Hailie Deegan’s Indy NXT struggles have drawn sharp criticism from fans, as the former NASCAR driver has repeatedly finished near the back of the field since joining the series in 2025 with HMD Motorsports. Despite competing in seven races so far, Deegan has consistently qualified and finished in last place or near it, igniting frustration among supporters who expected more from her transition to open-wheel racing.
Ongoing Challenges Mark Deegan’s Early Indy NXT Career
Deegan’s adaptation to Indy NXT, the highest rung of IndyCar’s developmental ladder, has been difficult due to her limited background in open-wheel competition. At recent events, such as the Indy NXT Grand Prix at Road America, she qualified dead last in 19th position and made only negligible progress during the race, gaining a single position when a driver ahead suffered damage and had to pit. Her race pace has lagged notably behind her competitors, often placing her out of contention unless others encounter issues.
During her Road America race weekend, Deegan shared her experiences in a YouTube VLOG, reflecting candidly on her performance. She remarked,
“Obviously not the best day. But I feel like for this place somewhere I’ve never been before, I don’t think I’ve watched a race here (laughs) prior to this weekend. So made a little improvement. Still need a little bit more.”
—Hailie Deegan
While some viewers appreciated her openness and the insight into the Road America circuit, many fans expressed disappointment with her lack of progress and questioned her commitment to mastering the new racing format.
Fan Discontent Grows Over Deegan’s Commitment and Results
Several fan comments voiced their frustration about Deegan’s ongoing struggles, focusing on what they perceive as insufficient dedication to improving her Indy NXT performance. One fan wrote:
“This is getting painful to watch…. not expecting wins, top fives, or tens… just at least be able to hang on to the pack at least.”
—Anonymous fan
Another criticized her admission of not researching previous races at the track, stating,
“The fact Hailey said ‘I don’t even think I’ve watched a race here.’ Is Crazy . I’m seriously rooting for her but she needs to take this seriously if she wants to be good. She needs to treat it as a full time job watching previous races, seat time in the simulator clocking off thousands of laps working with trainers and going over data . Maybe I’m missing that in these vids but just that statement it very telling.”
—Anonymous fan
Echoing this viewpoint, a longtime follower commented on the importance of full dedication in racing:
“Been following her for years…Unfortunately like all the other series she’s raced in, She doesn’t dedicate 110% to racing which you have to do at that age. And the power of Positivity would help tremendously also.”
—Anonymous fan
A fan recalling Deegan’s previous NASCAR Truck Series and SRX series days expressed growing disappointment with her move to Indy NXT, saying,
“I’m so done with Hailee Deegan just tired of watching her not being competitive. The last time I saw her compete was in the truck series and then the SRX series. Xfinity was a step backwards last year and going to Indiana. NXT was two more steps backwards. I think she needs to get back to her roots which is dirt track racing, and stop this nonsense.”
—Anonymous fan
Additional comments highlighted the routine nature of her last-place finishes:
“At least your consistent, not in a good way.”
—Anonymous fan
“I was there, she was basically last the entire race.”
—Anonymous fan
“Starts last finishes last unless someone wrecks out and she another place by default.”
—Anonymous fan
Currently, Deegan ranks 19th in the 2025 Indy NXT championship standings, placing last among full-time drivers who have entered all seven races.
Deegan Finds Some Positivity After Challenging Road America Race
Although Deegan concluded the Road America race in 18th place, finishing more than a minute and a half behind winner and teammate Caio Collet, she identified areas of progress. Her race pace improved considerably relative to her practice and qualifying laps, as she managed to reduce the time gap to the leader by nearly half during the event.
Describing her experience in the same YouTube VLOG, Deegan said,
“Pretty non-eventful race. It was green the entire time. No wrecks, no caution, nothing. Learned a lot throughout the race. I cut the gap I was… like how my time off the leader’s time, I cut it in half compared to what I was in practice, for qualifying. So made some big improvements there.”
—Hailie Deegan
Looking ahead, Deegan is set to compete at the upcoming Indy NXT Grand Prix at Mid-Ohio from July 4 to 6, where she will seek to improve her pace and results against a highly competitive field.
What Deegan’s Performance Means for Her Future in Indy NXT
The mounting criticism surrounding Hailie Deegan’s Indy NXT struggles underscores the challenges of transitioning from stock car racing to high-level open-wheel competition. Her persistent difficulties in qualifying and race pace suggest that adapting fully to this new environment requires more focused preparation and experience. Fans’ calls for greater professionalism, preparation, and simulator time reflect the expectations placed on drivers competing at this tier.
Deegan’s ability to capitalize on lessons learned from the Road America event, combined with a stronger dedication to race preparation, will likely determine how her Indy NXT tenure unfolds. As the season continues, improving consistency and closing the gap to competitors will be essential for her to gain respect and meet the expectations of racing enthusiasts familiar with her earlier NASCAR career.