In 2025, Hailie Deegan boldly shifted her racing career by moving from stock car competition to open-wheel racing, committing to a full 14-race season in Indy NXT, the official developmental series for IndyCar. The 24-year-old, who is the daughter of action sports legend Brian Deegan, had previously competed in three seasons of the <a href="https://www.big14news.com/nascar/”>NASCAR Truck Series and started the first half of 2024 in the Xfinity Series. This change marks a significant step in her pursuit of becoming a versatile and accomplished driver.
Performance and Growth in Indy NXT
Deegan first gained national recognition as the ARCA Rookie of the Year in 2020, finishing third in the standings. However, her subsequent four seasons in NASCAR‘s third-tier series were challenging, with only five top-10 finishes in 85 starts. Nearly a year after her last NASCAR race and with more than a year racing for HMD Motorsports, she is demonstrating steady improvement in Indy NXT.
After 12 races, Deegan holds 17th place in points with 169 among a field of 27 drivers. She has consistently finished within the top 20, achieving her best result of 11th place at Laguna Seca. This consistent performance indicates her adaptation to the demands of open-wheel racing and highlights her commitment to growth despite a steep learning curve.
Personal Clarity and Sponsorship Decisions
Deegan has expressed that this transition has helped her better understand her identity as a driver and the work required to meet her ambitions. During a recent appearance on
“Off Track with Hinch and Rossi,”
she discussed the complexities of balancing sponsorship opportunities with staying true to herself. Unlike many drivers who aggressively seek sponsorships, she has taken a firm stance against partnering with brands that do not align with her values or personal preferences.
She said,
I’m super big on like, I won’t work with people. I’ve turned down quite a few deals because it just doesn’t align with either I don’t like the brand, I know I won’t use a product, or it’s something that I’m like, ‘That is not me. I do not want to be associated with that whatsoever.’ And so, I think there’s a lot of that that does happen.
—Hailie Deegan
She added,
I think when it comes to that side of things, I’ve tried to stay true to myself. I’m so thankful that the deals I do have with Monster, like I’m a caffeine addict… I try to align myself with brands that are going to truly portray me, and I’m going to use a product. I won’t do it if I’m not going to use it.
—Hailie Deegan
Physical Demands and Upcoming Races
Deegan is also focusing on improving her physical fitness, acknowledging that open-wheel racing, especially at the IndyCar level, demands higher endurance and strength than NASCAR. She is prioritizing conditioning to meet these rigorous standards and enhance her performance on the track. With two races remaining in the 2025 Indy NXT season, she will compete next at the Milwaukee Mile oval on August 24, followed by the season finale at the Music City Grand Prix on August 31.
The Importance of This Career Shift
Hailie Deegan’s switch to Indy NXT represents not only a strategic change in her racing career but also a personal commitment to authenticity and long-term growth. By choosing to prioritize brand alignment over easy sponsorship deals, she is setting a standard for drivers aiming to maintain integrity in the often commercialized world of motorsports. Her steady progress in Indy NXT and dedication to physical preparation suggest she is positioning herself for a promising future in open-wheel racing, potentially leading to a full-time IndyCar seat.
