Hailie Deegan, once hailed as one of NASCAR’s most promising young drivers, is set for a new chapter in her racing career. After a challenging stint marked by subpar performances and team changes, Deegan will join ThorSport Racing for the 2023 season, piloting the No. 13 Ford. This opportunity comes after Christian Eckes’ departure from ThorSport, creating an opening for Deegan to step into a team with a strong winning legacy.
Deegan’s journey has not been without challenges. After Tricon Garage (formerly David Gilliland Racing) switched to Toyota, she found herself without a ride for 2023. Despite her efforts to find a competitive seat, it wasn’t until she secured a spot with ThorSport that her future in NASCAR seemed back on track. With the team’s rich history of victories and strong performances, expectations for Deegan are high.
Throughout her career, Deegan has faced criticism for her on-track performance and candid remarks about her rivals. She has often attributed her struggles to the lack of respect from older drivers, believing that incidents with veteran competitors tend to escalate unnecessarily. Despite these setbacks, she remains determined to prove herself on the track.
Her move to ThorSport Racing offers a chance for redemption. Working alongside veteran crew chief Rich Lushes, who previously helped Ben Rhodes secure the 2021 Truck Series Championship, Deegan is expected to thrive in a supportive and competitive environment. Lushes has expressed confidence in Deegan’s potential, highlighting her aggressive driving style and determination as key factors that could lead to success.
Deegan’s debut in the Xfinity Series in 2022 offered a glimpse of her potential, as she finished 13th at Las Vegas for SS Green Light Racing. She noted that the Xfinity cars allowed for more finesse and offered a cleaner racing experience compared to the NASCAR Truck Series. Although her hopes of securing a full-time Xfinity ride didn’t materialize, her move to ThorSport is seen as a pivotal moment for her career.
The 2023 NASCAR season brings significant changes to the sport itself. Notably, North Wilkesboro Speedway will return for an All-Star Race for the first time since 1996, and a new Chicago Street Race will replace Road America on the Cup Series schedule. These changes highlight NASCAR’s efforts to innovate and bring fresh excitement to the sport.
Deegan’s opportunity with ThorSport coincides with broader shifts within NASCAR. High-profile moves, such as Kyle Busch’s departure from Joe Gibbs Racing to Richard Childress Racing, and Kurt Busch’s retirement due to injury, have reshaped the competitive landscape.
For Deegan, 2023 represents more than just a new team—it’s a chance to redefine her narrative. With strong equipment, an experienced crew chief, and a team known for producing champions, she has the tools to succeed. As her teammate Ben Rhodes stated, “If she feels like she wasn’t given a fair chance before, she’s going to get it now.”
With the support of ThorSport Racing and a fresh mindset, Hailie Deegan is poised to prove her critics wrong and make her mark in the NASCAR Truck Series.
