Hailie Deegan’s open-wheel racing debut marked a major step in her career as she transitioned from NASCAR to Formula Regional Americas, with significant backing from coach Nolan Siegel. Competing at the renowned Circuit of the Americas in November 2024, Deegan’s early performances, support network, and readiness for Indy NXT signal her determination to thrive in a new motorsports environment.
Strong Support from Nolan Siegel in Preparation for Open-Wheel Debut
After departing from stock car racing following the 2024 Tennessee Lottery 250 in Nashville, Hailie Deegan joined the Tony Driver Development team for her Formula Regional Americas debut. Critical to her adaptation to open-wheel racing was the guidance of Nolan Siegel, a full-time IndyCar driver currently racing for Arrow McLaren. Deegan made clear that Siegel’s contribution was invaluable during her first weekend in the series.
Reflecting on her experience at Circuit of the Americas, Deegan shared her appreciation for Siegel’s assistance and the support from her team owner as she got up to speed in a new racing discipline. In her own words:
“I did get really lucky this race, so Nathan, who owns this team and is doing this race with us, his driver that he crewed last year at the beginning of the year was Nolan Siegel. So, he’s out here, he races IndyCar full-time, and he is out here helping me look at the data, coach me, so I definitely have like one of the best coaches I feel like in the pits right now, so that does help.” —Hailie Deegan
Deegan’s on-track results at Circuit of the Americas were promising for a newcomer. She finished eleventh in the first round and improved to tenth in the second round, signaling adaptability and potential in the Formula Regional Americas series.
Transition to Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports and Early Challenges
Following her initial open-wheel experience, Deegan shifted her focus to the highly competitive Indy NXT series, joining HMD Motorsports for the 2025 season. Her debut at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2 resulted in a fourteenth-place finish, marking her steady entry into the ranks of future IndyCar stars.
“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” —Hailie Deegan
Despite her enthusiasm and strong support system, Deegan has faced a tough start in the Indy NXT championship, currently standing nineteenth with 94 points after seven rounds. A top-five or top-ten finish remains elusive, demonstrating the high level of competition in the series. As she continues to adapt, each race offers new lessons that contribute to her growth as a driver.
Upcoming Challenges at Mid-Ohio and Deegan’s Determined Outlook
Looking ahead, Deegan prepares for the upcoming Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio, a pivotal three-day event on the Indy NXT calendar beginning July 4, with the main race scheduled for July 6. With her focus on improvement and valuable guidance from established figures like Siegel, Deegan remains optimistic about her progress as she navigates the transition from stock cars to open-wheel machines.
The next steps in Hailie Deegan’s open-wheel racing debut season will test her adaptability, but her energetic approach and support from experienced racing professionals place her in a promising position for continued development. As she seeks stronger results for HMD Motorsports, her journey reflects the challenges and excitement of breaking new ground in motorsports.
