Unlike most sports, NASCAR provides a space for both men and women to compete on the same track. Unfortunately, not many female drivers have been able to make a name for themselves in the sport. Danica Patrick broke the proverbial glass ceiling, and Hailie Deegan seems bound on the path set by her.

Hailie Deegan has been racing for a few years now, but the 21-year-old has found the most comfort in the Truck Series. Driving for David Gilliland Racing, the Californian has managed to finish in the top 10 thrice. With a best-finish of 6th place (in Talladega, 2022), she is not yet among the best in the Truck Series. But no one would argue that she lacks potential, and her’s was well spotted by ThorSport Racing as they signed her up for the 2023 season.

The driver said on her move, “Wherever I ended up I just wanted to be in a quality place. I just wanted to be somewhere where I truly felt I was around the most quality equipment, people, and quality of people who care about my racing. That’s a huge thing that I’m already feeling here at ThorSport is just accepted. It feels like a family environment.”

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The move is definitely a big one for both Deegan and ThorSport. DGR is still finding its feet on the NASCAR circuit whereas ThorSport is an established team with a history of winning titles in the Truck Series. Similarly, it’s a big risk for the team to place a punt on a 21-year-old who is yet to win a race in the series. When established teams make such a move, it is backed by a lot of analysis. They must have seen some prospect in her that made them want to sign her.

Could Hailie Deegan handle the bright lights on her?

Despite being just 21 years old, Deegan has been through the cycle of fame and the pressures it brings. A daughter of motocross legend Brian Deegan, she has been under the scanner for most of her life—especially after she decided to pursue a career in racing.

On facing public pressure, she said “It’s kind of been on me from the start, so at the end of the day there’s pressure for a reason and I feel like if you can’t deal with the pressure, then you probably shouldn’t have that pressure on you.

“I think going out there and doing the best I possibly can, working as hard as I possibly can for it and just knowing that myself, knowing that I’m putting in the full effort and doing everything that I’m capable of and everyone else sees that, that we’re bound to have more success,” said Deegan.

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One thing, though, is certain that there’ll be more eyes on her than before. There’ll certainly be some wanting her to fail so they can pull her down. Having averaged finishes of 20.9 (2021) and 22.1 (2022) in the Truck Series with DGR, she had the comfort of falling back on the lack of quality on the team. But that wouldn’t be the case with ThorSport. She knows it and her fans knows it too. We’ll just have to wait and watch if she gets better results this season.