Hailie Rochelle Deegan Bio
Hailie Rochelle Deegan (born July 18, 2001) is an American professional racing driver competing in the 2025 Indy NXT series for HMD Motorsports. She is best known for her career in NASCAR, where she last drove the No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for AM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Deegan transitioned from off-road and dirt racing to asphalt in 2016 to pursue stock car racing and began her NASCAR career in 2018 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, becoming the first female driver to win races in that series.
Early Life and Background
Born in Temecula, California, Hailie Deegan grew up immersed in motorsports, influenced by her father, Brian Deegan, a renowned motocross rider and off-road racer. She began riding dirt bikes at age seven and quickly progressed to short course off-road racing, winning her first Trophy Kart race at age eight. Deegan achieved notable success in off-road racing, becoming the first female to win a Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series championship in 2013.
Her early racing career was marked by multiple championships in modified kart classes and recognition as the 2016 Lucas Oil Off Road Driver of the Year. Deegan attended Rancho Christian High School in Temecula and later split her residence between California and Mooresville, North Carolina, to support her racing career.
Path to NASCAR
Deegan began transitioning to asphalt racing in 2016, competing in legends cars and late model events. She was part of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program in 2016 and received the NASCAR Diversity Young Racer award in 2017. That year, she was the youngest and only female member of the NASCAR Next class and joined Toyota’s driver development program.
In 2018, Deegan signed with Bill McAnally Racing for a full-time schedule in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West and part-time in the East Series. She quickly made an impact, earning multiple top-ten finishes and becoming the first woman to win a pole position at the K&N level. Deegan made history by winning races in 2018 and 2019, the first female driver to do so in the West Series.
Hailie Rochelle Deegan Career
Early Career (2016–2018)
Deegan’s early asphalt career included starts in legends cars and the CARS Super Late Model Tour. In 2018, she debuted in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West with Bill McAnally Racing, earning consistent top-ten finishes and winning Rookie of the Year honors. Her aggressive driving style and competitive results quickly gained attention from established drivers and the racing community.
NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Breakthrough (2018–2019)
Deegan became the first female driver to win races in the K&N Pro Series West during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. She earned multiple pole positions and top-five finishes, including dramatic last-lap passes to secure victories. Her aggressive on-track style, influenced by her motocross background, often led to intense racing battles and occasional controversies.
In addition to her West Series success, Deegan competed part-time in the K&N East Series and made her ARCA Menards Series debut in 2019. She earned her first ARCA top-five finish at Indianapolis Raceway Park and finished third in the ARCA championship standings that year.
David Gilliland Racing Era (2020–2021)
Switching from Toyota to Ford’s development program in 2020, Deegan signed with David Gilliland Racing for a full-time ARCA Menards Series campaign. She recorded multiple top-five finishes and finished third in the points standings, earning Rookie of the Year honors. Deegan also made her NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut in 2020, setting a record for the best finish by a woman in a series debut.
In 2021, Deegan competed full-time in the Truck Series with David Gilliland Racing, driving the No. 1 Ford. She scored her first career top-ten finish at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, becoming the first woman to do so outside of a superspeedway. Deegan was voted the 2021 Truck Series Most Popular Driver, highlighting her growing fan base and influence.
NASCAR Xfinity Series and Recent Developments (2022–2023)
Deegan made her NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in 2022, finishing thirteenth at Las Vegas, the best debut finish by a woman in the series. In 2023, she signed a multi-year deal with AM Racing to drive the No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. However, after a series of disappointing results, the team replaced her for a race and eventually parted ways mid-season.
Indy NXT Move (2025–Present)
In October 2024, Deegan announced her move to American open-wheel racing, joining HMD Motorsports to compete in the 2025 Indy NXT series driving the No. 38 car. This transition marks a new chapter in her racing career, expanding her experience beyond stock car racing.
Driving Style and Strengths
Deegan is known for her aggressive driving style, often making bold moves on track that have resulted in both victories and controversies. Her motocross roots contribute to her fearless approach, and she has demonstrated strong racecraft and competitive instincts. While her style has drawn criticism at times, it has also established her as a formidable competitor willing to take risks to win.
Notable Races and Milestones
Deegan’s historic wins in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West as the first female victor stand out as career milestones. Her pole position at the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was a first for a woman at that level. Additionally, her top-ten finish in the Truck Series at Gateway and record-setting Xfinity debut highlight her trailblazing presence in NASCAR.
Hailie Rochelle Deegan Career Wins
Throughout her career, Hailie Deegan has secured multiple wins in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, making history as the first female driver to do so. She has also achieved significant top finishes in ARCA and made notable strides in the NASCAR Truck and Xfinity Series.
NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Highlights
Deegan earned her first K&N Pro Series West victory in 2018 at Meridian Speedway, followed by additional wins in 2019, including a dramatic last-lap pass at the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. These victories cemented her status as a pioneering female driver in NASCAR’s regional series.
Other Wins & Performances
In ARCA competition, Deegan recorded multiple top-five finishes and finished third in the 2019 and 2020 point standings, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2020. Her Truck Series debut set a record for a female driver, and she continued to improve with a historic top-ten finish in 2021.
Hailie Rochelle Deegan Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Hailie Deegan is the daughter of Brian Deegan, a celebrated motocross rider, freestyle motocross competitor, and off-road racer with multiple X Games gold medals. Her family has deep roots in motorsports, with her younger brothers Haiden and Hudson also competing in professional motocross and supercross events.
Personal Life
Deegan is engaged to dirt track racer and former NASCAR driver Chase Cabre, who also served as her co-driver in the 2022 Mint 400 off-road race. She divides her time between residences in California and Mooresville, North Carolina. Deegan attended Rancho Christian High School in Temecula, California.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Hailie Deegan will compete in the Indy NXT series with HMD Motorsports, marking her entry into American open-wheel racing. This move represents a significant shift from her NASCAR roots and offers new opportunities to develop her skills in a different racing discipline. Expectations are high as she adapts to the challenges of Indy NXT competition and aims to build momentum in her evolving career.
