Hailie Deegan, a prominent figure in motorsports and daughter of action sports icon Brian Deegan, is shifting gears in her racing career. Today, she announced her move from NASCAR to the Indy NXT Series, gearing up for a new challenge with HMD Motorsports in 2025.
This marks a significant change for Deegan after spending four seasons in NASCAR, where her performance varied.
She will be behind the wheel of the No. 38 car for HMD Motorsports, aiming to rediscover the success she experienced early in her racing journey.
“I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to working with a proven program in HMD Motorsports,” she stated via Motorsport.com.
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“I have much to learn,” she added. “But I am ready to go. The team has a wealth of experience, and I’m eager to learn from them before my race debut next March in St. Petersburg.”
Deegan’s exit from NASCAR comes after a challenging period. During her time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 2021 to 2023, she only secured five top-10 finishes out of 69 races. Her best standing in points was 17th during her rookie season, and her struggles continued in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, where crashes led to three DNFs.
Prior to her NASCAR career, Deegan shone in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Division, making history as the first female race winner. She achieved three victories and finished third in the 2019 championship, solidifying her status as an up-and-coming star in the racing world.
By joining HMD Motorsports in the Indy NXT Series, Deegan positions herself in a development team known for nurturing talent destined for IndyCar’s top class. She’ll be racing alongside teammates Caio Collet, Josh Pierson, Tommy Smith, and Bryce Aron, in an environment designed to help her thrive.
Team President Mike Maurini expressed his excitement:
“Hailie, and especially the Deegan name, are significant in motorsports, and we welcome them to the HMD Motorsports family. Hailie has already been engaging with the team and is committed to transitioning into open-wheel racing. She’s looking for a place in the Indianapolis area to immerse herself with us and has begun working with her engineer. We are dedicated to ensuring she and all HMD Motorsports drivers are well-prepared for every on-track session.”