In December 2019, Hailie Deegan joined the Ford driver development program, harboring dreams of glory. Before the national series beckoned, she made a name for herself with three wins in the ARCA Menards Series West. But as 2020 rolled around, Hailie Deegan found herself in the junior NASCAR ranks, competing in the truck series under the watchful eye of David Gilliland’s operation.

However, as races unfolded and disappointment mounted, judgmental voices grew louder. Deegan’s 3-year stint in the truck series bore witness to 0 victories and a meager 5 top-10 finishes out of 67 races. But a ray of hope emerged when it seemed like the road ahead was bleak. AM Racing, announced their plan to field two cars in the 2024 season, clearing the path for Hailie Deegan to pilot the No. 14 Ford. In a recent revelation, she shared the cloak-and-dagger efforts behind the scenes to safeguard this news.

The 22-year-old’s 2024 redemption arc amidst Ford’s support

After three years of disappointing finishes and moments of brilliance hidden in the shadows, 2024 is shaping up to be Deegan‘s year of redemption, a chance to set the record straight. And it appears Hailie Deegan has a robust support system in place. Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance Motorsports, expressed his enthusiasm, as he stated, “We are excited to see Hailie continuing to advance her career. Hailie works so hard on and off the track, and AM Racing will surround her with a great team to continue her development.”

The news spread like wildfire, a testament to Deegan’s growing fan base and the intrigue surrounding her journey. In a recent interview, Hailie Deegan shared her experience of keeping the curtains firmly closed on the news, “You guys know how hard it is to keep a secret in the NASCAR world; it spreads like wildfire.” 

She confessed to keeping a small, trusted circle in the know, all while securing sponsors and working tirelessly on contracts for the upcoming season. “Even before the announcement, to be able to secure a couple of sponsors going into the 2024 season, so it’s been a wild journey.” 

Watch This Story: An Hour Before Riling Up Dean Thompson, Hailie Deegan Made Another NASCAR Driver Furious

As Hailie Deegan moves up to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, she embraces the whirlwind of emotions and expectations. “It’s been a wild journey,” she said. “It’s almost one of the scenarios where it’s too good to be true, and you almost don’t believe it until the contract is signed.” 

Impressive Xfinity debut for Hailie Deegan at Las Vegas

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Although this isn’t Deegan’s first rodeo in Xfinity, the 22-year-old burst onto the scene in the Xfinity Series last year and made her debut at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Behind a Ford owned by SS GreenLight Racing, Hailie Deegan qualified 20th, and as the race unfolded, she showed her mettle on the track, battling her way through the field to finish an impressive 13th. In doing so, she joined the ranks of just 26 females who have ever started a race in the Xfinity Series, marking a significant milestone in her career.

When asked about her debut, Deegan’s face lit up with enthusiasm. She exclaimed, “Yeah, I think getting my feet in the Xfinity Series, I really wanted to do that one race,” she shared. “I told my manager, ‘We’ve got to sell one race for me to do the Xfinity Series so I could really see what to expect when I did have the opportunity to go full-time, or if I did have the opportunity.'”

Hailie’s decision to seize that opportunity was a game-changer. She wanted to feel the difference between driving a truck and an Xfinity Series car for herself. “So, once I got that experience, I was like, ‘Man, I really like this. This is fun.’ It’s definitely different than the trucks, but I’m so excited for it.”

“Something I’ve Been Working On” – Hailie Deegan Radiates Confidence After Best Ever Finish in SRX

In the world of NASCAR, redemption stories are often hard to come by. But for Hailie Deegan, it’s a new chapter in her racing journey, one filled with anticipation and the promise of a fresh start. Will she seize this opportunity to shine in the 2024 season?