In a sport long dominated by men, Hailie Deegan continues to blaze her own trail — and now, she’s opening up about what truly drives her to keep pushing forward in NASCAR.
In a recent interview, Deegan candidly shared the deeper motivation behind her racing ambitions, revealing a personal and powerful perspective that goes beyond trophies and top-10s. “There’s not many girls out there,” she said, reflecting on her position in the sport and what it means to represent more than just herself on race weekends.
For Deegan, her career is about more than making it to the top — it’s about paving the road for the next generation of young women who dream of climbing into the driver’s seat. “I want to show that it’s possible,” she said. “Even if the numbers are small now, they don’t have to stay that way.”
Deegan, 23, has steadily worked her way up the NASCAR ranks, starting in the ARCA Menards Series and competing in the Craftsman Truck Series, and now looking to find solid footing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. While her on-track results have had ups and downs, her presence has made a lasting impact. She’s one of the most recognizable figures in the garage, with a massive following on social media and a growing fanbase that sees her as both a competitor and a role model.
“There’s definitely pressure,” Deegan admitted. “But it’s also a privilege. If one girl watches me race and believes she can do it too, then it’s worth it.”
Her statement comes at a time when conversations around diversity and inclusion in motorsports are louder than ever — and more necessary. Deegan’s transparency about her passion shows she’s not just focused on her own career, but on helping open doors that have historically been closed to women in the sport.
While the competition remains fierce and the results must still follow, Deegan’s impact is already being felt far beyond the race track. She’s not just driving for wins — she’s driving for change.
As NASCAR continues to evolve, so does its cast of characters, and Hailie Deegan’s journey is shaping up to be one of the most compelling stories to watch. Because for Deegan, it’s about more than just being fast — it’s about being first, being fearless, and making sure she’s not the last.
