Hailie Deegan Transitions from NASCAR to Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports
In a significant career move, 23-year-old racing talent Hailie Deegan has announced her departure from NASCAR to join HMD Motorsports for the 2025 Indy NXT season. Deegan will pilot the No. 38 entry for the full 14-race calendar in Indy NXT, the premier development series for the NTT IndyCar Series.
Challenges in NASCAR
Deegan’s decision comes after facing difficulties in securing funding for a top-tier Xfinity Series seat. Despite her efforts, the financial backing necessary to compete at the highest levels of NASCAR remained elusive, prompting her to explore alternative avenues in motorsport.
Embracing a New Challenge
Transitioning to open-wheel racing represents a new chapter for Deegan, who has primarily built her career in stock car racing. Expressing her enthusiasm, Deegan stated, “I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to working with a proven program in HMD Motorsports.” She acknowledges the learning curve ahead but is eager to embrace the challenges that come with this shift.
HMD Motorsports’ Perspective
HMD Motorsports, a dominant force in Indy NXT with multiple team and driver championships, welcomes Deegan as a valuable addition to their lineup. The team has a history of developing drivers who progress to the NTT IndyCar Series, and Deegan’s arrival aligns with their commitment to nurturing talent.
Deegan is set to make her Indy NXT debut at the Chris Griffis Test on October 18, 2024, marking her initial foray into open-wheel racing. As she embarks on this new journey, the motorsport community will keenly observe how her skills translate to the demands of Indy NXT competition.
This move signifies a pivotal moment in Deegan’s career, reflecting both the challenges of securing opportunities in NASCAR and the allure of new prospects in open-wheel racing.
