Hailie Deegan Xfinity Series Challenge: The decision to promote Hailie Deegan to the Xfinity Series has sparked discussions and divided opinions. After facing challenges in the Craftsman Truck Series, where she struggled to secure top finishes, AM Racing is eager to see if Deegan’s potential can shine in the Xfinity car. The podcast “Door Bumper Clear” dives into this intriguing move.
Jimmie Johnson’s career trajectory provides a valuable comparison. Despite being a NASCAR legend with seven Cup championships, Johnson had a modest record in the Xfinity Series. Only one win in 93 races and nine top-5 finishes make his subsequent success even more remarkable.
Deegan’s Truck Series journey may not have been stellar, but there’s a glimmer of redemption in the Xfinity Series. TJ Majors, Brad Keselowski’s spotter, believes that this transition could bring out her best. He notes that Deegan could excel in the Xfinity car, given the right circumstances.
Joel Edmonds, Aric Almirola’s spotter, draws parallels to Jimmie Johnson, suggesting that Deegan might become the “Jimmie Johnson of the Truck Series.” He highlights her promising performance in the Xfinity race.
AM Racing’s growth as a team, backed by their sponsors and research, hints at future potential as title contenders. TJ emphasizes that their recent speed and performance improvements are promising, and more support is on the horizon.
Hailie Deegan’s marketability could also benefit AM Racing under the charter system. Her status as the Truck Series Most Popular Driver for two consecutive years, with potential for a third, makes her an attractive figure for sponsors.
Despite a challenging 2023 season filled with collisions and wrecks, Deegan’s partnership with AM Racing and their technical alliance with Stewart-Haas Racing could yield positive results in the Xfinity Series. AM Racing’s connection with Stewart-Haas Racing, the dominant Xfinity team, bodes well for Deegan’s prospects.
TJ Majors predicts a different scenario for Deegan in her debut Xfinity season. He envisions her finishing between 8th and 15th in most races, provided she avoids incidents in close quarters racing. Deegan’s driving style may not be suited for aggressive corner entries, but her strengths lie in handling the car and the track.
Mark Rushbrook, Director of Ford Performance, expressed hope for Deegan’s move to Xfinity, reinforcing Ford’s commitment to her development since she joined the Ford Performance Driver Development program at 19.
In the end, Hailie Deegan faces high expectations and scrutiny as she transitions to the Xfinity Series. Her performance will receive more attention in this talent-rich environment, leaving little room for error.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Is Hailie Deegan racing in the Xfinity Series?
Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, expressed his enthusiasm for Hailie’s career progression as she gears up to run full-time with AM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024. It’s exciting to see her take on this new challenge and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes on the track.
What series is Hailie Deegan racing in?
As a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, she takes the wheel of the No. 15 Ford Mustang for AM Racing. Her dedication to the sport is unwavering, and she consistently pushes herself to new heights on the track. With her impressive skills and unwavering determination, she’s a force to be reckoned with in the racing world.
Where will Hailie Deegan race in 2024?
The dialog window has come to a close. Hailie Deegan, a seasoned driver with Ford in the NASCAR Truck Series since 2021, will be bidding farewell as the 2024 season commences. However, she will be embarking on a new journey as a full-time driver with AM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series starting next year.
Are there any female drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series?
Deegan’s debut in the Xfinity Series in 2022 was a breakthrough moment for her. Despite facing tough competition while driving for the SS-Green Light Racing Team in Las Vegas, her skills and determination shone through. She finished the race on the lead lap, an incredible feat for a rookie.