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KNOXVILLE, IOWA – JUNE 18: Hailie Deegan, driver of the #1 Monster Energy Ford, walks to her car before the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Clean Harbors 150 at Knoxville Raceway on June 18, 2022 in Knoxville, Iowa. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)

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KNOXVILLE, IOWA – JUNE 18: Hailie Deegan, driver of the #1 Monster Energy Ford, walks to her car before the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Clean Harbors 150 at Knoxville Raceway on June 18, 2022 in Knoxville, Iowa. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)
The racing community is abuzz after Hailie Deegan, the 22-year-old prodigy, delivered a show-stopping performance at the recent SRX racing event held at Eldora Speedway. Deegan’s name has been on everyone’s lips since her remarkable display on the track. Against all odds, she clinched an impressive 2nd place finish, a new personal best, while piloting a backup car, given that her original vehicle had been severely damaged in a multi-car collision during a heat race. Deegan, a full-time NASCAR Truck Series driver, is basking in the well-deserved spotlight.
Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace added to the excitement by hosting Deegan on his ‘The Kenny Conversation‘ segment. During the conversation between the duo, Deegan shared her insights and advice for young and aspiring drivers, underscoring the importance of versatility and experience behind the wheel.
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Another tool in your toolbox: Hailie Deegan gives expert advice to young drivers
During the conversation with Wallace, Deegan reminisced about her early days, revealing an unconventional start in the world of motorsports. With her coach doubling as a go-kart track owner, Deegan and her friends frequented the track for practice sessions, igniting her passion for go-kart racing. “And my coach at the time, he owned a go-kart track, still does, and so we would always go out there with our group of friends and go practice, and it was fun. So that’s how I kind of got started on the go-kart side of things.”
As her career advanced, Deegan expanded into various racing disciplines, including K&N and ARCA competitions. A pivotal moment emerged when she ventured into dirt track racing, emphasizing the value of diversifying her driving skills. Deegan saw driving different types of cars as adding tools to her racing toolbox, enabling her to dissect track situations and make informed decisions. Her multifaceted experience across various vehicles contributed to her strategic prowess on the track, elevating her standing as a dynamic and versatile driver.
Read more: Tony Stewart’s Driver Predicts Calamity at SHR’s Worst Track Despite NASCAR’s Precautionary Action
“And then when I got originally picked up to run K&N, ARCA stuff, that’s when I started kind of branching out and doing some dirt racing more like Dirt Circle Track Racing. So I thought, I just really think that for a driver, the most cars you can drive, it’s like having another tool in your toolbox. It’s just something that you can utilize when you’re in situations on the track, be able to pick apart little things or make better decisions or whatever it is. I feel like just being able to have experience in different cars helps.”
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NASCAR legend applauds Hailie Deegan’s triumph at Eldora
Hailie Deegan’s journey at the Eldora Speedway was a whirlwind of twists and turns. Starting with a calamitous Heat 1, where she got tangled in a massive pileup, Deegan’s car emerged battered. Undeterred, she hustled to a commendable 7th in Heat 2, showcasing potential with her backup car. In the Main Event, Deegan, beginning 8th, masterfully navigated through the pack, gaining ground with each lap. While victory remained just out of reach, Deegan concluded triumphantly with a solid 2nd place.

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LEBANON, TENNESSEE – JUNE 24: Hailie Deegan, driver of the #1 Wastequip Ford, waits on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2022 in Lebanon, Tennessee. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Following her standout Eldora performance, Deegan hit Instagram, exclaiming, “What an epic first experience racing at Eldora! Went to a backup car after the heat race and drove up to 2nd in the main.” Cheers flooded in, notably from NASCAR Cup Series champ Kurt Busch, who hailed, “Way to go, girl! Dirt racing is in your blood. Hollah for some asphalt tips! I got you!”
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With a remarkable track performance, Hailie Deegan has effectively silenced the criticism that stemmed from her lackluster track record in the truck series. However, the lingering question revolves around whether Deegan can demonstrate the crucial element of consistency, which holds immense significance in the world of NASCAR.
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