Hailie Deegan Leaves NASCAR for Indy NXT Career

Hailie Deegan has decided to leave NASCAR behind to pursue a career in open-wheel racing, specifically with HMD Motorsports in Indy NXT, IndyCar's development series. Despite being a highly marketable driver with a significant social media following, Deegan has struggled to secure funding and performance necessary for a top ride in NASCAR. Her decision comes after a challenging tenure in the Truck Series, where she logged only five top-10 finishes over three seasons. Deegan's departure from NASCAR highlights the financial challenges faced by drivers seeking to advance, as opportunities often depend on substantial sponsorship money. She expressed that without significant funding, the prospects of returning to NASCAR are slim, stating, "It’s very tough...to say to a sponsor, ‘You’re going to get your value.’" Deegan's move marks a significant transition in her racing career as she seeks new opportunities.