to open-wheel racing is no small feat, Deegan has proven time and again that she possesses the talent and determination to succeed in any motorsport discipline. With the backing of Toney Driver Development and the expertise of Kiwi Motorsport, she is poised to make a strong impression in Formula Regional Americas.
As she prepares for her debut at Circuit of the Americas, Deegan remains focused on her long-term goals. Whether this move into open-wheel racing will ultimately lead her to IndyCar, Formula 1, or another motorsport avenue remains to be seen, but for now, Hailie Deegan is embracing the opportunity to continue learning, evolving, and pushing her limits as a driver. Fans can expect an exciting season ahead as she embarks on this thrilling new adventure in the world of open-wheel racing.
Hailie Deegan Officially Confirms Her Comeback To Racing Following Nascar Rejection
