Hailie Deegan’s split from AM Racing has sparked a flurry of rumors about her next move in NASCAR. The buzz now suggests she might join Gene Haas’ Haas Factory Team (HFT). NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace recently weighed in on the 23-year-old’s potential shift to HFT.
Deegan, daughter of motocross star Brian Deegan, is a fan-favorite in NASCAR. This year, she competed full-time in the Xfinity Series, driving the #15 Ford for AM Racing. Despite her popularity, she only managed a P12 finish at Talladega in 17 starts, leading to her departure from AM Racing.
With the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), co-owner Gene Haas confirmed HFT’s entry into the 2025 NASCAR season. As HFT finalizes its driver roster, rumors are swirling that Deegan might land a seat in their Xfinity Series team. Joe Custer, HFT’s COO, has expressed interest in the young driver from Temecula.
Kenny Wallace shared his thoughts on Deegan’s possible move to HFT on his YouTube channel. He speculated that Deegan could drive one of the two Xfinity cars HFT plans to field, giving her another shot in a competitive vehicle. Wallace noted that her lack of success in the Truck Series might be due to subpar cars, suggesting she deserves a chance in better equipment.
After leaving AM Racing, Deegan competed in the SpeedTour All-Star race at Lime Rock Park, finishing P6 for Nitro Motorsports. While there was talk of her switching to the IndyCar series, it seems she’s likely to stay in NASCAR.
HFT’s COO Joe Custer commented on Deegan’s potential future with the team, stating, “We believe there’s more in her, and we want to be a part of that… But that’s for future conversations.” Custer emphasized HFT’s openness to various driver options, including those with or without NASCAR experience, as the team aims to succeed in the upcoming season.
With Xfinity driver Cole Custer moving to the Cup Series with HFT in 2025, an Xfinity seat opens up, making Deegan a strong candidate for the spot.
