Hailie Deegan, the Indy NXT driver for HMD Motorsports, recently offered fans a glimpse into her life during practice ahead of the upcoming Mid-Ohio race. On June 26, the 23-year-old shared a series of Instagram photos from the first testing day at the Milwaukee Mile, highlighting her preparation for the season.
The photos depict Deegan getting ready to take on the track, retrieving her iconic black helmet adorned with the Monster Energy logo, and her #38 car being readied by the crew for a test run. These images encapsulate her focus and enthusiasm as she builds momentum leading to Mid-Ohio’s 2.258-mile, 13-turn road course event scheduled for July 6, where she will compete over 35 laps.
Transition to Indy NXT and Current Career Standing
Deegan stands out as the only female competitor in the Indy NXT series at present. After shifting from stock car racing to open-wheel racing at the end of 2025, she sought new challenges amid sponsorship setbacks that affected her continuation in stock racing circuits. Before this switch, Deegan also took part in the Xfinity Series with AM Racing, where she ranked 32nd in the driver standings.
The Temecula native’s Indy NXT debut occurred at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix on March 2. Although she qualified in 21st place, she managed to finish the race 14th by capitalizing on a first-lap incident, demonstrating her ability to navigate complex racing dynamics early in her open-wheel career.
Insights on Physical Demands from Road Course Racing
Hailie Deegan recently discussed the physical challenges she faces competing on road courses compared to oval tracks. Speaking at a post-qualifying press conference held on June 16 at the World Wide Technology Raceway, she reflected on how demanding road course racing has been for her, both physically and mentally.
“Yeah the ovals, I think from my perspective, I’m not as strong as a lot of people out here. I think I’m pretty small person generally. So definitely the physical side of things have been so hard for me on the road courses, so I’ve changed few things with the car.” — Hailie Deegan, Indy NXT Driver
Deegan further explained that she has sought advice from former Indy NXT winner Jamie Chadwick to better adapt to these demands and has made adjustments to her car setup accordingly.
“I’ve actually been able to talk to Jamie Chadwick and pick her brain a little bit of things they did. And it definitely helped me a lot on the road courses. And I just feel like physically being able to hang on for long periods of time, so I feel like the ovals are way less physical than the road course. So I feel a little bit more comfortable, a little bit more in the game and especially being at a place like Gateway where I’ve raced before.” — Hailie Deegan, Indy NXT Driver
During the World Wide Technology Raceway event, Deegan qualified 10th and crossed the finish line in 16th, showing continued progress as she gains experience on road courses.
Looking Ahead at the Impact of Mid-Ohio Challenge
As Deegan prepares for the Mid-Ohio race, her physical and technical adaptations could prove crucial in navigating the demanding 13-turn layout. Her journey from stock racing to Indy NXT highlights not only her resilience but also her commitment to mastering the complexities of open-wheel racing.
With the upcoming event on July 6, attention will focus on how her preparations and insights translate into performance on the track. Deegan’s experience and growth indicate a determined competitor eager to strengthen her position amid a challenging field, bringing visibility to women drivers in the Indy NXT series and inspiring greater diversity in motorsports.
