Speculation continues about Hailie Deegan NASCAR 2026 plans as her next move within the motorsports landscape remains unclear. After a challenging 2025 in INDY NXT, Deegan’s future in NASCAR is subject to ongoing rumors, with no official confirmation from teams or the driver herself.
Strong Racing Heritage and Recent Achievements Within the Deegan Family
Haiden Deegan, Hailie’s 19-year-old brother and current Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha competitor, recently transitioned to the 450cc class, making his mark at the FIM World Supercross Championship. During the event, Haiden overtook his idol and veteran rider Eli Tomac in the final race. Describing his experience afterwards, Haiden said:
“I’m just going to say this. I was battling Eli Tomac, and I was like a little kid. I was in shock the whole time. I was like, ‘I just passed Eli Tomac. I just passed Eli Tomac.’ I was tripping the whole time. … It was bada**,”
— Haiden Deegan, Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha Rider
Hailie Deegan acknowledged her brother’s accomplishment by sharing his post-race interview on Instagram, expressing her support with clapping-hands emojis. Prior to competing in Australia, Haiden had already displayed impressive form by sweeping the Ironman National and winning both the AMA Supercross and Motocross championships in the 250cc class.
At the FIM Australian Grand Prix, where Eli Tomac also participated as a wild card entrant, the final victory was claimed by Christian Craig, an AMA Supercross racer, who finished just over five seconds ahead of Haiden in the main event. Haiden’s overall results across three races included a sixth-place finish in Sprint 1, a crash while running second in the subsequent race, and a strong rebound with a second-place finish in the Main Event. These results secured Haiden third place overall in the 450-class standings for the night.
Hailie Deegan’s Recent Results and Questions About Her Next Move
Meanwhile, Hailie Deegan spent 2025 racing in INDY NXT with HMD Motorsports, taking on the full 14-race schedule in the No. 38 car. Transitioning from stock cars to open-wheel racing brought several hurdles. She debuted at St. Petersburg, finishing 14th, and her best performance for the season came with an 11th-place result at the renowned Laguna Seca Raceway.
Prior to her INDY NXT season, Deegan left the NASCAR Xfinity Series midway through 2024 after competing in 17 races with AM Racing. Her time with the team ended with an average finish of approximately 26.8, marking only a handful of top-20 spots, underscoring a challenging period in her stock car racing career.
Potential Return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Surrounded by Uncertainty
Recent reports suggest that Hailie Deegan could make a comeback in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2026, provided she secures backing from sponsors or joins a competitive team. There is talk she might rejoin ThorSport Racing or possibly negotiate with Niece Motorsports or Kaulig Racing. Notably, Kaulig Racing has planned to expand its operations, fielding a five-truck lineup with support from Ram, leaving open a spot for a potential free agent.
Despite persistent speculation, no official announcements have come from the teams, and Deegan has not revealed her intentions for 2026. The lack of concrete information leaves Deegan’s supporters and the racing community awaiting confirmation on her next competitive venture.
Looking Ahead as the Racing World Waits
As Hailie Deegan’s path for the 2026 NASCAR season remains undetermined, her journey continues to generate interest within the racing world. With both her and her younger brother Haiden representing a new generation of motorsports talent, all eyes are now on team announcements and sponsorship developments that could shape the potential course of her professional racing career.
