Hailie Deegan ARCA return has been officially announced for 2026, as the talented driver prepares to race with Bill McAnally Racing in the ARCA Menards Series West. This move comes after a brief attempt at open-wheel racing in the IndyCar NXT Series, and it has reignited passionate debates among fans about Deegan’s path and future prospects.
Mixed Fan Reactions to Deegan’s Stock Car Comeback
Deegan was once considered one of NASCAR’s brightest and most marketable drivers, rising quickly through the ranks. During the 2024 season, she competed as a rookie in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with AM Racing, but the partnership ended halfway through the year by mutual decision. The following season saw her transition to the Indy NXT Series, racing the #38 car for HMD Motorsports. Despite high hopes, she finished her 2025 campaign 14th in points, a result many fans saw as underwhelming.
Bill McAnally Racing’s recent announcement on social media about Deegan’s 2026 ARCA return drew swift and honest reactions from longtime NASCAR and ARCA followers. Most fans seem to see this decision as a wise effort to reset rather than a demotion, expressing a blend of support and skepticism regarding her path back to stock cars.
“NASCAR dosent work out, go to indycar. Indycar dosent work out, go back to nascar💀”
One fan wrote.
“Moved up way too fast because she had money. This is her best bet.”
another fan said.
“ARCA. She might be ok. Throwing good money after bad. To many have failed”
a third fan commented.
“Perhaps it looks like she finally learns her lesson to move back to ARCA, at least back to West series side where she got 3 wins there. Now she’s gonna have to learn all over again to regain all that motivation again.’ another user said.
“That’s good, she wasn’t an open wheeler, gave her best shot. Good to see her not giving up, going to where she can be successful.”
a fifth fan commented.
Deegan had a successful prior stint in the ARCA West, claiming three wins, 23 top-10 finishes, and securing five pole positions from just 28 starts between 2018 and 2019. Her early success in the series, and the challenges faced since, are central to the ongoing discussions about whether this return can reignite her upward career momentum.
Rejoining Bill McAnally Racing for a Full ARCA Season
In 2026, Hailie Deegan will drive the #16 Chevrolet SS for Bill McAnally Racing, marking a reunion with the team where she first achieved significant success. With the renewed partnership, Deegan is determined to make a statement by targeting both race wins and eventually the ARCA West championship title.
According to the official team statement, Deegan is eager to reclaim her place as a top performer in the ARCA Menards Series West. She credits partnerships with Columbia Bank, Monster Energy, and NAPA Auto Care for boosting her confidence and support network.
“I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Bill [McAnally] and the BMR team. I’ve been away from stock cars for a bit but am focused on coming back stronger and competing for wins and a championship. Having Columbia Bank and Monster Energy on board and working with NAPA Auto Care again is going to be a thrill, and our goal is to get them to victory lane multiple times this year.”
Deegan said.
Deegan’s return will be closely watched when the 2026 ARCA West season begins, with the opening event scheduled for February 28th at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway. This venue, associated with several ARCA icons, sets the stage for Deegan’s attempt to recapture her earlier form and pursue another championship run.
Significance for Deegan and the ARCA West Series
The return of Hailie Deegan to the ARCA Menards Series West with Bill McAnally Racing not only offers her a chance at redemption after recent setbacks in both NASCAR and IndyCar, but also brings additional attention and heightened drama to the ARCA West championship race. Her earlier achievements with the team and her enduring popularity guarantee that fans, sponsors, and competitors alike will be following her journey closely. Deegan’s story highlights the challenges and unpredictability that face young stars in professional racing, and her determination to overcome obstacles may serve as a source of inspiration for others in motorsports.
ARCA. She might be ok. Throwing good money after bad. To many have failed
— Dougal (@Dougal1558248) January 22, 2026
Perhaps it looks like she finally learns her lesson to move back to ARCA, at least back to West series side where she got 3 wins there.
Now she's gonna have to learn all over again to regain all that motivation again.
— 🏈 BlueFox98 🏁 (@Bluefox981) January 21, 2026
That's good, she wasn't an open wheeler, gave her best shot. Good to see her not giving up, going to where she can be successful.
— Charlie Palmer (@CharlieP1712) January 21, 2026
