Hailie Deegan prepares for Indy NXT Illinois race just days after a challenging experience in Detroit, focusing her efforts ahead of the next event at World Wide Technology Raceway in Illinois on June 15. The HMD Motorsports driver remains optimistic as she works to regain momentum following a tumultuous 2025 Indy NXT Detroit Grand Prix.
Deegan’s Testing Efforts After Detroit Setback
Following a demanding race weekend in Detroit, Hailie Deegan shared updates on social media, posting a photo from the airport as she prepared for upcoming testing sessions. Her quick return to training came on the heels of a tough outing on Detroit’s street circuit, which is known for its tight corners and lack of forgiveness. The race saw numerous drivers encounter problems with the barriers, underlining the circuit’s notorious reputation for unpredictability and risk.
During the 45-lap contest, Deegan finished just behind Nolan Allaer, Liam Sceats, and James Roe, with the group occupying the 13th to 15th positions. She described the Detroit Grand Prix as “frustrating” in her remarks after the race, reflecting both the intensity of the event and her determination to move forward. The setbacks in Detroit have served as a catalyst for Deegan to intensify her preparation for the next round.
Preparation for World Wide Technology Raceway
Looking ahead, Deegan’s schedule reflects her drive to improve. On June 8, she posted a location update from Charlotte Douglas International Airport, signaling her travel to the Iowa Oval Test. This test is crucial for gaining experience on oval tracks, which differ significantly from the challenges posed by street circuits like Detroit. Deegan will next compete at the World Wide Technology Raceway, an important event in the Indy NXT season, taking place on June 15.
Currently, Hailie Deegan sits 18th in the championship standings, with a total of 68 points, placing her 173 points behind leader Dennis Hauger. Despite this gap, her persistence and routine testing demonstrate her ongoing commitment to progress in open-wheel racing, and her focus remains fixed on achieving better results in upcoming races.
Deegan’s Transition to Open-Wheel Racing
In recent months, Deegan’s move from stock car racing to open-wheel competition has marked a significant change in her career. Having previously competed in the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series, Deegan ended her tenure with AM Racing in late 2024 and set her sights on Indy NXT—a key step within the IndyCar development system.
Her debut season in Indy NXT is filled with learning opportunities and new challenges as she adapts to a different racing style and environment. Discussing her fresh start in open-wheel racing, Deegan shared her thoughts:
“I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to working with a proven program in HMD Motorsports. I have much to learn, but I am ready to go. The team brings a wealth of knowledge for me to pull from, and I look forward to soaking up as much of that as possible before my race debut next March in St. Petersburg,”
Deegan said via Indy NXT. —Hailie Deegan, Driver
What’s Next for Hailie Deegan in Indy NXT
Hailie Deegan’s primary objective remains to rebound from the Detroit Grand Prix and demonstrate her resilience at World Wide Technology Raceway. As she continues her adaptation to open-wheel cars, the upcoming race represents a pivotal moment in her rookie Indy NXT campaign. With consistent training, support from HMD Motorsports, and participation in oval track testing, Deegan remains focused on closing the points gap and making gains in the championship standings.
The motorsports community will be closely watching Deegan’s performance in Illinois as she seeks to establish herself as a rising talent within the competitive field of Indy NXT drivers.
