HMD Motorsports has announced the arrival of Hailie Deegan for the 2025 season in Indy NXT, the premier development category within the IndyAutomobile Series.
Deegan, 23, is about to fight all 14 rounds in his team's No. 38. He becomes the fifth driver confirmed by HMD Motorsports and joins next 12 months's lineup which incorporates Caio Collet, Josh Pieson, Tommy Smith and Bryce Aron. Deegan will drive Indy NXT machinery for the primary time on the upcoming Chris Griffis Memorial Test on the Indianapolis road course on October 18.
“I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to working with a proven program at HMD Motorsports,” said Deegan.
“I actually have quite a bit to learn, but I'm able to go. The team brings a wealth of information for me to attract from, and I'm looking forward to absorbing as much of it as possible before my race debut next March in St. Petersburg.”
Hailie Deegan, AM Racing, AirBox Ford Mustang
Photo: Matthew T. Thacker / NKP / Motorsport Images
Deegan's transition to open-wheel racing comes after prolonged time in off-road and stock cars. After winning three races in NASCAR's K&N West division in 2018-19, she became the primary woman to win within the series. She spent all of 2020 in ARCA, ending third within the title race. She spent nearly all of her NASCAR profession within the Truck Series, competing full-time from 2021-2023 and ending with a better of sixth place (twice – Talladega 2022, Texas, 2023). Although she began working full-time within the Xfinity Series this 12 months, her tenure ended after 17 races after parting ways with AM Racing.
To help Deegan through the transition, she worked with former HMD Motorsports engineer Nathan Toney, owner of Toney Driver Development. At the top of the month, it’s going to also make its first open-wheel racing debut in the ultimate race of the Formula Regional Americas season on the Circuit of the Americas.
“Hailie, and especially the Deegan name, is huge in motorsports and we welcome them to the HMD Motorsports family,” said Team President Mike Maurini. “Hailie has already been to the workshop and is serious about open-wheel racing. She's looking for a place in the Indianapolis area to immerse herself in the team and is already working with her engineer. We want to make sure she and all the other HMD Motorsports drivers are as ready as possible for every track session.”
