The world of motorsports was rocked by the recent announcement that NASCAR driver Haley Deegan has parted ways with AM Racing. The decision to cut short her rookie season in the Xfinity Series has fueled widespread speculation about her next move, with many wondering if Deegan is considering a shift to IndyCar—a move that could significantly alter both her career and the landscape of American racing.
Deegan’s journey in NASCAR has been a rollercoaster. She first made waves in the ARCA West Series, showcasing immense promise and securing a third-place finish in the 2020 ARCA National Series. These accomplishments led to high expectations for her transition to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024. However, the season proved to be a harsh reality check. In 17 races, Deegan managed an average finish of 26.8, with only four top-20 results. This lackluster performance cast doubt on her long-term viability in the series.
Following her split with AM Racing, Deegan expressed disappointment, stating that the season had not unfolded as she had envisioned. She acknowledged a misalignment of goals with the team, adding, “There are always several reasons within a race team as to why things do or do not work, but sadly, our goals no longer align.” Despite this setback, Deegan remains determined to regain competitive form, emphasizing that her primary focus is returning to the front of the pack.
The departure was particularly shocking given that Deegan had signed a multi-year contract before the start of the 2024 season. AM Racing’s decision to replace her with veteran driver Joey Logano for the Chicago race only intensified speculation about the reasons behind her exit. Some industry insiders suggest that Ford may have played a role in prioritizing Logano’s track time, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
As news of Deegan’s departure spread, rumors about a potential switch to IndyCar began to gain traction. Sightings of her at Iowa Speedway, where she reportedly spent time around the Indy NXT Series, further fueled speculation. This has drawn comparisons to Danica Patrick’s career trajectory, with some dubbing Deegan the “inverse Danica Patrick” due to her potential move from NASCAR to IndyCar rather than the other way around.
A transition to IndyCar has divided opinion. Supporters argue that Deegan’s skill set, particularly her dirt track background and road course experience, could translate well to the open-wheel series. Critics, however, question whether she can adapt to the high-powered, precision-driven demands of IndyCar racing, especially given her recent struggles in NASCAR.
If Deegan chooses to stay in NASCAR, several options remain. Venturini Motorsports in the ARCA Menards Series could offer a chance to rebuild her confidence, while JD Motorsports might provide a seat in the Xfinity Series for the remainder of 2024. The NASCAR Truck Series, with teams like Ray Brothers Racing and McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, could also be a viable path. Additionally, a part-time deal with Joe Gibbs Racing could allow her to gain experience in both ARCA and Xfinity, giving her a well-rounded development opportunity.
NASCAR veterans have weighed in on Deegan’s situation, drawing from their own experiences. Kurt Busch cautioned against rushing career moves, recalling how he was swiftly promoted to the Cup Series after a single Truck Series win. Dale Earnhardt Jr. speculated that Deegan likely felt compelled to seize the Xfinity opportunity when it was presented to her, believing it to be a better fit for her racing style. Meanwhile, Brad Keselowski suggested that Ford’s involvement in AM Racing’s decision-making may have influenced her departure.
Another critical discussion emerging from this situation is the driver-crew chief relationship in NASCAR. Joe Williams, Deegan’s former crew chief, blamed AM Racing for her struggles, indicating that the team dynamics played a role beyond just the driver’s performance. This has reignited conversations about how crucial team cohesion is in achieving success in motorsports.
Deegan’s social media activity has also been closely monitored, with eagle-eyed fans noting her recent engagement with IndyCar’s Indy NXT Series and Andretti Autosport. These subtle hints have only intensified speculation about a possible switch to open-wheel racing.
Beyond her struggles in Xfinity, Deegan’s career remains impressive. She made history in her Xfinity Series debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, finishing 13th—the best result by a female driver in her first attempt. This performance helped her land the full-time Xfinity deal with AM Racing, where she drove a Ford Mustang with technical support from Stewart-Haas Racing.
An industry insider has suggested that Deegan is seriously weighing her options between NASCAR and IndyCar. Her decision could have significant implications for both series, potentially reshaping the driver market and altering competitive dynamics. Meanwhile, speculation about who will replace her in the Ford Mustang continues, with Josh Berry—a five-time Xfinity race winner—emerging as a potential candidate.
As the motorsports world awaits Deegan’s decision, the comparisons to Danica Patrick’s career path persist. While Patrick transitioned from IndyCar to NASCAR, Deegan may be on the verge of making the opposite move. This potential shift raises questions about her adaptability, sponsorship retention, and overall marketability in a new racing environment.
Regardless of her choice, Deegan remains one of the most high-profile female drivers in American motorsports. Her journey, whether continuing in NASCAR or venturing into IndyCar, will be closely followed by fans and industry professionals alike. One thing is certain: Haley Deegan’s racing career is far from over, and her next move will be pivotal in defining her legacy.
