Speculation Mounts on Hailie Deegan’s NASCAR Cup Series Future
Throughout the 2024 season, there has been increasing speculation about Hailie Deegan’s prospects of advancing to the NASCAR Cup Series. Deegan, who transitioned into the Xfinity Series this year after competing in the Truck Series for a couple of years, has faced numerous challenges. Her performance so far has left many doubting her ability to progress further in her racing career.
Deegan’s latest race at the Iowa Speedway only fueled these doubts. Despite starting the race with determination, her performance was underwhelming. Struggling to find her pace, Deegan’s #15 Ford lingered at the rear of the pack, unable to make significant headway. She began the 253-lap race in 33rd place on the grid and finished Stage 1 in 32nd place, showing little improvement in the subsequent stages. By the end of the race, she managed to secure a 25th place finish, a result that has not helped to silence her critics.
The Iowa race was the 15th Xfinity Series event of the season, where Sam Mayer emerged victorious after benefiting from double overtime to claim his second win of the year. In contrast, 12 cars were forced to exit the race early due to various issues, including accidents, electrical problems, and engine failures. Despite these retirements, Deegan’s inability to outperform the remaining competitors, except for JD Motorsports’ Garrett Smithley, was a concern. Many of the cars that finished behind her were already wrecked, underscoring the lack of competitiveness in her performance.
The ongoing struggles have led to skepticism about her future, not just in the NASCAR Cup Series but also in the Xfinity Series. Part-time ARCA and NASCAR crew member Colby Evans didn’t hold back in his criticism, taking to social media to express his disappointment. The backlash from fans and industry insiders alike has been intense, questioning whether Deegan has what it takes to succeed at higher levels of competition.
As the season progresses, Hailie Deegan faces mounting pressure to prove her worth. Her journey through NASCAR continues to be a topic of intense discussion, with her future hanging in the balance. The next few races will be crucial in determining whether she can turn things around and silence her doubters, or if her dream of advancing to the NASCAR Cup Series will remain out of reach.
