HAILIE DEEGAN Makes Bold Jump from NASCAR to INDY NXT with Oval Test Debut

April 1, 2025

GRRL! SUMMARY:

HAILIE DEEGAN completed her first official INDY NXT oval test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, marking a dramatic career shift from NASCAR stock cars to open-wheel racing. Partnered with HMD Motorsports and backed by longtime sponsor Monster Energy, the 23-year-old is tackling the physically demanding transition with characteristic transparency about the challenges ahead.
The move represents more than just switching series—it’s a complete discipline change requiring new physical conditioning and driving techniques. Without power steering and in an open cockpit, DEEGAN has ramped up upper-body training while adapting her aggressive driving style to lighter, faster machinery that demands precision over raw aggression.
Monster Energy’s continued backing through this transition speaks to DEEGAN’s crossover appeal and marketability across different racing disciplines. Having already broken barriers as the first woman to win in NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, she’s now entering INDY NXT’s proving grounds where careers are made or broken on the ladder to IndyCar.