Hailie Deegan, once recognized as a rising star in the NASCAR world, has officially set her sights on Indy NXT, marking a significant turning point in her motorsports career in 2024. The 23-year-old driver, following the dissolution of her NASCAR team relationships this year, described stock car racing as “irrelevant” to her career now, as she embraces a new challenge in open-wheel racing and moves away from her stock car roots.
For much of her racing journey, Hailie Deegan competed in stock cars, making a name for herself in the Truck Series, where she secured five top-10 finishes. With determined backing from her sponsors, she advanced to the Xfinity Series in 2024 with AM Racing. Despite her ambition, Deegan struggled to find footing in the higher series, unable to secure a top-10 finish in the 17 events she contested. This resulted in an early end to her contract, leaving her without a seat in NASCAR for the remainder of the season, and ultimately prompting her to pursue new opportunities.
Shifting gears from NASCAR, Hailie Deegan turned her attention to the open-wheel circuit, debuting in the Formula Regional Americas championship last year prior to joining Indy NXT for 2024. Now competing with HMD Motorsports in the premier American open-wheel junior league, Deegan’s intentions to remain in the series and aim for an eventual step up to IndyCar are well known throughout the paddock. Yet, observers questioned whether her longstanding connection to stock car racing still influenced her outlook.
Addressing speculation at an IndyCar media conference ahead of the Sonsio IndyCar Grand Prix, Hailie Deegan clarified her stance. She remarked,
“NASCAR feels irrelevant to me for now,”
emphasizing her dedication to excelling in open-wheel racing and dismissing the idea that her NASCAR background continues to shape her ambitions. When asked about considering a move to European open-wheel championships should Indy NXT not meet her goals, Deegan declined the prospect, signaling a focus on advancing within the North American racing scene.
On May 9, Hailie Deegan will compete on the IMS road course as part of the Sonsio IndyCar Grand Prix weekend, participating in her first of two scheduled races at 7 PM ET. This transition underscores a dramatic crossroads for Deegan’s career, introducing both uncertainty and fresh opportunities. The impact of her decision could be far-reaching, signaling a potential shift in how young American drivers chart their racing futures, especially as Deegan’s journey is watched closely by fans and professionals alike. Observers will be eager to see whether her resolve and adaptability in Indy NXT translate into lasting success and perhaps, a highly anticipated move to IndyCar.
Thank God.