On June 26, Hailie Deegan, the HMD Motorsports Indy NXT driver, posted a selection of images from her latest testing sessions, giving fans insight into her current chapter as she prepares for the Mid-Ohio event. These Hailie Deegan Indy NXT testing photos not only highlighted her preparations, but also offered a behind-the-scenes look at her routine leading up to the upcoming race.
Inside Deegan’s Recent Indy NXT Test at Milwaukee Mile
Deegan shared three distinctive photos from Day 1 of the Indy NXT Milwaukee Mile tests on her Instagram account. The first image captured her moments before stepping into her race car, displaying her focus and determination. The second photo featured Deegan retrieving her signature black helmet, adorned with the recognizable Monster Energy logo, symbolizing her partnership and racing identity. The final image showcased her #38 car in the midst of last-minute crew adjustments, a scene familiar to any motorsports follower.
The Instagram post, shared with her 23-year-old fanbase, was captioned:
“The good life 🏎️💨”
This series of images drew positive attention, with many fans expressing excitement for Deegan’s upcoming appearance at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, scheduled for July 6. She’s set to compete for 35 laps on the circuit’s 2.258-mile, 13-turn layout, reflecting her growing adaptability and commitment to her new discipline.
Transition from Stock Cars to Open-Wheel Racing
Hailie Deegan stands out as the only female competitor in the current Indy NXT field. She transitioned into open-wheel racing after her stock car career reached a difficult juncture at the end of the 2025 season, when sponsorship challenges halted her progress. Previous to her Indy NXT move, Deegan raced in the Xfinity Series for AM Racing and completed the season ranked 32nd in the driver standings.
The Temecula native made her Indy NXT debut at the renowned St. Petersburg Grand Prix on March 2. During her first appearance, her qualifying session resulted in a starting spot of 21st. However, a Lap 1 incident opened opportunities, and Deegan capitalized by finishing in a respectable 14th place, indicating resilience and promise in her adaptation to open-wheel racing.
Reflecting on the Physical Challenges of Road Course Racing
Former NASCAR driver Deegan has recently spoken about the physically demanding nature of road course racing compared to oval tracks. At a post-qualifying press conference for the World Wide Technology Raceway event on June 16, she detailed her personal experience adjusting to these challenges and acknowledged the valuable advice exchanged with 2023 Indy NXT race winner Jamie Chadwick.
“Yeah the ovals, I think from my perspective, I’m not as strong as a lot of people out here. I think I’m pretty small person generally. So definitely the physical side of things have been so hard for me on the road courses, so I’ve changed few things with the car.”
—Hailie Deegan, Driver
“I’ve actually been able to talk to Jamie Chadwick and pick her brain a little bit of things they did. And it definitely helped me a lot on the road courses. And I just feel like physically being able to hang on for long periods of time, so I feel like the ovals are way less physical than the road course. So I feel a little bit more comfortable, a little bit more in the game and especially being at a place like Gateway where I’ve raced before.”
—Hailie Deegan, Driver
During this event at World Wide Technology Raceway, Deegan qualified in 10th and completed the race in 16th place. Her openness about physical demands and her willingness to learn from experienced competitors like Chadwick highlight a determined approach as she continues developing in the series.
What Lies Ahead for Deegan in Indy NXT
As Hailie Deegan readies for the Mid-Ohio race, her journey in open-wheel racing marks a pivotal stage in her career. By capturing moments from the Milwaukee Mile test, she has connected closely with her fans, many of whom follow her from her early stock car days. Facing the dual challenges of learning new circuits and heightened physical demands, Deegan’s efforts reflect the growing presence of diverse talent in American motorsport. With seasoned rivals and ambitious rookies alike preparing for the July 6 race, all eyes will be on Deegan as she continues to navigate her evolving path in Indy NXT.
