3 possible paths for Hailie Deegan if AM Racing decides to split ways

NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Hailie Deegan is enduring a tough rookie campaign. After an unimpressive three-year stint in the Truck Series, Deegan appears to be struggling once again in the Xfinity Series, driving the #15 Ford for AM Racing.

Midway through her rookie season, Deegan sits in the 27th position, last among all the full-time starters. She has not recorded a top-10 result, with a 12th-place best finish at Talladega. For reference, Brett Moffitt was classified 15th in the year-end standings in the same equipment last year, with 9 top-10 results.

Hailie Deegan's playoff chances disappeared when the team announced Joey Logano as her replacement for the Chicago Street Race. The two-time Cup champion is set to drive the #15 Ford to evaluate the car's performance. The move might serve as a precursor to what might come, as the two parties could potentially part ways.

Plenty of speculation surrounds Deegan's future with AM Racing in NASCAR, where she has failed to show consistent speed in Trucks and Xfinity. Let us take a look at the possible paths that lie ahead for the 22-year-old.

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Exploring 3 possible paths for Hailie Deegan after potential AM Racing exit

#3 A hiatus from NASCAR

Hailie Deegan could explore opportunities beyond NASCAR's top three national series by returning to her roots in dirt racing, where her racing career began with dirt bikes and off-road racing.

NASCAR legend Tony Stewart described her as a "one hell of a dirt racer", following her exploits in the SRX Racing series last season on the dirt ovals. A short hiatus from NASCAR or exploring other series could benefit the 22-year-old Californian.

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#2 Return to Trucks

Another potential path for Hailie Deegan could be stepping down to the Truck Series. This would allow her to focus on honing her skills in the third-tier series before potentially making a return to the Xfinity Series.

Deegan made her full-time debut in 2021 with TRICON Garage (previously David Gilliland Racing) and joined ThorSport Racing in 2023. She had accumulated five top-10 results with a sixth-place best finish. She had a 17th-place best finish in the standings in her rookie campaign.

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#1 Part-time at Joe Gibbs Racing

With the sponsorship she brings, a part-time Xfinity schedule with a top-tier organization could help Hailie Deegan prove her speed and consolidate her presence in NASCAR. Joe Gibbs Racing could be one of the potential landing spots for Deegan, as all four cars are competitive every week.

Deegan was previously a part of Toyota's TRD pipeline and could have potentially moved up to Joe Gibbs Racing. However, she switched alliances to Ford Performance. A return to Toyota could open up many opportunities for her.