Deegan will pilot the No. 38 car throughout the complete 14-race schedule of the series, which is a step below IndyCar. She will join a five-driver lineup at HMD, which includes Caio Collet, Josh Pierson, Tommy Smith, and Bryce Aron.
“I am thrilled about this opportunity and eager to collaborate with the established team at HMD Motorsports,” Deegan stated. “There is a lot for me to learn, but I am prepared to dive in. The team possesses extensive knowledge that I intend to absorb as much as possible before my racing debut next March in St. Petersburg.”
This will be Deegan's first experience in open-wheel racing. The 23-year-old has spent the past four years in NASCAR, competing in both the Truck Series—where she made her debut at 18—and the Xfinity Series. Hailing from Temecula, California, she has yet to secure a victory at NASCAR’s national level.
Deegan and HMD Motorsports are set to conduct tests this week at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. She will collaborate with Nathan Toney, a former engineer for HMD Motorsports and the owner of Toney Driver Development.
According to the team, Deegan has already participated in test sessions at various tracks. She will gain her initial open-wheel racing experience later this month during the final race of the Formula Regional Americas season at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
“Hailie, along with the Deegan name, holds significant weight in motorsports, and we are excited to welcome them to the HMD Motorsports family,” said team president Mike Maurini. “Hailie has already visited our shop and is taking her transition to open-wheel racing very seriously.”