Hailie Deegan opens up on late-night tears as she talks about her feelings during her time with AM Racing. She shared that her disappointing results in the NASCAR Xfinity Series made her cry at night. Hailie started the season with high hopes, but her best finish was only 12th place. In recent races, she finished 27th and 33rd, which made her feel really helpless. Her story shows how much racing performance can affect mental health.
Key Highlights
- Hailie Deegan experienced frustration and tears due to disappointing finishes during her tenure with AM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
- Her best result was a 12th place finish over 17 races, which contributed to feelings of powerlessness.
- Recent races included finishes of 27th, 27th, and 33rd, intensifying her emotional struggles.
- Deegan acknowledged the impact of poor performance on her mental health, experiencing anger and despair.
- Despite the challenges, she demonstrated resilience and a determination to pursue excellence in racing.
Hailie Deegan Reflects on Her Time with AM Racing
In reflecting on her tenure with AM Racing, Hailie Deegan conveyed a mix of disappointment and determination regarding her performance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. As a rookie driver piloting the No. 15 Ford, Deegan entered the season with high hopes, fueled by her lineage as the daughter of motocross legend Brian Deegan.
However, despite her popularity and the expectations surrounding her, she struggled to convert potential into results, ultimately failing to achieve a better finish than 12th place in 17 races.
Her experience with AM Racing has been a forge for growth, exposing the clear realities of competitive racing. Deegan’s inability to secure more favorable finishes contributed to a mounting pressure that ultimately led to her departure from the team. The decision to part ways was, reportedly, a mutual acknowledgment of the underwhelming performances that did not align with her ambitions or the team’s aspirations.
Deegan’s reflections underscore the complexities of shifting from a promising background in racing to the highly competitive landscape of the NASCAR Xfinity Series. The challenges she faced extend beyond mere performance metrics; they resonate with the emotional and psychological toll of NASCAR competition.
While her season with AM Racing may have been fraught with difficulties, it serves as a significant stepping stone in her career, laying the groundwork for future endeavors. Deegan’s tenacity and commitment to improvement signal her potential to rise above this chapter, making her a compelling figure to watch in the evolving narrative of motorsport.
Hailie Deegan’s Emotional Struggles During Her Time at AM Racing
Steering through the emotional turbulence of her tenure at AM Racing, Hailie Deegan revealed the profound struggles she faced during a challenging season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In a candid moment on The Kenny Wallace Show, Deegan shared that the disappointing performance of the No. 15 team weighed heavily on her, leading to nights filled with frustration and tears. The team’s recent finishes of 27th, 27th, and 33rd left her feeling powerless, grappling with emotions that often culminated in anger and despair.
“I went back and I looked at that #15 NASCAR Xfinity car that you used to drive. The last three races, they have finished 27th, 27th, and 33rd[…]When I just tell you when that car runs the way it runs, what do you think?” – Kenny Wallace
“I think there’s some sort of reassurance. I can’t tell you how many nights like, when I flew back on the team planes, like wanting to just break down crying. And I’m not a cryer like I’m a pissed-off cryer, like I’m crying, it’s because I’m mad. Like how many nights I just wanted to like beat my head against the wall, like didn’t know what to do because of stuff that was out of my control.” – Hailie Deegan
Deegan’s experience highlights the psychological toll that competitive racing can exert on athletes, especially when results fail to meet expectations. Her testimony demonstrates a broader narrative of resilience during adversity, reflecting the relentless pursuit of excellence in a sport fraught with unpredictability.
The full "@Kenny_Wallace Conversation" with @hailiedeegan drops tomorrow!
In this clip she discusses her struggles in the Xfinity series this season.
Brought to you by @JEGSPerformance!
Shop at JEGS: https://t.co/B80oH6u1Ft#BuiltWithJEGS pic.twitter.com/zpF79ceNaK
— The Kenny Wallace Show (@KWallaceShow) October 21, 2024
Hailie Deegan’s New Chapter in IndyCar NXT Series
Hailie Deegan’s departure to the IndyCar NXT Series marks a momentous turning point in her racing career, offering new opportunities and challenges in open-wheel competition. After her unexpected exit from NASCAR, Deegan’s move to HMD Motorsports comes with high expectations as she accepts a different racing environment. This change is not merely a shift of scenery; it represents a chance to redefine her skills and ambitions.
Several factors contribute to this promising new chapter for Deegan:
- Open-Wheel Experience: Competing in the IndyCar NXT Series allows her to hone her skills in a highly specialized environment, which can improve her comprehensive racing aptitude.
- Team Dynamics: Joining HMD Motorsports provides her with a supportive team structure, essential for nurturing young talent and promoting growth.
- Increased Visibility: The IndyCar platform offers a broader audience, presenting Deegan with the opportunity to uplift her profile within motorsport and attract new fans.
- Potential for Success: The competitive nature of the IndyCar NXT Series can serve as a catalyst for Deegan’s career, allowing her to showcase her adaptability and racing ability.
Hailie Deegan’s Debut in the IndyCar NXT Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
A notable milestone in Hailie Deegan‘s racing expedition unfolded during her debut in the IndyCar NXT Series at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Piloting the No. 38 entry for HMD Motorsports, Deegan accepted the challenge of an open-wheel format, marking a notable shift from her previous NASCAR experiences.
After completing nearly 67 laps during her test run, she conveyed her reflections to Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, highlighting the unique demands of this racing discipline.
Deegan expressed a blend of excitement and awe, stating, “This track is so iconic, so surreal. There’s so much history that has happened here.” The sheer magnitude of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, coupled with the intricacies of open-wheel racing, has provided Deegan with a fresh perspective on her career path.
“FIRST TIME AT INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY IN GENERAL, SO IT’S DEFINITELY A LOT TO TAKE IN ALL AT ONCE. THESE CARS ARE VERY, VERY FUN TO DRIVE, VERY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT I’M USED TO. I DROVE AN OPEN-WHEEL CAR ONE OTHER TIME, SO THIS IS DEFINITELY A LOT TO TAKE IN,”
“This track is so iconic, so surreal. There’s so much history that has happened here. Just to be here, driving, testing, practicing, it’s great. The open-wheel side has so many different nuances to this world in itself. There’s so much more data and resources to go off of. I think learning how to utilize things to their fullest potential is what I’m going to have to learn.” – Hailie Deegan
From IndyCar … Hailie Deegan reaction to her first Indy NXT test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: @IndyCarOnFOX pic.twitter.com/Rj7YRYs16m
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 18, 2024
She acknowledged the differences in driving dynamics: “These cars are very, very fun to drive, very different from what I’m used to.”
As she prepares for a 14-race schedule that includes both ovals and road courses, her commitment to learning and growth is evident. Deegan’s debut not only indicates a new chapter but also showcases her resilience and ambition as she navigates the complexities of the IndyCar NXT Series, paving the way for her future success in motorsport.
News in Brief: Hailie Deegan Opens Up on Late-Night Tears
Hailie Deegan’s expedition through the challenges faced at AM Racing highlights the emotional toll that competitive motorsport can exert on athletes. The shift to the IndyCar NXT Series represents not only a new opportunity for growth and success but also a chance to overcome past difficulties. As Deegan prepares for her debut at the prestigious Indianapolis Motor Speedway, anticipation surrounds her potential to thrive in a new environment, ultimately reshaping her racing narrative.
ALSO READ: Hailie Deegan’s Exit from NASCAR Could Be Her Best Career Move Yet: Joining Indy NXT
