Former NASCAR Xfinity and Truck Series driver Hailie Deegan recently experienced a thrilling new challenge, transitioning from stock cars to Indy NXT cars during a test at Nashville Superspeedway. This 1.333-mile oval in Lebanon, Tennessee, played host to the pivotal open test by Indy NXT on April 1, where drivers prepared for the season finale, the Music City Grand Prix, set for August 31. Deegan shared footage from the event on her Instagram, capturing the rapid laps of an Indy NXT car on the circuit.
At this significant test, Norwegian rookie Dennis Hauger of Andretti Global led the field, achieving a remarkable lap speed of 187.564 mph in the No. 28 Rental Group car. His stellar performance marked his first experience on an oval track, a testament to his championship-leading form following a season-opening win in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Hailie Deegan, now in her rookie season with HMD Motorsports, clocked an impressive time herself. Completing a best lap of 25.9388 seconds with a top speed of 184.588 mph, she completed 127 laps, gaining valuable track time with her #38 car ahead of the second race of the season at Alabama’s Barber Motorsports Park. Deegan shared her unique perspective on the contrasts between stock cars and open-wheel racing via her Instagram Story, reflecting her adaptation to the rigors of Indy NXT.
Building from her Indy NXT debut on March 2, 2025, at St. Petersburg, where she transitioned from NASCAR, Deegan started at 22nd position and finished 14th, successfully navigating all laps without incident. The change demanded significant adjustments; her initial practice sessions revealed the challenges of adapting to the open-wheel car style, especially regarding the absence of power steering.
Though her initial qualifying attempts saw her only 11th in her group, the race itself provided a platform for Deegan to demonstrate skillful resilience. Through a race marked by multiple incidents and four caution periods totaling 11 laps, she avoided the troubles that ensnared others, showcasing a commendable pace to finish 14th. Her strategic approach earned her eight positions, underlining her ability to complete the race on the lead lap, accumulating critical racing experience.
In reflecting on the challenging race, Deegan stated it was one of the hardest she’s ever undertaken, emphasizing the physical demands of handling an Indy NXT car’s unassisted steering system. This experience became a pivotal learning step, enhancing her adaptability and future race potential.
The forthcoming Grand Prix of Alabama, scheduled for May 4, will present another opportunity for Deegan to apply her insights and improvements. As the race weekend approaches, the anticipation builds for her continued growth in the competitive Indy NXT arena, having gained profound knowledge from the Nashville test. The significance of this developmental period could propel Deegan’s career, offering insights and pushing the boundaries of her racing capabilities.
