HAILIE DEEGAN Matches Career-Best P10 Qualifying as HMD Motorsports Downsizes

August 30, 2025

by Yash Kotak // from www.sportskeeda.com

• HAILIE DEEGAN delivered when it mattered most, securing P10 in qualifying at Nashville’s season finale – matching her career-best Indy NXT qualifying position and proving she belongs despite a challenging rookie campaign. The timing couldn’t be better, with HMD Motorsports announcing they’re downsizing to four entries for 2026, putting seats at risk.
• The physical reality of open-wheel racing has been DEEGAN’s biggest hurdle this season, with the 23-year-old candidly admitting she’s “dying in pain” during road course sessions and spending practice breaks with her hands in ice water. After losing her NASCAR Xfinity ride mid-season in 2024, she’s had to completely rebuild her racing approach without power steering or stock car comforts.
• While her rookie numbers don’t tell the whole story, DEEGAN has shown steady progress on ovals even as road courses remain her kryptonite. Her 181.962 mph qualifying average made her HMD’s second-fastest driver behind championship contender Caio Collet, suggesting the foundation is there if she can secure another shot in 2026.

hmd motorsports, indy nxt, music city grand prix, nashville