American driver Hailie Deegan made the switch from NASCAR to open-wheel racing and had a solid Indy NXT debut at St. Petersburg, securing 14th from P22 on the grid. In an eventful race, the Californian kept her head down, brought her black Monster Energy-sponsored car home safely, and gained valuable experience in Florida.
Stockcar racing star Hailie Deegan made the transition to single-seater competition as she joined IndyCar's feeder series, Indy NXT, driving the #38 HMD Motorsports entry for a full-season campaign. She made her debut at St. Petersburg last weekend, marking a new chapter in her motorsport career after competing in both dirt racing and stock cars.
Prior to the weekend, she had only raced once in a single seater machine, having competed in the final round of last year's Formula Regional Americas round at COTA, where she made significant progress during the course of the event which culminated in a tenth-place finish.
"I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to working with a proven program in HMD Motorsports," Deegan said before her debut. "I have much to learn, but I am ready to go."
The American racer hit the track for her first official practice session of the year, aiming to gain valuable track time and experience. Running multiple laps, she gradually improved her lap times, steadily closing the gap with each session.
Qualifying showcased Dennis Hauger’s dominant pace throughout the weekend, as he shattered the track record with a 1m03.8801s lap, securing the fastest time in Group 1 ahead of Caio Collet and Liam Sceats (HMD Motorsports).
In Group 2, Collet attempted to capitalize on improving track conditions but couldn’t surpass Hauger’s record-setting lap, meaning he will start the race from second place.
Deegan ran in the second qualifying group and set several competitive lap times, ultimately placing 11th in her group. This result means she will start her first Indy NXT race from 22nd on the grid—on a demanding street circuit that presents a tough challenge for any rookie beginning their season.
The race began with early drama as Hauger led from pole, while further back, Tommy Smith (HMD Motorsports) ran into the back of Niels Koolen (Chip Ganassi Racing), with James Roe also getting caught up in the incident. The race immediately went under caution to clear the track and recover the cars.
Roe rejoined but later caused another caution when he crashed in Turn 10 on lap 9. Hauger remained in control at the front, with Hughes staying close behind throughout the race. After the third restart, Hauger finally managed to break free, opening a gap at the front.
Starting from 22nd, Deegan navigated cleanly through the first-lap incident unfolding just ahead of her and settled into the race, steadily following the field in the opening laps.
Allaer crashed into the barriers shortly after, triggering another full-course yellow. At the restart, Johnson and Escotto made contact, with Escotto managing to save it. On lap 41, Jack William Miller crashed from fifth place, bringing out another caution. A late incident with four laps to go ensured the race ultimately finished under yellow.
In her Indy NXT debut, Hailie Deegan did exactly what she needed to do—staying out of trouble, avoiding incidents, and making no mistakes. She gained eight positions from her starting place to finish P14.
Coming from NASCAR with only one prior open-wheel race weekend under her belt, Deegan showed steady progress throughout the weekend, gaining experience, improving her pace, and building confidence in a completely new discipline.
"Lots of first time experiences at St. Pete!" - Deegan commented. "Had a blast racing on a street course for the first time and was awesome to have my whole family there to enjoy it with me. Getting better every time I sit in the car! Just got to keep working hard at it."
The next race of the season will take place on April 4th at Barber Motorsports Park for the Grand Prix of Alabama, where Deegan will have the opportunity to build on this experience and push further up the field.
