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Former NASCAR<\/a> Xfinity and Truck Series racer Hailie Deegan is set to debut in the open-wheel INDYNXT series on the coming Sunday and she is in full preparation mode. The 23-year-old has uploaded a photo from her workout session on her Instagram story with the song “The Sweet Escape” by Lieselotte playing as the background music.<\/p>\n Deegan made her professional stock car racing debut in 2020 when she competed in a single event in the NASCAR Truck Series for the DGR-Crosley team. She got a full-time ride for the next three seasons in the Trucks but always kept saying her goal was to move up to the Xfinity Series<\/a> as quickly as possible. With the backing of Ford, she got a seat in the NXS with AM Racing in 2024. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/template><\/p>\n However, the partnership didn’t last long due to a string of disappointing performances by the California-born driver. She was let go by AM Racing after 17 races, leaving her without a ride for the remainder of the 2024 season. Deegan tried to find a new ride but had to step away from stock car racing due to a lack of sponsorship. She found a new home in the developmental series for IndyCar, the INDYNXT, and signed with HMD Motorsports for the 2025 season. <\/p>\n As the start of the new season draws near, Hailie Deegan<\/a> has immersed herself in the final preparations with physical training being an integral part of a racing driver’s routine. She shared a mirror selfie from one of her recent workout sessions with her followers:<\/p>\n In another story, Deegan uploaded a photo of herself behind the wheels of a simulator which is another important part of preparation for modern-day drivers. The caption read, referring to the coming Sunday’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:<\/p>\n “Getting ready for St. Pete!”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Deegan seems to have started her partnership with HMD Motorsports on a high note and is looking forward to learning many things in her first season in INDYNXT.<\/p>\n INDYNXT teams have participated in several two-day testing sessions at different tracks to get an understanding of their new machines. Hailie Deegan has had a lot of fun participating in these practice sessions and learning about the open-wheel racing series.<\/p>\n INDYNXT posted an update about Deegan’s preparations on X via its official handle. In the clip, Deegan talked about her excitement about starting a new phase in her career<\/a> and how she has dealt with the massive changes coming from stock car racing to open-wheel racing.<\/p>\n “Yeah, it’s been so much fun, I have been really enjoying it. All the testing we have been getting and seat time, I feel like I have been learning so much, there is so much to learn. But for me, I have been having a blast doing this and just trying something new,” the 23-year-old said.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Deegan will return to the racetrack on Sunday, March 2, for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.<\/p>\n![\"Screengrab](\"https:\/\/staticg.sportskeeda.com\/editor\/2025\/02\/982c0-17404856227331-1920.jpg\"\/)
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Hailie Deegan is excited to start a new chapter in her racing career<\/h2>\n
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