The world of NASCAR has been buzzing with unexpected twists and turns, and the latest shocker involves none other than Haley Deegan. After just one season with ThorSport Racing in the Truck Series, Deegan is making headlines with her sudden switch to AM Racing for the 2024 Xfinity Series. But this move has sparked a wave of speculation—was this her decision, or are there bigger forces at play steering her career?
Motorsports veteran Billy Venturini has added fuel to the fire by suggesting that Deegan’s career choices might not entirely be her own. He hinted that sponsors and investors could be the real drivers behind her leap to the Xfinity Series. According to Venturini, when financial backers make demands, drivers often have little say in the matter. This revelation raises critical questions: Is Deegan ready for this major career jump? And is she truly in control of her own destiny?
Meanwhile, ThorSport Racing’s decision to release Deegan left fans stunned. But the team didn’t waste any time filling her spot, announcing that 18-year-old Jake Garcia would take her place. Garcia, who made waves in the 2023 Craftsman Truck Series with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, finished a solid 13th overall, securing three top-five finishes and nine top-tens. His runner-up performance at Phoenix Raceway highlighted his potential as a rising star. With strong backing from Quant Services, Garcia’s future in the Truck Series looks promising as he gears up for a fresh start with ThorSport.
On the other hand, Deegan’s journey has been anything but smooth. Despite the high expectations surrounding her, her three seasons in the Truck Series were marked by inconsistent performances. Her best finishes—a sixth place at Talladega and Texas—fell short of the mark for someone considered a future star. Her father, Brian Deegan, believes the aggressive nature of the Truck Series hindered her development, especially during a time when COVID-19 restrictions limited her practice opportunities.
However, moving to the Xfinity Series represents more than just a fresh start for Deegan—it’s also a chance to prove her critics wrong. October 2023 was a significant month for the young driver, not only marking her professional leap but also celebrating her engagement to longtime boyfriend, Chase Cabre. Despite the mixed reactions, Deegan remains determined to reignite her passion for racing and unlock her true potential.
Still, not everyone is optimistic about Deegan’s rapid climb. Billy Venturini, who previously worked with Deegan in the ARCA Menards Series, has openly questioned whether she’s ready for this level of competition. He emphasized that success at every stage is crucial before moving up the ranks. In his view, skipping necessary developmental steps could backfire, potentially hindering her long-term career.
Yet, there’s a bigger narrative unfolding here—one that involves the behind-the-scenes forces in the racing world. According to Venturini, sponsors often dictate a driver’s trajectory. For Deegan, this could mean that her move to the Xfinity Series wasn’t entirely her choice but rather a decision influenced by financial backers eager for her to compete at a higher level.
As Deegan prepares for the 2024 Xfinity season, the question remains: Is she ready to compete with the best? While skeptics like Venturini remain doubtful, her fans are hopeful she can rise to the occasion and prove her critics wrong.
The anticipation for the upcoming season is high, and whether Deegan’s gamble pays off or not, one thing is certain—NASCAR fans are in for an exciting ride.
