Hailie Deegan shares Indy NXT update ahead of the Illinois race after a disappointing weekend in Detroit

HMD Motorsports Indy NXT driver Hailie Deegan provided an update via her Instagram story just days after a difficult outing on the streets of Detroit. The 22-year-old shared a glimpse of her next destination, posting a photo from the airport where she had landed for testing before the next race weekend.

Deegan's last race, the 2025 Indy NXT Detroit Grand Prix, was marked by chaos and unpredictability. The tight and unforgiving street circuit claimed several victims throughout the event. Multiple drivers made contact with the barriers, highlighting the technical difficulty and high-risk nature of the downtown layout.

Hailie Deegan described the incident-filled 2025 Indy NXT Detroit Grand Prix as "frustrating" in her post-race remarks. The HMD Motorsports driver crossed the line just behind Nolan Allaer, Liam Sceats, and James Roe, who finished 13th, 14th, and 15th, respectively, in the 45-lap contest.

Looking past the disappointments, she has been back to training to prepare for the upcoming race. On June 8, she provided an update on her next destination as she dropped a location pin from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport. She also conveyed that she is headed to the Iowa Oval Test before battling it out at the World Wide Technology Raceway on June 15.

Hailie Deegan at the airport | Image via Instagram Story (@hailiedeegan)

She is currently 18th in the championship standings, with 68 points, 173 behind the leader, Dennis Hauger.

When Hailie Deegan expressed her excitement for the Indy NXT opportunity with HMD Motorsports

Hailie Deegan at NASCAR Xfinity Series Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 - Source: Getty

Hailie Deegan, one of the most prominent female figures in American motorsports, has transitioned from stock cars to open-wheel racing as she begins a new chapter in her career. After competing in the ARCA Menards Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and NASCAR Xfinity Series, Deegan parted ways with AM Racing in October 2024.

She has since joined the Indy NXT series, a key developmental platform within the IndyCar ladder system, marking a significant shift in her racing trajectory. Following five seasons in NASCAR from 2019 to 2024, Deegan now faces the challenges of adapting to open-wheel machinery. Reflecting on the opportunity, she shared her enthusiasm for the change while acknowledging the steep learning curve that lies ahead.

“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," Deegan said via Indy NXT.

Up next, Deegan, amongst the 25-car grid of Indy NXT, will battle it out at the World Wide Technology Raceway on June 15.