In a heartfelt message, Hailie Deegan has credited her fiancé, Chase Cabre, for supporting her move from NASCAR to Indy NXT, an important step in her racing career set to officially kick off in 2025. Deegan’s decision to join HMD Motorsports in Indy NXT marks a significant shift toward open-wheel racing, as she had previously competed in NASCAR until last year.
Deegan’s experience in open-wheel racing is limited, presenting challenges as she adapts to the new format. Despite the steep learning curve, she has expressed gratitude to Cabre, whose input during joint simulator sessions at home has been invaluable. Gifted with a second simulator on her 23rd birthday, Deegan has dedicated herself to training and improving her performance.
Chase Cabre, a former stock car racer with REV Racing in the K&N Pro Series East, has been described by Deegan as a ‘hidden gem’ in motorsports. Cabre enjoyed notable successes, including victories at Memphis and New Hampshire in 2019, before pivoting his focus to dirt racing after 2020. His expertise and encouragement have been crucial in bolstering Deegan’s transition.
Preseason tests earlier this year revealed the difficulties Hailie Deegan faced in finding her pace. At Sebring, her initial times were nearly three seconds slower than her rivals, though by the end of day two, she had cut this gap to 1.8 seconds. Laguna Seca presented similar challenges as she strived to close the performance gap.
In St. Petersburg, Deegan finished 14th out of 21, an improvement but not without its caveats, as she only outperformed drivers who encountered mishaps. At her inaugural oval track test in Nashville, she achieved a significant improvement, finishing 15th out of 19 participants, showcasing her growing adaptation to the demands of Indy NXT.
During this journey, Deegan encountered unexpected hurdles, such as a helmet issue that compromised her comfort on-track but was quickly corrected by her HMD Motorsports team. With the Grand Prix of Alabama scheduled from May 2nd to 4th, Deegan’s development and resilience stand as testaments to her commitment to mastering Indy NXT racing.
Hailie Deegan’s venture into this new chapter not only represents personal growth but also serves as inspiration for aspiring drivers. With Cabre’s ongoing support, her endeavor in Indy NXT highlights the intersections of personal and professional milestones, underscoring the contributions of those who, like Cabre, often remain unsung heroes in the racing world. As Deegan continues to hone her skills, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a compelling racing career filled with potential and passion.
