🛑 Hailie Deegan’s Father Scared for Her Life as He Lets Slip Biggest Fear in 2-Words After Career Pivot

Hailie Deegan, NASCAR Xfinity and Truck series’ rising star and social media sensation just made huge waves in the world of motorsports when she jumped ships to go race in the Indy NXT series. This move from the world of stock car racing to its cousins, sleek machines with no fenders, is a bold gamble. One that has sparked debate about her ambition, the opportunity, and about her chasing her new dream.

Deegan’s journey so far in the world of motorsports has been nothing but conventional. While her competitors in Indy NXT have been mastering the art right from the grassroots level since they were 5-6 years old. She, on the other hand, started on the dirt in the world of off-road racing. From off-road racing, they went into the world of NASCAR, becoming the first female driver to win a race in the K&N Pro Series West. From the West series, she ventured into the cutthroat world of NASCAR, driving for AM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

But as she tackles the road courses on her Indy NXT race on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, there is one person who is feeling the weight of her decision more than anyone else in the world. Her father, a legend of the motorsports world, Brian Deegan.

The Fear Factor: Hailie Deegan’s New Challenge

It’s no secret to anyone that the world of racing is dangerous for anyone out there on the track, but there is something about the world of open-wheel racing that sends chills down the spines of everyone, especially the parents of the racers on the track. And that is what Brian Deegan admitted as his daughter made her open-wheel debut, summarizing the feeling of watching her race as, “nerve-wracking.”

“It’s exciting. You know, it’s for her to take on a new challenge,” Brian Deegan said in an interview with Jamie Little. “I know it’s a steep learning curve for her, but I’m excited. As a parent, you like to see that and nervous, right? It’s still our daughter going very fast in her very small race car. So it’s nerve-wracking, but it’s cool to see a new sport like this for her.“

This transition from stock car racing to Indy NXT is not a small feat, especially for someone like Hailie Deegan, who has no experience in open-wheel racing. “Everyone else has been doing this since they were 7 years old,” one race announcer commented during the race, highlighting the daunting task she has undertaken.

“I feel like I’ve been learning so much and having a blast doing it,” Deegan said. “It’s just trying something new. It’s been a big change, but a fun one. I know I’m not going to go out there and win my first race. I’m realistic.”

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These cars are very different from the cars Deegan is used to – these cars require a very high level of accuracy and physical prowess, with no power steering and thus requiring substantial upper-body strength. “My little hands want to slip off the wheel,” Deegan admitted in an interview, highlighting the demanding nature of these machines.

Deegan’s drive to succeed, coupled with her massive social media following, with around 5 million followers, have made her a marketing gem. However, translating that popularity to success on the NASCAR race track proved to be difficult. A string of bad results combined with a desire to move further than the world of the Truck series led her to shift her focus to the world of open-wheel racing.

Now, the question that is on everyone’s mind is whether Deegan will continue in the open-wheel circuits, or look to stage a comeback in NASCAR?

What’s next for Hailie Deegan?

Deegan’s move to Indy NXT raises a big question: is this a permanent shift in her racing career or is this a temporary detour? While she is currently focused on her open-wheel career, she has not said goodbye to the world of NASCAR. “I mean I wouldn’t say my NASCAR days are done, I think if there is an opportunity, if someone wants to pay for a ride, yeah I will do it,” she said when asked about the possibility of a return to NASCAR.

Can Hailie Deegan be the next Danica Patrick? Patrick also entered the world of IndyCar from NASCAR, performed very well and then returned to NASCAR and became a legend of the sport. Could Deegan emulate her and follow a similar path? Or can she use her talent, skills, and massive social media following to become the next big thing in the world of open-wheel racing? At 23, she will have ample opportunities to switch lanes and try new things. Perhaps time off from NASCAR racing is something she needs right now.

One thing’s for sure, the only thing that can help her now is her performance in Indy NXT. If she can perform well, she might attract the attention of big sponsors and big teams, maybe from both worlds, NASCAR and IndyCar.