Hailie Deegan is attempting an incredible feat in 2025 when she climbs into the cockpit of a single-seater racecar for the first time.
The American has spent much of her racing career in stock cars so far, and never even drove in go-karts like many of her new rivals will have.
It’s a massive jump into a new category, and Indy NXT plays host to some of the hottest prospects in the world.
Former Formula 1 academy drivers in Dennis Hauger and Caio Collet, and even Williams’ current development driver Jamie Chadwick.
Conor Daly says Hailie Deegan will ‘absolutely not’ be fast early on
Deegan’s maiden test at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway saw her finish four seconds from the top of the pile.
Clocking 67 laps, she was able to gain some crucial knowledge which will pay its dividends when it comes time to hit the track proper for competitive running.
Very few drivers attempt to completely deviate from being comfortable and move to a new racing category – so what Deegan is doing commands a lot of respect.
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Speaking on his YouTube channel, IndyCar driver Conor Daly came to her defence and warned people that it might take her some time to properly adjust to the series.
“Do I think she’s going to be competitive in the first eight, 10 races? Absolutely not. People are going to hate, people are going to throw the kitchen sink at the poor gal.
“I don’t think it’s fair at all to judge anything like that.”
What is Deegan’s 2025 benchmark?
It would be unfair to compare Deegan to the other female in Indy NXT – Jamie Chadwick, who is a seasoned single-seater veteran and a multiple champion.
She had years of experience in the likes of the W-Series and British Formula 3 before making her move across the pond.
Her first season was a struggle in itself, and she failed to achieve any top-five finishes in her Andretti machinery.
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The most crucial aspect for Deegan to represent in her rookie season will be progression – showing that she has potential and can improve.
It would make the investment by HMD Motorsports into her worthwhile, and show them that they may be onto something with the extremely popular ex-NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver.