NASCAR insider addresses who will fill Hailie Deegan seat for AM Racing in Xfinity Series
It is official and Hailie Deegan is out of her No. 15 AM Racing ride for the rest of the season. So, who is going to drive that thing? The NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs are not far off, and Cup drivers are not allowed to compete in those races.
AM Racing put Joey Logano in the No. 15 car this past week at Chicago. From there, it felt like Deegan was on the way out at AMR. Today, we got the official word from both the team and the driver herself.
With an empty seat for the rest of the season, what will AM Racing do? Who replaces Hailie Deegan?
Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports believes that AMR will call on Cup Series drivers to fill-in as the regular season winds down. However, someone, or multiple someones will have to race those final eight races of the season in the playoffs.
“Would expect some Cup drivers to fill that seat for AM Racing but then would have to find someone else for the playoffs since Cup drivers can’t do the final eight races,” Pockrass wrote in response to a fan.
Hailie Deegan was able to land four finishes in the top-20 in 2024 with a season-best finish of P12 from Talladega. Joey Logano stepped into the seat, a two-time Cup Series champion and future Hall of Famer, and he finished P8.
So, what does that say about AM Racing? Deegan? Make your own conclusions. It feels as though neither the equipment nor the driver were up to the task that the organization and Deegan had in mind. Now, the two parties have decided to split.
Cup Series drivers currently racing for Ford includes: Kaz Grala, Cody Ware, Justin Haley, Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, Chase Briscoe, Ryan Preece, Austin Cindric, Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, and Harrison Burton.
AM Racing releases statement on Hailie Deegan
When Joey Logano took over the No. 15 car for Hailie Deegan at Chicago, it felt like AM Racing was making a big decision. Now, Deegan and her NASCAR team have officially parted ways, effective immediately.
Hailie Deegan moved up to the Xfinity Series in hopes that the racing would fit her style and strengths better. Clearly, she fell short of those goals.
AM Racing put out this statement on the decision to part ways.
“AM Racing and Hailie Deegan have decided to part ways, effective immediately,” a statement from the team read. “We are grateful for Hailie’s contributions and dedication as the driver of the No. 15 Ford Mustang during her time with the race team.
“We wish Hailie the best in her future endeavors and look forward to her continued success on and off the track.”
So, what is next for Hailie Deegan? She has plans to race again this season. However, it will be interesting to see how that ends up shaking out. Trucks, Xfinity, maybe ARCA? While there are options, what is Deegan willing to do to reinvent herself and revive her racing career?