Hailie Deegan, one of NASCAR’s rising stars, is set to make her IndyCar debut in the 2025 Indy NXT Series with HMD Motorsports. As one of six rookie drivers and one of two women on the grid, the 23-year-old is embarking on a bold new chapter in her racing career. With the season opener just around the corner on March 2nd, Deegan is embracing the challenge ahead and putting in the work to prove she belongs.
From ovals to road courses: A steep learning curve
Deegan is no stranger to racing success. After making waves in the K&N Pro Series and ARCA Series with breakout performances, she moved up to the NASCAR Truck Series, where she notched a handful of Top 10 finishes. However, her 2023 season in the Xfinity Series with AM Racing proved rocky, leading to an early release.
Now, Deegan faces a new test: adapting to the demands of the Indy NXT Series. Unlike NASCAR’s predominantly oval-based calendar, the Indy NXT Series features a grueling 14-race schedule dominated by road courses. Only four oval races—at Worldwide Technology Raceway, Iowa Speedway, Milwaukee Mile, and Nashville Superspeedway—offer her familiar territory.
While the adjustment won’t be easy, Deegan has shown her determination by logging extensive testing time at Barber Motorsports Park and other circuits. “It’s a steep learning curve, but I’m ready to put in the work,” Deegan said. “This is a chance to grow as a driver and prove myself in a different discipline.”
HMD Motorsports’ confidence in Deegan
HMD Motorsports is banking on Deegan’s potential to shine. The team has recruited a strong rookie lineup, including Sophia Flörsch, Nolan Allaer, Josh Pierson, Tommy Smith, Caio Collet, and Bryce Aron. For Deegan, the opportunity to compete with and learn from a diverse group of drivers is invaluable.
“HMD saw something in me, and I’m grateful for the chance to prove them right,” Deegan said. “This is a fresh start, and I’m excited to develop my skills in an environment where I can learn so much.”
A new chapter with big stakes
For Deegan, the 2025 Indy NXT season represents both a challenge and an opportunity. It’s a chance to showcase her adaptability, prove her worth on a more global stage, and potentially carve out a future in open-wheel racing. At the same time, this move could serve as a stepping stone back to NASCAR’s Xfinity Series, should she decide to return to stock cars.
While the road ahead won’t be easy, Deegan’s confidence and resilience suggest she’s ready for the task. With her debut season running from March through August, the racing world will be watching to see if she can find her groove on the road courses and build on her oval-racing pedigree.
Can IndyCar be her true calling?
It’s still too early to tell whether Deegan’s future lies in IndyCar or if this is a stepping stone to other opportunities. For now, she’s focused on the task at hand: learning, growing, and proving she can compete at the highest level.
With familiar tracks like Iowa Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway on the calendar, Deegan has a chance to make an immediate impact. But it’s the road courses—arguably her biggest challenge—that will define her 2025 campaign.
One thing is certain: Hailie Deegan’s journey in the Indy NXT Series will be one of the most compelling storylines of the season.