Hailie Deegan, the 23-year-old American driver for HMD Motorsports, is training intensely at home as she sets her sights on improving her performance in the ongoing Indy NXT season. After a tough debut in St. Petersburg earlier this year and another challenging race at Barber Motorsports Park, Deegan is determined to bounce back. Preparing in her home gym, Deegan gave followers a glimpse into her training regimen on May 13, sharing a snapshot on social media that highlighted her dedication and focus just weeks before the Detroit Grand Prix, scheduled from May 30 to June 1.
The switch from stock car racing in NASCAR to open-wheel racing in the Indy NXT series marked a significant turning point for Hailie Deegan’s career. Having struggled to secure the sponsorships necessary to progress in the Xfinity series, where her best result was a 12th-place finish at Ag-Pro 300, Deegan decided to join HMD Motorsports for the 2025 IndyCar developmental season. In the Xfinity series with AM Racing, she finished 32nd in the standings before parting ways with the team after just 17 of 33 races, citing a misalignment of goals.
Deegan’s Indy NXT debut at St. Petersburg on March 2 was met with mixed results. Qualifying in 21st, she navigated a difficult street course and managed to finish 14th, making up several places due to early race incidents. Although known for her aggressive driving style, Hailie Deegan appears to be adapting her approach, focusing on calculated movements to avoid unnecessary damage during races. Reflecting on her experience in her first race with journalist Dalton Hopkins, she shared candid thoughts about the challenges of transitioning to a new racing discipline and her desire to steadily improve.
Her effort at Barber Motorsports Park saw her qualify 19th and finish 17th, underscoring the steep learning curve she faces in the highly competitive Indy NXT field. During a press conference at Barber, Hailie Deegan openly addressed the financial pressures and shifting career goals that prompted her move from NASCAR to IndyCar, emphasizing her readiness to embrace new opportunities and challenges.
Despite not achieving the results she had hoped for in her debut season, the intensity of Hailie Deegan’s training and her focus on future races reflect her resilient mindset. With the Detroit Grand Prix approaching, Deegan is intent on harnessing her experience and preparation to secure stronger finishes. Speaking about her journey so far, she said,
“IndyCar is something I wanted to do for a while, and I’m excited to see what I can accomplish here.”
The significance of Hailie Deegan’s transition reverberates through the racing community; her move not only highlights the realities of sponsorship-driven career decisions but also signals the increasing fluidity between racing divisions. As Deegan continues to adapt and train, her story remains one of ambition, adaptability, and determination, with the potential for a remarkable comeback fueling anticipation among fans and fellow competitors alike. The next few races will be pivotal in shaping her future within the Indy NXT circuit, and many eyes will be watching to see how Hailie Deegan’s hard work pays off.
