Hailie Deegan, at 23 years old, has made a decisive move in her motorsport journey by opting to compete in the Indy NXT series rather than joining the female-only F1 Academy in 2025. This choice marks her transition from NASCAR stock car racing to the top tier of IndyCar’s developmental ladder, emphasizing her commitment to open-wheel racing despite the challenges ahead.
Brian Deegan, Hailie’s father and a racing legend known for his success in the X Games with 16 medals, initially hoped she would join the F1 Academy—a series launched by the Formula One Group in 2023 to promote female drivers. While recognizing the opportunity, Deegan’s daughter explained she needed more open-wheel experience before committing, leading her to Indy NXT with HMD Motorsports for the upcoming season.
Deegan Family’s Racing Roots and Hailie’s Progression Through NASCAR
The Deegan family boasts strong racing credentials, with Brian’s legacy in motocross and X Games complementing the motorsport pursuits of his children. His older son Haiden continues the family’s motocross tradition, while Hailie carved out a niche in four-wheeled racing.
Starting her NASCAR career in 2018 in the K&N Pro Series, Hailie spent six years competing across several stock car platforms including the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Truck Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series. However, midway through the 2024 season, she left AM Racing and embraced the shift to open-wheel cars, seeking new challenges and growth opportunities.
Brian Deegan’s Support and Perspective on Hailie’s Path
Brian Deegan has openly discussed his hopes and concerns about Hailie’s career direction in interviews. He asked her whether she wanted to continue racing, acknowledging the demanding nature of the sport, especially for female drivers seeking greater backing. He expressed pride in her determination to keep pushing forward despite the difficulties.
“I’ve asked her if she really wants to continue racing or does she want to move on. She wants to race. Like I said, it’s a tough road, and it would be cool to see her get more support as a young female racer.” —Brian Deegan, Racing Icon and Father
Regarding the potential F1 Academy move, Brian revealed that he hoped she would seize the chance to compete there, but agreed with her decision to gain more open-wheel experience first.
“I really wanted her to go do the F1 Academy deal that they were doing with the girls there. I thought that was a cool opportunity. Maybe she will. I don’t know. She felt like she needed to get some more open-wheel seat time before she did that, which I agree. She just started in it. I think give her a season there and kind of see where she is at.” —Brian Deegan, Racing Icon and Father
F1 Academy’s Role in Promoting Female Talent in Motorsports
The F1 Academy has rapidly gained attention since its launch, serving as a platform for talented female drivers and benefiting from the association with Formula One. The championship has seen notable winners such as Marta Garcia in 2023 and Abbi Pulling in 2024, highlighting emerging female talent in motorsport. Additionally, Netflix released a docuseries focusing on the F1 Academy, which debuted globally on May 28, further boosting its profile among motorsport fans.
Hailie Deegan’s Early Experience and Challenges in Indy NXT
Hailie’s introduction to open-wheel racing occurred in late 2024 with tests at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course for HMD Motorsports, along with two races in the Formula Regional Americas Championship. She secured a contract to race full-time in Indy NXT for 2025, initially alongside teammate Sophia Floersch, who later departed the team after the first race, leaving Deegan as the sole female driver in the series that season.
Father’s Anxiety Over Hailie Racing at High Speeds
Despite his support, Brian Deegan admits to feeling nervous knowing his daughter is competing at speeds reaching 190 mph, a considerable jump from the stock cars she previously drove. The heightened speed and the inherent risks of open-wheel racing concern him, but he trusts Hailie’s skill and determination to handle the challenge.
“It is nerve-racking. It’s scary. She’s racing an open-wheel race car at 190 miles per hour. Whether you’re in the front or the back, you’re still in a race car going that fast. It’s still dangerous! That part kind of makes me nervous, but I think as long as she enjoys it, I think it’s one shot at it, you know? She’s still real good with it.” —Brian Deegan, Racing Icon and Father
Performance Overview: Rookie Struggles Amid Steady Development
Hailie’s rookie season in Indy NXT has been marked by struggles, with qualifying sessions often placing her near the back of the grid and similar finishing positions in most races. Nonetheless, her pace shows gradual improvement, albeit at a slower rate than desired.
One of her strongest attributes has been her ability to maintain composure on track, avoiding incidents or collisions almost entirely. In seven races, the only accident involving Deegan was a large 10-car pile-up at Detroit Grand Prix, where she was not at fault, highlighting her clean racing approach during a challenging debut season.
What Lies Ahead for Hailie Deegan in Indy NXT and Beyond
Hailie Deegan’s bold decision to race in Indy NXT rather than joining the F1 Academy signals a significant transition in her career, aiming to earn her place in open-wheel racing’s competitive environment. Her steady progress, supported by a strong family racing heritage and her father’s vigilance, sets the stage for continued growth.
As the 2025 Indy NXT season unfolds, Deegan’s performance will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders, particularly as she strives to improve qualifying results and race finishes. Her journey may inspire other young female drivers pursuing careers in top-tier racing series.
