Hailie Deegan’s Indy NXT struggles persist, as the former NASCAR driver continues to finish near the back of the field in 2025. Since joining HMD Motorsports and moving into the highest rung of the IndyCar development series, Deegan has struggled to match the pace of her competitors, drawing criticism from fans and observers alike.
With limited experience in open-wheel racing, Deegan has consistently qualified and finished races near the last position. Her starting and finishing spots have rarely improved unless she gained places as a result of other drivers encountering crashes or mechanical failures. This pattern was evident at the recent Indy NXT Grand Prix held at Road America, where she qualified 19th and last for the 20-lap event.
Race Day at Road America Reveals Ongoing Challenges
The race at Road America offered little opportunity for Deegan to advance, as no pit stops were required and the track’s conditions remained stable throughout. The only progress she made was courtesy of Jordan Missig, who collided with another driver early on, damaging his car and forcing him to pit. This incident allowed Deegan to move up one place to 18th in the final standings.
Deegan shared her thoughts on the weekend in a detailed YouTube vlog, acknowledging her difficulties while noting some progress.
“Obviously not the best day. But I feel like for this place somewhere I’ve never been before, I don’t think I’ve watched a race here (laughs) prior to this weekend. So made a little improvement. Still need a little bit more.”
—Hailie Deegan, Indy NXT Driver
Despite some appreciation for her interaction with fans and the scenic Road America track, most comments on her performance expressed disappointment or frustration.
Fan Reactions Highlight Growing Discontent with Performance
Many viewers found her statement about not watching previous races at Road America concerning, suggesting that a lack of thorough preparation might be a factor in her struggles. One user remarked:
“The fact Hailey said ‘I don’t even think I’ve watched a race here.’ Is Crazy. I’m seriously rooting for her but she needs to take this seriously if she wants to be good. She needs to treat it as a full time job watching previous races, seat time in the simulator clocking off thousands of laps working with trainers and going over data. Maybe I’m missing that in these vids but just that statement it very telling.”
—Fan on social media
Others echoed the call for increased dedication, emphasizing the importance of commitment in a highly competitive environment.
“Been following her for years…Unfortunately like all the other series she’s raced in, She doesn’t dedicate 110% to racing which you have to do at that age. And the power of Positivity would help tremendously also”
—Longtime follower of Hailie Deegan
Critics also expressed disappointment comparing her current performance with past stints in various racing series.
“I’m so done with Hailee Deegan just tired of watching her not being competitive. The last time I saw her compete was in the truck series and then the SRX series. Xfinity was a step backwards last year and going to Indiana. NXT was two more steps backwards. I think she needs to get back to her roots which is dirt track racing, and stop this nonsense.”
—Disappointed fan familiar with Deegan’s career
Additional commentary reinforced a pattern of last-place finishes and minimal progress throughout races.
“At least your consistent, not in a good way,”
—Another fan
“I was there, she was basically last the entire race,”
—Spectator at Road America
“Starts last finishes last unless someone wrecks out and she another place by default,”
—Social media user
Currently, Deegan sits 19th in the 2025 Indy NXT championship standings, holding the final position among the full-time drivers who have competed in all seven races to date.
Deegan Maintains Optimism Despite Road America Setback
Following the Grand Prix at Road America, where she finished 18th and over 1 minute 25 seconds behind race winner and teammate Caio Collet, Deegan reflected on her performance with cautious optimism. Although she was unable to keep pace with the leading group and finished more than 43 seconds behind the driver ahead of her, Tommy Smith, Deegan pointed out improvements in her lap times compared to earlier sessions.
“Pretty non-eventful race. It was green the entire time. No wrecks, no caution, nothing. Learned a lot throughout the race. I cut the gap I was… like how my time off the leader’s time, I cut it in half compared to what I was in practice, for qualifying. So made some big improvements there,”
—Hailie Deegan
Deegan is scheduled to compete next at the Indy NXT Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio, taking place from July 4 to 6, offering another chance to demonstrate growth and resolve amid ongoing challenges.
