Hailie Deegan, the focus of this Hailie Deegan racing update, is keeping fans and teams guessing about her plans for the 2026 season after her recent transition to INDY NXT with HMD Motorsports. Sharing glimpses of her offseason training online, Deegan has not yet clarified whether she will stay in open-wheel racing or return to the NASCAR scene, as interest from both camps continues to build.
Offseason Training and First INDY NXT Campaign
During her first season in INDY NXT, Deegan documented her fitness efforts on social media, underlining her commitment to improvement after a challenging debut. 2025 marked her initial leap away from stock cars, following a career that included strong stints in ARCA, a significant chapter in the Truck Series, and a stint in the Xfinity Series. Driving the #38 car with HMD Motorsports, she entered open-wheel racing ready to learn and adapt.
The competition proved tough, with Deegan ending her rookie season 14th overall, amassing 202 points. Her season highlight included a 10th-place start at World Wide Technology Raceway, though her best race finish matched her series standing at 14th. Even as she worked through a steep learning curve, Deegan kept up her physical conditioning, suggesting that she is still preparing for whatever path racing may take her.
Meanwhile, athletic achievement continued in her family: her brother, Haiden Deegan, recently inked a multi-year contract with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing to compete in the 450 class through 2026, showcasing the Deegan family’s ongoing presence in motorsports.
Potential Paths: INDY NXT Return or NASCAR Comeback
With her one-year HMD Motorsports deal concluded, Deegan’s path forward remains open. The team is assembling its 2026 roster, with rookie Emmo Fittipaldi and Australian driver Jack Beeton already on board after their successful tests at the Chris Griffis Memorial event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The expansion of the lineup signals that while Deegan has not committed to another year, her options—both in open-wheel and stock-car categories—remain viable.
Speculation about a NASCAR return persists, supported by openings in well-known teams. Recent headlines have linked Deegan with several Truck Series seats for 2026. Ty Majeski’s move to ThorSport’s No. 88 vehicle leaves the No. 98 truck without a confirmed driver, and Kaulig Racing is yet to finalize details for two of its RAM-backed entries in its first Truck Series program. These unassigned spots suggest Deegan could switch back to the NASCAR circuit if she chooses.
Timeline and What Lies Ahead for Deegan’s Racing Future
Time is short for Deegan to make her decision, as the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season launches on March 1 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. Until then, both open-wheel and stock-car fans will be watching closely for any hint of her next move. With a solid background and family connections in motorsports, Hailie Deegan is positioned as a sought-after driver, keeping her future—and that of both the INDY NXT and the NASCAR Truck Series—especially intriguing as 2026 approaches.
