Hailie Deegan has opened up about the challenges she faced in NASCAR, reflecting on her time in the Xfinity Series and the possibility of a return. She began the 2024 season racing full-time for AM Racing, but consistent struggles, including a lack of top-10 finishes and an average placement of 26.8, led to her departure.
Now, Deegan has transitioned to open-wheel racing, joining HMD Motorsports in the Indy NXT series, a stepping stone for future IndyCar drivers. She originally made her mark in NASCAR by debuting in the Truck Series in 2020, competing full-time until 2023. Over 72 races, she earned three top-10 finishes, with her best result being sixth place at Talladega in 2022.
Her 2024 move to the Xfinity Series with AM Racing was seen as a step forward, especially with the backing of Ford Performance Motorsport. However, her results didn’t meet expectations, as her best finish was 12th at Talladega, and she ranked 28th after 16 races. Facing ongoing difficulties, she parted ways with AM Racing mid-season.
Turning to Indy NXT, Deegan signed with HMD Motorsports in October 2024 and completed her first test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This transition marks a fresh start for her career, as Indy NXT is known for preparing drivers for IndyCar. At HMD Motorsports, she has access to a well-established, data-driven team with experienced teammates.
Despite this shift, Deegan hasn’t completely ruled out a return to NASCAR. She acknowledged that financial backing plays a significant role in opportunities within the sport. Speaking with the Associated Press, she explained that she isn’t actively seeking an Xfinity Series ride, but if substantial sponsorship became available, she would consider it.
“I’m not actively trying to look for a [NASCAR Xfinity Series] ride or anything, but if a couple million dollars falls in my lap, awesome,” Deegan stated.
She pointed out that securing a competitive Xfinity ride requires major funding, estimating around $6 million for a top-tier team. Without strong financial backing, attracting sponsors is a challenge, as the return on investment isn’t always guaranteed.
While she had hoped to continue full-time in Xfinity, she emphasized that financial realities dictated otherwise. With her focus now on Indy NXT, Deegan is embracing the opportunity to develop in a different motorsport landscape.
