Hailie Deegan demonstrated marked improvement during qualifying for the 2025 Indy NXT season finale at the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville on August 30. The former NASCAR driver secured a strong 10th-place qualifying position, matching her career-best since transitioning to open-wheel racing, a key moment in her rookie season.
Throughout her debut season with HMD Motorsports driving the No. 38 car, Deegan has faced significant struggles adapting to the demands of Indy NXT competition. While testing and some qualifying attempts showed promise, she often found it difficult to maintain position or overtake rivals during races.
In Nashville, she completed her two-lap qualifying run with an average speed of 181.962 mph, becoming HMD’s second fastest qualifier behind teammate Caio Collet, who took second place with an average speed of 184.112 mph. The pole position went to Andretti Global’s Salvador de Alba, who posted a two-lap average of 184.471 mph.
Context Behind Deegan’s Progress and Team Changes
The 10th-place qualifying outcome ties Deegan’s previous best from the World Wide Technology Raceway event in June and arrives at a critical juncture for both driver and team. HMD Motorsports recently confirmed plans to scale back to only four dedicated Indy NXT entries for the upcoming 2026 season, while entering a technical alliance with Cusick Motorsports to support two additional cars.
This reduction in seats places heightened pressure on drivers like Deegan, whose rookie season results have been underwhelming compared to peers. Nevertheless, she has shown notable improvement, particularly on oval tracks, though her performances on road and street circuits remain inconsistent.
Deegan’s pathway to Indy NXT began late in 2024 when HMD Motorsports signed her despite her lack of open-wheel experience, having previously competed only in stock car racing and dirt track events. Midway through 2024, she lost her NASCAR Xfinity team spot after AM Racing parted ways, leaving her without racing opportunities before moving into Indy NXT.
Adapting to Indy NXT’s Physical Demands Proves Tough for Deegan
A key challenge for Deegan has been adjusting to the physical intensity of open-wheel racing, especially with Indy NXT cars lacking power steering. Although she has maintained strong physical fitness throughout her NASCAR career, the toll taken by handling these more demanding machines has been significant.
Reflecting on her experience, Deegan described NASCAR as
“one of the most unphysical forms of racing,”
highlighting the increased exertion required in Indy NXT. Despite previous road course racing, she has struggled to maintain competitiveness on similar circuits within the series.
On the
“Off Track with Hinch and Rossi”
podcast hosted by IndyCar driver Alexander Rossi, Deegan discussed the strain caused by road course races. She detailed the intense physical challenges and recovery required after sessions, saying:
“Obviously, the road courses are very hard. Barber (the track that hosts the Grand Prix of Alabama, where Deegan had a P17 result) was bad for me. Like physically, okay, I’m not that far off when we get to practice or qualifying. Whatever it is, I’ll be okay, not bad. But like the longevity for me, I’m dying,” she said. —Hailie Deegan, Indy NXT driver
“Like after practice, for the second practice, I’m back at the Airbnb with my hands in an iced bowl of water, just trying to get some sort of strength back because I was just like dying in pain and so… from just being sore. So I think tracks like those were hard,” she added. —Hailie Deegan, Indy NXT driver
Looking Ahead as Deegan Aims to End Rookie Season on a High Note
Deegan’s strong qualifying performance in Nashville offers a positive conclusion to a challenging rookie season and may prove vital amid the team’s downsizing plans. As an emerging talent on IndyCar’s junior ladder, finishing the season with solid results could influence her future with HMD Motorsports or other teams.
With continued adaptation to the physical and technical demands of Indy NXT open-wheel racing, along with development in racecraft on both ovals and road courses, Deegan aims to strengthen her position in the series. The outcome of the Nashville finale weekend will likely shape opportunities for her progression into 2026 and beyond.
