Hailie Deegan, long recognized as a rising star in American racing, has embarked on a striking new chapter by moving from NASCAR to Indy NXT for the 2025 season with HMD Motorsports. Following a tough 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign that ended earlier than expected, Deegan made the surprise decision to shift to the open-wheel discipline, seeking a revitalization of her competitive aspirations. Just four races into her rookie Indy NXT season, Deegan is already attracting attention for her determined adaptation, highlighting both the complexities she faces and the promise she represents in her new racing environment.
Deegan’s journey began with considerable promise: three ARCA victories in 2018 and 2019 established her as one of the most promising young talents in NASCAR, earning her a place in the coveted Ford driver development system. Yet, those early successes did not translate seamlessly to the NASCAR Truck Series, where three full-time seasons produced no top-five finishes. Her step up to the Xfinity Series with AM Racing in 2024 proved even more daunting, as she recorded an average finish of 26.8 across 17 starts before parting ways with the team in late 2024. Without a premium NASCAR opportunity for 2025, Deegan faced a critical crossroads and chose to realign her career on the IndyCar developmental ladder.
Joining HMD Motorsports as the driver of the #38 car in Indy NXT, a move announced in October 2024, marked an unanticipated but potentially transformative change. In her first four outings, Deegan has demonstrated resilience and adaptability, traits crucial for any rookie adjusting to demanding open-wheel machines. Her debut in St. Petersburg showcased promise as she climbed from 22nd to finish 14th, followed by additional efforts resulting in P17 and P18 finishes at Barber Motorsports Park and the Indianapolis road course. Currently, Deegan sits 19th in the Indy NXT standings with a best finish of 14th, as she prepares for the Detroit Grand Prix on June 1.
Reflecting on her recent performances, Deegan has become increasingly candid about her learning curve, noting in media conversations before the Indianapolis Grand Prix that NASCAR’s challenges now feel more distant. She admitted the “barometer has shifted,” no longer facing constant pressure to justify her place. The transition from heavy, low-downforce stock cars to lightweight, high-downforce open-wheel racers has tested her skills, with a clear focus on developing the finesse, precision, and adaptability that the Indy NXT format demands. Under the guidance of HMD’s experienced engineers, Deegan has dedicated herself to intensive physical training and technical preparation, seeking to bridge the gap to her new competition.
Industry observers have followed Deegan’s journey with keen interest, recognizing that, while the immediate results may not signal dramatic improvement, the nature of her challenges in Indy NXT is different. Where NASCAR placed her under the weight of expectation and scrutiny, the series now offers a more developmental, learning-centric environment. This shift appears to suit Deegan, as she embraces the opportunity to refine her skills and prove herself on a new stage.
The significance of Hailie Deegan’s transition cannot be understated. Her willingness to pivot directions after setbacks in stock car racing demonstrates both courage and determination, and her growth through adversity may inspire other young drivers facing similar career crossroads. If Deegan continues her steady adaptation, this gamble could indeed pay off, potentially redefining her legacy and influence in American motorsports. The next chapter in her story promises to be watched closely as Hailie Deegan aims to climb the Indy NXT ranks.
