Hailie Deegan, who recently transitioned from stock car racing to open-wheel racing, acknowledged the crucial support she received from Nolan Siegel in preparing for her new racing challenges. In November 2024, Deegan made her open-wheel racing debut in Formula Regional Americas at the Circuit of the Americas, marking a decisive shift after concluding her NASCAR career following the Tennessee Lottery 250 in Nashville on June 29.
How Nolan Siegel Supported Deegan’s Open-Wheel Debut
During her first weekend competing in Formula Regional Americas, Deegan expressed gratitude toward Nolan Siegel, the full-time IndyCar driver and former teammate, for his guidance. Siegel, who had been involved with the team owner Nathan’s earlier racing efforts, played the role of coach, assisting Deegan with data review and race strategy. On her official YouTube channel, she said,
“I did get really lucky this race, so Nathan, who owns this team and is doing this race with us, his driver that he crewed last year at the beginning of the year was Nolan Siegel. So, he’s out here, he races IndyCar full-time, and he is out here helping me look at the data, coach me, so I definitely have like one of the best coaches I feel like in the pits right now, so that does help.” —Hailie Deegan
Deegan’s performance at Circuit of the Americas showed steady progress, as she finished 11th in the first round and improved her position to 10th place in the second round of the race.
Insights on Deegan’s Transition to Indy NXT and Future Prospects
Reflecting on her switch to open-wheel racing, Deegan also talked about her ongoing involvement in the Indy NXT series with HMD Motorsports. She began competing in Indy NXT at the 2025 Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on March 2, securing a 14th-place finish in her debut race. Back in October 2024, she shared her enthusiasm about joining a seasoned program and readying herself for the challenges ahead. Deegan noted,
“I am excited about the opportunity and look forward to working with a proven program in HMD Motorsports. I have much to learn, but I am ready to go. The team brings a wealth of knowledge for me to pull from, and I look forward to soaking up as much of that as possible before my race debut next March in St. Petersburg.” —Hailie Deegan
With seven rounds completed in the current Indy NXT season, Deegan sits 19th in the championship standings, having accumulated 94 points. Although she has yet to attain a top-five or top-ten finish, she remains focused on improvement as the season progresses.
Her next challenge will be at the Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio, a three-day event beginning July 4, with the main race scheduled for July 6. This race will be a key opportunity for Deegan to build momentum in her open-wheel career.
Significance of Deegan’s Career Shift and Outlook
Hailie Deegan’s move from NASCAR to open-wheel racing marks a pivotal moment in her motorsport career, showcasing her determination to expand her skill set and compete at higher levels. The support from experienced figures like Nolan Siegel has been instrumental in easing her transition and enhancing her competitive edge. As she continues to gain experience in Indy NXT and Formula Regional Americas, Deegan’s journey highlights both the challenges and opportunities that come with embracing new racing disciplines. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how she evolves in this promising new chapter.