Hailie Deegan Makes Her Indy NXT Debut with a 14th-Place Finish

Image credits: MIGUEL J. RODRIGUEZ CARRILLO // Getty Images

Hailie Deegan, known for her exploits in stock car racing and NASCAR, took her first step into open-wheel competition in the Indy NXT season opener on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, on Sunday. The result was a 14th-place finish, which, depending on expectations, was either a respectable start or a sign that she has a long road ahead in racing cars that have no fenders. Deegan, now driving for HMD Motorsports, made the jump to Indy NXT after a turbulent NASCAR career that never quite delivered on its early promise.

Her debut in open-wheel racing was met with curiosity and skepticism in equal measure. Could a driver bred in the world of fender-banging stock cars adapt to the delicate precision of single-seaters? Sunday’s race didn’t provide a definitive answer, but it did offer a glimpse of what’s to come. The weekend didn’t start well, with Deegan struggling in practice and qualifying, leaving her to start from the back of the grid. However, she carried her determination into the race, aiming for a conservative approach to ensure a clean and easy day.

The race was scheduled for 45 laps but was shortened due to several crashes, forcing the event to become a timed affair. Despite the chaos, Deegan managed to keep her car clean, an achievement in itself given the tight and unforgiving layout of St. Pete. She gained a few spots thanks to on-track passes and attrition, finishing on the lead lap, a small but crucial victory in her debut. Ahead of the race, Deegan's goal was to get through the event without major issues, and in that regard, she succeeded, demonstrating her ability to adapt to new challenges.

HMD Motorsports provides Deegan with a competitive car, but it’s now up to her to extract speed from it. The transition from stock cars to open-wheel machines requires a completely different driving style, with higher cornering speeds, precise braking, and an aversion to contact. Deegan’s next test will come at Barber Motorsports Park, giving her time to review data, refine her technique, and find more pace. The road ahead won’t be easy, but her debut showed she’s willing to fight for it. Here are the key points from her debut:

• Finished 14th in her Indy NXT debut
• Started from the back of the grid due to struggles in qualifying
• Managed to keep her car clean despite the chaotic race
• Gained spots through on-track passes and attrition
• Finished on the lead lap, a crucial victory in her debut

Whether she can evolve into a genuine contender in open-wheel racing remains to be seen. For now, she’s taken her first steps into a world that rewards precision over aggression and patience over brute force. With her determination and the support of HMD Motorsports, Deegan is poised to make a significant impact in the Indy NXT series. As she continues to navigate the challenges of open-wheel racing, fans will be watching closely to see how she progresses and whether she can achieve her goals in this new chapter of her racing career.