At this time last year, Hailie Deegan was facing a tough time in her racing career. The 24-year-old speedster, who was driving the No. 15 Ford for AM Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, was struggling to achieve success. With zero top ten finishes and only three top 20 results, Deegan was feeling the pressure and disappointment of not living up to her potential.
But fast forward to today, and Deegan is a completely different driver. She has made the switch to IndyCar and is now competing in the NTT IndyCar Series, and her performance has been nothing short of impressive. In fact, she has been making headlines for her incredible adaptation to the new series, which has left many wondering how she managed to make such a smooth transition.
Deegan recently opened up about her experience in IndyCar and how she has managed to excel in a completely different racing environment. In an interview with EssentiallySports, she revealed the key factors that have helped her adjust to the grueling demands of IndyCar.
First and foremost, Deegan credits her team for their unwavering support and guidance. She stated, “I have an amazing team behind me who have been incredibly supportive throughout this transition. They have helped me understand the nuances of IndyCar and have constantly pushed me to improve my skills.”
It is no secret that IndyCar is a completely different ball game compared to NASCAR. The cars are different, the tracks are different, and the racing strategies are different. But Deegan has taken it all in her stride and has shown remarkable adaptability. She attributes this to her experience in different racing series throughout her career.
“I have been fortunate enough to race in various series, and I believe that has helped me become a more versatile driver. Each series has its own challenges, and I have learned to adapt quickly to new environments. This has definitely helped me in IndyCar,” Deegan explained.
But it’s not just her driving skills that have impressed everyone. Deegan’s mental strength and determination have also been key factors in her success. She revealed that she has been working hard on her mental game and has been constantly pushing herself to overcome any challenges that come her way.
“I have been working with a sports psychologist, and that has really helped me stay focused and motivated. Racing is not just about physical strength, but also mental strength. I have learned to stay calm under pressure and to never give up, no matter how tough the situation may seem,” Deegan shared.
Her hard work and determination have paid off, as Deegan has already registered a top ten finish in the IndyCar series. This is a significant achievement for someone who was struggling to even make it to the top 20 in NASCAR. But Deegan is not one to rest on her laurels. She has set her sights on achieving even greater success in the future.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to race in IndyCar, and I am determined to make the most of it. I want to continue improving and pushing myself to be the best driver I can be. My ultimate goal is to win races and championships in IndyCar, and I am willing to put in the hard work and dedication to make it happen,” Deegan stated confidently.
As Deegan continues to impress in IndyCar, she has also become a role model for young girls who aspire to make it in the world of motorsports. She is breaking barriers and proving that gender is not a limitation in racing. Her success is a testament to her talent and determination, and she is inspiring a whole new generation of female racers.
In conclusion, Hailie Deegan’s journey from struggling in NASCAR to excelling in IndyCar is a true testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. She has shown that with the right support, mental strength, and adaptability, anything is possible. As she continues to make her mark in the world of motorsports, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented young driver.
