Is Hailie Deegan Getting a Free Pass in NASCAR?

Hailie Deegan’s 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign has been anything but smooth. With wrecks in every race she’s entered this season and failure to qualify for several key events, her presence in the field has raised serious questions — especially as she continues to secure starting spots through funding and provisional entries. Fans and critics alike are starting to ask: is she being held to the same standard as everyone else?

There’s no doubt that Deegan brings sponsorship dollars and a dedicated fanbase. But when performance consistently falls short and accidents pile up, those perks only go so far in the court of public opinion. Some are now openly claiming that her continued seat in high-level equipment is more about marketing than merit.

“If she was a white male with this record, she wouldn’t be anywhere near a race car,” one fan vented on social media, voicing a frustration shared by others who see more talented, lesser-known drivers passed over for opportunities. It’s a sentiment that echoes louder each week Deegan crashes out, especially when drivers without the same backing are sidelined for minor mistakes or lack of funding.

It’s worth noting that NASCAR has long been a sport where money talks — pay drivers are nothing new. But the frustration here stems from the perceived mismatch between Deegan’s results and the chances she continues to receive. When drivers like Ryan Truex, Josh Williams, or even rising stars like Connor Zilisch are clawing for every opportunity, Deegan’s struggles become more glaring.

That said, Deegan isn’t the only driver to struggle with the jump to the Xfinity Series. The transition is steep, and even successful drivers in Trucks can falter at this level. But unlike others, her struggles are magnified by the spotlight — and the safety concerns that come with frequent wrecks.

At some point, performance has to speak louder than branding. Whether that moment comes this season or not remains to be seen, but fans are clearly running out of patience.

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