Ex-NASCAR racer Hailie Deegan is poised to follow in the footsteps of Danica Patrick by making her move into open-wheel racing. Deegan is set to debut in the Indy NXT Series with HMD Motorsports in 2025, marking her first step towards the NTT IndyCar Series. This significant shift comes after a tough 2024 NASCAR season, which was one of the most challenging in her career.
Deegan entered the 2024 season with hopes of reigniting her career in the second-tier NASCAR Xfinity Series after three stagnant years in the Truck Series with DGR and ThorSport Racing. Unfortunately, her time with AM Racing fell short of expectations, with her best finish being a P12 at Talladega. Despite AM Racing’s potential as a mid-tier contender, Deegan struggled to secure consistent top-10 finishes, leading to her parting ways with the team after just 17 races.
Now, Deegan is making a bold move into open-wheel racing, signing on to race in the Indy NXT Series—the feeder series for IndyCar. She will pilot the No. 38 entry for HMD Motorsports throughout the 14-race 2025 season. This transition offers Deegan the chance to follow a path similar to Danica Patrick, the only woman to win an IndyCar race, and build a new chapter in her motorsport career.
Deegan’s entry into the Indy NXT series marks a significant challenge for the 23-year-old, as she has no prior experience in open-wheel racing. However, she’s embracing the opportunity and is eager to take on the learning curve before her debut in St. Petersburg next March. Reflecting on the new venture, Deegan shared her excitement:
“I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to working with a proven program in HMD Motorsports. I have much to learn, but I am ready to go. The team brings a wealth of knowledge for me to pull from, and I look forward to soaking up as much of that as possible before my race debut next March in St. Petersburg.”
Deegan will join fellow drivers Caio Collet, Bryce Aron, Josh Pierson, and Tommy Smith at HMD Motorsports, all of whom are aiming to make their mark in IndyCar. Her first real opportunity to prove herself will come at the Chris Griffis Test on October 18, where she will test alongside other rookies.
This move to open-wheel racing presents a new challenge for Deegan, but with the right team and determination, she’s looking to rebuild her career and prove her capabilities in the IndyCar paddock.
