Hailie Deegan, a renowned name in the motorsports arena, has recently taken a veiled swipe at her former NASCAR team, AM Racing, just months after her controversial departure. This comes as Deegan embarks on a new chapter in her racing career with HMD Motorsports.
Deegan, daughter of motocross legend Brian Deegan, has made a name for herself by forging her own racing career. She earned accolades in NASCAR before deciding to shift gears to Indy NXT. Her recent comments, however, reveal more than just anticipation for her new venture. In an interview, Deegan commended HMD Motorsports for their professionalism and high standards – a statement that when juxtaposed with her turbulent tenure at NASCAR raises questions. Was she subtly pointing fingers at her former team?
Deegan’s NASCAR journey encountered an abrupt detour in 2024 when she and AM Racing decided to part ways during her debut Xfinity Series season. She later conceded the experience was not as she anticipated, with excitement and optimism quickly giving way to disappointment. Issues within the team and inconsistent performances led to speculation about whether AM Racing was the right platform for her development.
Now, with a change to open-wheel racing at HMD Motorsports in INDY NXT, Deegan has highlighted the team’s professionalism. She noted, “HMD has been amazing. They’re such a professional team and they definitely have their stuff together.” The contrast between her experiences at AM Racing and HMD is palpable. While AM Racing struggled with performance alignment, HMD operates with a structured, data-driven approach that draws in top-tier talent.
At AM Racing, Deegan experienced multiple crew chief changes and hinted at internal issues, which added drama to her stint with the team. Now, as part of HMD Motorsports, Deegan is preparing for her first race in her transition from NASCAR. One of the significant changes she faces is the shift to a street course at St. Petersburg, a transition she had limited time to prepare for.
Despite the challenges, Deegan now has access to a wealth of experienced drivers and advanced data analysis at HMD Motorsports, which could prove vital in her transition. Her move to INDY NXT signifies not just a change in racing formats but a fresh start with a team that prioritizes professionalism and teamwork. With this new beginning, Deegan is prepared to rebuild her confidence and demonstrate her potential on a new platform.
However, Deegan’s transition to INDY NXT has not been without its challenges. Her initial practice session at St. Petersburg mirrored the struggles she faced at Xfinity. She finished last, clocking a time significantly slower than the leader and the second-last finisher. This performance echoes her winless 2023 NASCAR Xfinity season, where she consistently finished towards the lower end of the rankings.
These performances have raised questions about her ability to adapt to open-wheel racing. While Deegan acknowledges the challenges of adapting to a street course and the uncertainties that come with it, she will need to improve as the season progresses to silence her critics. As the main race approaches on March 2, all eyes will be on Deegan to see if she can kick-start her Indy career on a high note.