Hailie Deegan‘s mother, Marissa, recently posted a photo from their jet ski outing, capturing a rare break from racing at a lake near Lexington, Ohio. This enjoyable moment came just before Hailie’s scheduled race at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, highlighting the close bond between mother and daughter away from the fast-paced world of motorsports. This Hailie Deegan jet ski update offers a glimpse of downtime amid the competitive season.
Twenty-three-year-old Hailie Deegan, formerly a competitor with AM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, now drives the #38 open-wheel car for HMD Motorsports in the Indy NXT Series. So far, she has made seven starts in this developmental open-wheel series as she builds her career away from stock car racing.
Marissa Deegan, who is married to X Games gold medalist Brian Deegan, complemented the scenic photo on her Instagram story with a concise four-word caption that expressed her joy during the jet ski ride with her daughter.
Hailie is one of three siblings, with her brothers Haiden and Hudson both active in motocross, continuing the family’s strong presence in motorsports. While her brothers have pursued off-road racing, Hailie is carving her own path in a mix of stock car and open-wheel racing disciplines.
Although Hailie has not yet achieved a top-10 finish in Indy NXT, she remains committed to her progression, currently ranked 19th in the standings with 94 points, trailing the leader Dennis Hauger by 223 points. Her next race event is scheduled for July 6 at Mid-Ohio, following an 18th-place finish at her most recent outing.
Brian Deegan Reflects on Hailie’s Path and Formula Racing Possibilities
Brian Deegan, Hailie’s father and a celebrated motocross rider, revealed his thoughts about her racing future, including an offer for her to join the F1 Academy, an all-female formula racing series. Despite the opportunity to race there, Hailie decided instead to continue gaining experience with HMD Motorsports in the Indy NXT Series.
Brian shared his candid perspective after Hailie’s transition from NASCAR, emphasizing her determination to keep racing:
“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, Father
He explained his initial encouragement for Hailie to explore the F1 Academy as a unique chance to compete in a female-centered formula racing environment. Yet, Hailie opted against it for now, preferring to build further 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,” he added. —Brian Deegan, Father
The F1 Academy is notable for limiting female drivers to a maximum of two-year contracts, but it provides important exposure within formula racing circles, including the chance to travel alongside the Formula 1 grid. This aspect makes it a valuable stepping stone for emerging female talent.
What the Future Holds for Hailie Deegan’s Racing Journey
As Hailie continues her rookie season in Indy NXT, the challenges of breaking into the top ranks remain significant. However, her commitment to open-wheel racing, supported by family and enriched by experiences like the recent jet ski outing with her mother, reflects a steady and hopeful progression.
This Hailie Deegan jet ski update serves as a reminder of the balance between the intensity of competitive motorsports and the importance of family connection, providing strength and perspective for the road ahead.
With races lined up at iconic circuits like Mid-Ohio, Hailie’s journey will be closely watched by fans and supporters eager to see how her career develops in the evolving landscape of American open-wheel racing.
