Hailie Deegan will make her much-discussed return to the ARCA Menards Series West in 2026, aiming to recapture past success as she rejoins Bill McAnally Racing for a full-time campaign. With steady sponsorship and a determined focus, the Hailie Deegan ARCA West return is set to mark a fresh chapter in her racing career as she takes the wheel of the No. 16 Chevrolet SS for all 13 events of the season.
Deegan and Bill McAnally Racing Team Up Again for Championship Pursuit
Deegan’s decision to rejoin Bill McAnally Racing brings her back to the organization where she first made waves in stock car racing between 2018 and 2019. During her first run, she clinched three victories, achieved thirteen top-five finishes, and scored twenty-three top-ten placements in just twenty-eight starts. These results caught the attention of larger NASCAR outfits and led Deegan through a rapid progression up the sport’s ladder.
Her racing journey after those formative years included a full season in the main ARCA series in 2020, followed by three years competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 2021 to 2023. In 2024, she advanced to the NASCAR Xfinity Series with AM Racing, but the alliance ended midway through the season. The following year, she tried her hand at Indy Lights, though the foray proved less than successful.
Now, with clear goals and a familiar support system, Deegan is laser-focused on reigniting her winning trajectory in ARCA West and targeting her first series championship with McAnally’s powerhouse team. She emphasized her readiness to return to her stock car roots, stating,
“I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Bill and the BMR team,”
— Hailie Deegan, Driver.
“I’ve been away from stock cars for a bit but am focused on coming back stronger and competing for wins and a championship.”
— Hailie Deegan, Driver.
Bill McAnally, well known for developing young talent and leading the team to eleven series titles, shared his confidence in Deegan’s comeback.
“Having Hailie back on our team is incredibly special. We enjoyed working together several years ago and won some races. I see the commitment she has for competing at this level and we want to be part of her success.”
— Bill McAnally, Team Owner.
Sponsorship Stability and a Proven Car for the Campaign
The partnership is bolstered by ongoing support from NAPA Auto Care, Columbia Bank, and Monster Energy, providing both resources and peace of mind. The No. 16 Chevrolet, which is one of the most successful cars in ARCA Menards Series West history with seven championships, will return to the grid after a brief hiatus in 2025. Combined with Deegan’s established record in the series, the team has high hopes for a championship run.
Balancing ARCA West with Select Truck Series Races
In addition to her ARCA West commitment, Deegan revealed plans to compete in a handful of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events, saying,
“Going to be racing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series West in the No. 16 Chevrolet along with a few NASCAR Truck Series races.”
— Hailie Deegan, Driver. These additional appearances will help her maintain experience at higher levels of competition while she aims to dominate ARCA West.
The Road Ahead: High Stakes and High Hopes for 2026
The upcoming ARCA West season represents more than just a return for Deegan; it is a pivotal opportunity to rebuild momentum and quiet doubters. With strong team backing, proven sponsorship, and a sense of unfinished business, Deegan’s 2026 campaign will serve as a proving ground. If she matches or exceeds her previous results, she could renew her standing as one of stock car racing’s rising stars and potentially open the door for further advancement in NASCAR’s national ranks.
All eyes will be on Hailie Deegan and Bill McAnally Racing as they seek to make a victorious statement in the ARCA Menards Series West next year.
