Hailie Deegan’s racing career has been reignited by a landmark sponsorship, following in the footsteps of the well-established Chase Elliott NAPA sponsorship. As NAPA strengthens its alliance with Deegan, she returns to the ARCA Menards Series West with a bold bid to rebuild her momentum in NASCAR and the broader motorsports world.
NAPA Alliance Fuels Deegan’s Racing Revival
After facing challenges during her trial run in IndyCar, California native Hailie Deegan, 24, found her prospects for returning to NASCAR increasingly uncertain. Her path shifted dramatically with the intervention of the National Automotive Parts Association—NAPA—thanks in part to Bill McAnally’s guidance. This strategic partnership is reminiscent of the pivotal role NAPA played early in Chase Elliott’s career.
Deegan openly discussed on her YouTube channel how the collaboration with NAPA and Bill McAnally took her by surprise, altering her trajectory in the sport. Their approach didn’t just pave the way back into the ARCA West Series—it also brought the opportunity for additional races in the Truck Series, made possible through the support and prestige of the NAPA brand.
“He’s like, ‘I have NAPA who really wants to be back on the West Coast, a part of the Arca West series.’ And they would want to be on your car, which obviously they would be contributing to my racing and that racing budget. And I was like, ‘Man, I didn’t really ever think about that or think it was a possibility.’”
— Hailie Deegan, Driver
“And so when he approached me with that and then he even said he could do a few truck races on top of it to throw it in and kind of make it a full schedule deal on top of the West Series,”
— Hailie Deegan, Driver
This deepened commitment from NAPA, which famously fueled Chase Elliott’s ascent beginning with his Xfinity Series debut in 2014, is now setting the stage for Deegan’s own resurgence. For Deegan, the backing not only means essential funding, but it also affirms her status as a credible competitor in stock car racing.
As she returns to Bill McAnally Racing with NAPA Auto Care adorning her No. 16 Chevrolet, Deegan is prepared to contest a full season, targeting both consistency and victory in an environment specially cultivated for driver development.
NAPA’s Longstanding Legacy in Fostering Motorsport Talent
NAPA’s influence in NASCAR extends well beyond its recognizable blue-and-yellow logo on racing liveries. The company’s commitment to motorsport development has helped shape promising drivers while setting its sights on the future of the sport. Over time, NAPA’s philosophy has supported careers like Chase Elliott’s, making its investments about building legacies, not just temporary visibility.
With its renewed involvement supporting Deegan, NAPA also continues its initiatives in community engagement and motorsport education. For Deegan, that partnership goes beyond funding—it’s about joining forces with an industry leader dedicated to nurturing the next wave of drivers.
Deegan’s Racing Legacy and Fresh Ambitions
Hailie Deegan made history as the first female driver to win three races in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, rapidly rising as an influential figure in the sport. Her early breakthroughs granted access to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and later the Xfinity Series, though the climb featured the challenging mix of growth and setbacks familiar to emerging athletes.
Throughout her journey, Deegan has consistently performed as a formidable presence on track, earning multiple top-10 finishes and cultivating her racing craft. Now, aided by the renewed partnership with Bill McAnally, who played a role in launching her professional career, she is well-positioned to capture the momentum that once marked her as a standout competitor.
McAnally Highlights the Importance of Teaming Up with Deegan Once More
The prospect of Deegan’s return to Bill McAnally Racing for the ARCA Menards Series West has stirred enthusiasm within the team. Bill McAnally himself expressed excitement about reuniting and working toward shared ambitions for the coming seasons.
“Having Hailie back on our team is incredibly special. We enjoyed working together several years ago and won some races,”
— Bill McAnally, Team Owner
“I see the commitment she has for competing at this level, and we want to be part of her success. She has the knowledge of winning out West, and we have a great chance to chase our 12 title with her and Mason Massey in the fold.”
— Bill McAnally, Team Owner
With Deegan now racing alongside teammate Mason Massey, the team’s ambitions for the series championship have been reignited. Deegan’s talent paired with McAnally’s leadership marks a reunion of experience and ambition, aiming for a strong campaign and a return to the winner’s circle.
Championing Diversity and Opportunity in Modern NASCAR
Hailie Deegan’s story is emblematic of the growing diversity within NASCAR. Her achievements as a leading female driver underscore a transformative period for the series, which has long been characterized by male dominance. Returning to her roots with the support of industry heavyweights like NAPA and McAnally, Deegan stands as a testament to resilience, ambition, and the evolution of opportunity within motorsport.
Deegan’s comeback is more than a personal chapter—it offers inspiration to other women aspiring to break into professional racing, strengthening both the excitement and future prospects for diversity throughout NASCAR and beyond.
Setting the Stage for 2026: Deegan’s Bright Horizon
As the countdown to the 2026 racing season begins, anticipation builds around Hailie Deegan’s partnership with Bill McAnally Racing, turbocharged by the steadfast support of NAPA. With aspirations set on wins and a potential series championship, the story mirrors the celebrated Chase Elliott NAPA sponsorship, promising both historical echoes and renewed energy for fans and the racing community alike. For Deegan, NAPA, and the evolving face of NASCAR, this collaboration could well mark the next chapter in a tradition of success and progress on the track.
