Hailie Deegan’s Tumultuous 2024 Season Ends in a Bold Career Shift to IndyNXT
The 2024 NASCAR season was a rollercoaster of disappointment for Hailie Deegan, who had initially made waves in the ARCA and Craftsman Truck Series. Making her Xfinity Series debut with AM Racing’s #15 team, Deegan’s rookie campaign came to an abrupt halt after just 17 races when AM Racing terminated their partnership. This left her scrambling for opportunities to complete the season, leading to a stint in Trans Am Racing events, including the Speed Tour All-Star Race at Lime Rock Speedway. However, her struggles persisted, as a clash with NASCAR legend Bobby Labonte further underscored her challenging year.
Hailie Deegan Faces Trouble in Trans Am Racing
The Speed Tour All-Star Race featured a star-studded lineup, including legends like Bobby Labonte, Greg Biffle, and Ken Schrader, alongside Deegan and her partner, Ben Maier, a rising star in Nitro Rallycross Racing. Deegan started the race in the #80 car, holding her ground against intense competition. However, as Labonte closed in, things began to unravel.
Labonte’s relentless pursuit forced Deegan into a defensive mode, causing her to lose focus. In a dramatic moment, she veered into the grass, lost control, and collided with Davey Jones’ No. 69 car. While both drivers avoided significant damage and rejoined the race, Labonte skillfully navigated through the chaos, drawing comparisons to a scene from Cars. Fans on-site were thrilled by the intense duel, though Deegan was left frustrated by the incident.
Looking Ahead: Deegan’s Shift to Open-Wheel Racing
Despite the rocky season, Deegan has her sights set on a fresh start in 2025, making a daring move from stock car racing to open-wheel competition in the IndyNXT series, a developmental tier of IndyCar. Partnering with HMD Motorsports, a team known for nurturing young talent, Deegan is determined to reinvent herself as a driver.
“Switching to open-wheel racing is a bold step,” one insider remarked. “The cars are faster, lighter, and demand a higher level of technical precision. It’s a different beast entirely.” Critics have expressed skepticism, with many drawing parallels to her difficult transition from the Truck Series to Xfinity, where Deegan often finished at the back of the pack.
However, Deegan’s new team offers hope. HMD Motorsports has a reputation for producing top-tier talent and possesses the resources to help Deegan hone her skills. If she can adapt to the challenges of open-wheel racing, she may finally find the success that eluded her in NASCAR.
Fans Divided Over Deegan’s Next Chapter
Deegan’s career move has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike. Some see it as a much-needed fresh start, while others view it as a desperate attempt to stay relevant. One fan commented, “She’s had a rough go in NASCAR, but maybe this is the change she needs.” Another added, “Deegan’s decision to switch disciplines is risky, but HMD Motorsports could be the perfect platform for her to rebuild.”
As Hailie Deegan prepares to take on the IndyNXT series in 2025, all eyes will be on how she navigates this significant shift. With her resilience and the backing of a strong team, Deegan hopes to leave her NASCAR struggles behind and rise to new heights in the world of open-wheel racing.
