Indy NXT competitor Hailie Deegan made a notable appearance at Kansas Speedway just hours before the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race on September 28. Her visit, tied to her partnership with Idahoan Foods, placed the spotlight on the 24-year-old driver during the critical second race of the Round of 12 playoffs at the Hollywood Casino 400 presented by ESPN BET.
Deegan’s visit allowed fans to engage with her directly as she signed memorabilia and connected with supporters at the track, showcasing her continued presence in the racing community beyond her current open-wheel ventures. This fan interaction at Kansas Speedway highlights her evolving role in motorsports while maintaining strong ties to her roots in NASCAR.
From NASCAR to Indy NXT: Hailie Deegan’s Racing Journey
Hailie Deegan, the daughter of motocross champion Brian Deegan, began her racing career on dirt tracks in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) before transitioning to pavement. She competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series and the ARCA Menards Series before advancing to the Craftsman Truck Series and the Xfinity Series. After the 2024 season, Deegan made the significant decision to move into open-wheel racing by joining HMS Motorsports in the Indy NXT series.
Her shift from stock car racing to open-wheel competition marks a new chapter. Despite the challenging transition, Deegan has been actively preparing for Indy NXT by competing in the Formula Regional (FR) series, although her debut season in Indy NXT has yet to yield a Top 10 finish. Her best result so far was a 13th place at Nashville Superspeedway, and she concluded the season 14th in the standings.
Engagement with Fans at Kansas Speedway
On September 28, Deegan arrived at Kansas Speedway well before the NASCAR Cup Series playoff race, where she participated in autograph sessions and met fans as part of her ongoing role as brand ambassador for Idahoan Foods. She shared her experience via social media, posting stories of her signing memorabilia at the Idahoan Foods stand. One of her posts read,
“Signing today at @kansasspeedway with @idahoanfoods”
— Hailie Deegan, Driver
Deegan’s social media presence continues to bolster her visibility, frequently promoting Idahoan Foods and engaging with motorsport fans across platforms. Her appearance at such a high-profile event underscores her influence and connection with the NASCAR community despite her current focus on open-wheel racing.
Speculation Surrounding Deegan’s NASCAR Future
Recent reports, including one from The Daily Downforce, have sparked discussion about Deegan potentially returning to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for the 2026 season. Such a move is seen as plausible amid the upcoming “silly season” in stock car racing, which often brings unexpected driver shifts. Still, Deegan’s affiliation with HMS Motorsports and opportunity in Indy NXT remain viable options for her future.
Her performance in Indy NXT during her rookie season—although not standout in terms of top finishes—suggests she is gaining valuable experience in open-wheel racing, but the allure of a NASCAR comeback remains a possibility given her background and previous success in stock car divisions.
The Significance of Deegan’s Dual Path in Motorsports
Hailie Deegan’s blend of stock car heritage and current open-wheel pursuits illustrates a diverse and ambitious career path in a competitive motorsports landscape. Her engagement at Kansas Speedway not only delighted fans but also symbolized her bridge between different racing disciplines. Whether she returns to NASCAR or continues to develop in Indy NXT, Deegan’s journey reflects a determined and energetic approach to establishing herself as a versatile driver.
Her presence at the Hollywood Casino 400 and active fan interactions reinforce her status as a popular figure capable of drawing interest across racing formats. As the 2026 season approaches, motorsports enthusiasts will be closely watching whether Deegan solidifies her position in open-wheel racing or makes a high-profile NASCAR return, which could impact both series moving forward.
