Hailie Deegan’s Tumultuous 2024 Season and Bold Move to IndyNXT
The 2024 NASCAR season has been a challenging one for Hailie Deegan, marked by frustration and setbacks. After making a name for herself in the ARCA and Craftsman Truck Series, Deegan made a high-profile switch to the Xfinity Series, racing for AM Racing in the #15 car. However, before she could settle into her new ride and get a feel for competing among some of the sport’s top talent, AM Racing ended the partnership, leaving Deegan to abruptly end her rookie season after only 17 races.
This early end to her NASCAR campaign left Deegan scrambling to find alternative racing opportunities for the remainder of the year. She shifted her focus to the Trans AM Racing series, making a notable appearance at the All-Star race at Lime Rock Speedway. Unfortunately, her luck did not improve. A video from the race, released months later in July, revealed an incident where Deegan almost caused a major wreck, nearly cutting short Bobby Labonte’s day.
The Lime Rock Incident
The Lime Rock race featured an exciting lineup, including NASCAR legends Bobby Labonte, Greg Biffle, and Ken Schrader. In this unique event, drivers pair up and split seat time, with Deegan teaming up with Ben Maier, a rising star in Nitro Rallycross Racing. Deegan took the wheel of the #80 car for the start of the race.
Early on, Deegan was under pressure from Labonte, a former NASCAR champion, who was determined to make his way through the field. As the race unfolded, Labonte began to close in on Deegan, using a “banging and beating” approach to try to pass her. Deegan, focused on defending her position, found herself caught up in the battle. As Labonte’s car loomed larger in her mirrors, Deegan’s defensive tactics backfired.
In the heat of the moment, Deegan lost control of her car, sending it off track and into the grass. She skidded sideways and collided with Davey Jones’ #69 car, narrowly avoiding significant damage to either vehicle. Despite the near-miss, both drivers managed to regain control and continue racing. Meanwhile, Labonte, seizing the opportunity, passed between the two cars to complete his move. The dramatic sequence captivated the fans in attendance, but Deegan was left frustrated by her mistake under pressure.
A Bold New Direction: Deegan’s Move to IndyNXT
As the 2024 season winds down, Hailie Deegan is turning the page to a new chapter in her racing career. In a bold move, she is stepping away from stock car racing and heading into the world of open-wheel racing. Deegan has signed with HMD Motorsports to compete in the IndyNXT series, the second-tier developmental series of IndyCar, for the 2025 season.
This transition to open-wheel racing marks a major shift in Deegan’s career. Open-wheel cars, which are lighter and faster than stock cars, require drivers to hone their technical skills and adjust to the varying dynamics of different race tracks. Deegan’s move is reminiscent of her jump from the Truck Series to the Xfinity Series, a shift that many doubted she could handle. In the Xfinity Series, Deegan struggled, often finishing races toward the back of the field, a reflection of the lackluster performance from her team, AM Racing.
However, the prospects in IndyNXT may be different. HMD Motorsports is known for developing young talent, and the team has the resources and expertise to help Deegan refine her skills. With a fresh start, Deegan is hopeful that the change in discipline will provide her with the opportunity to reinvent herself as a driver.
Looking Ahead
Deegan’s transition to IndyNXT has generated mixed reactions from fans and critics. Some question whether the switch to open-wheel racing will be a successful one, while others see it as a necessary step in her development as a driver. The 2025 season will be crucial for Deegan, as she faces a new set of challenges against seasoned open-wheel racers. But with the support of HMD Motorsports, she could very well prove the doubters wrong.
For Deegan, the 2024 season has been a difficult one, but it has also provided her with the clarity to pursue a new path. Whether she can thrive in open-wheel racing remains to be seen, but her bold decision to switch disciplines demonstrates her determination to succeed, no matter the obstacles.
