Hailie Deegan’s Challenges and Changes
Hailie Deegan struggled throughout the season, and Joey Logano took her seat for the Xfinity Series event at the Chicago Street race. Initially, it seemed like she was just sidelined for one race, but this led to her parting ways with AM Racing, leaving her without a drive.
The firing resulted in backlash from fans and experts who felt she lacked guidance from a NASCAR veteran. Dale Earnhardt Jr. voiced his displeasure and discussed her future, emphasizing that changes are necessary for her and NASCAR.
Deegan had not finished in the top 10 in 17 races and was 27th in the point standings. She also finished P20 or below in eight straight races. Dale Jr. believes her situation reflects a larger issue in NASCAR, where drivers move up too quickly due to financial pressures.
He suggested that Deegan, like many drivers, faced urgency to take opportunities at higher levels, often leading to bad situations. Dale Jr. feels Deegan would have benefited from more time in lower-tier series to hone her skills.
AM Racing and Deegan’s split was not a good fit for either party. Dale Jr. hopes this isn’t the end of her NASCAR career and that she finds a team better suited to her needs.
Despite her lack of success, Dale Jr. remains optimistic about Deegan’s abilities. She needs a strong structure, supportive teammates, and a program allowing her to improve gradually.
Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports added that Deegan needs to go where she can race for a couple of years with a strong support system. Five years ago, she was celebrated as a potential superstar, and finding a believer in her potential is key to her success.
Deegan was scheduled to drive for AM Racing at the Chicago street race but was replaced by Joey Logano. On Monday, AM Racing announced their split. Deegan expressed her disappointment and announced the parting on social media.
Last year, she drove in the Truck Series, finishing 19th in the standings with two top 10 performances. Her most successful tenure was in the ARCA Menards Series West, where she won three races and finished in the top 10 23 times in 2018 and 2019.
