DIRT DRIVING
By Alex Apple
For Hailie Deegans eighth birthday, her parents did not get her the typical
gift that most children of that age ask for.
Her parents got her a small truck, and racing has been her
passion ever since. Her father is a ten-time X Games medalist, but Hailie
has charted her own course. Her immense success in junior racing started
to catch the eye of NASCAR and development programs across the country.
She promptly became the rst female driver to win a NASCAR Pro Series Race.
In 2020, Deegan will continue her career with Fords backing as they add
her to their driver development program. The offseason if you can say she
has one was spent in the ARCA Menards Series with a Cup of tea in the
IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
It was really cool because they came to me, Deegan told NASCAR.com
about Fords interest. It shows that people care, it shows that they want to
be fully invested and want to better your future and have a good relationship
for a long time.
Born in California, the 18-year-old started racing dirt bikes the year before
her parents got her a truck at age eight. ith her father always around
tracks and racing, Deegan began to nd her own passion for speed
and driving.
Deegans success started in the Lucas il ff Road Racing Series where
she was the rst female to win a Championship in 2013. A few years later,
she became the Modied Kart National Champion.
Later the next year, Deegan make the decision to explore new horions.
Having caught the eye of many as one of the youngest drivers on the kart
Series, Hailie moved to asphalt.
36 THE OFFICIAL NASCAR 2020 PREVIEW & PRESS GUIDE
DEEGAN
/NASCAR.com