"Money is a big factor" - Bubba Wallace spotter comments on Hailie Deegan's AM Racing departure

NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace's spotter Freddie Kraft has voiced his opinion on Hailie Deegan's departure from AM Racing midway through the season. Only competing in 17 races in her maiden Xfinity campaign, Deegan was released from AM Racing earlier this week.

After spending three full seasons in the Truck Series, driving for teams like ThorSport Racing, Hailie Deegan secured promotion to the Xfinity Series. In what seemed like a surprise move for many, the California native signed a multi-year deal with Xfinity outfit AM Racing at the end of 2023.

However, Deegan's partnership with AMR turned out to be short-lived and ended prematurely. After 17 races, the 23-year-old driver failed to secure a single top-10 finish and instead registered three DNFs in the ongoing campaign.

Rumors started to catch fire when, for the NASCAR weekend in Chicago, AM Racing announced that two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano would pilot the No. 15 Ford, stepping in for Hailie Deegan.

Logano finished eighth at the Chicago Street Course on Saturday, and AM Racing announced ending their partnership with Deegan on Monday.

Following the announcement, veteran NASCAR spotter Freddie Kraft, who partners 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace in the Cup Series, commented on the move. Speaking on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, he said:

"I mean you saw this coming last week when they put Logano in. There were rumors of Hailie removing AM Racing from all her Twitter bio and whatever other bios."

He added:

"You don't know if your cars have speed if your driver doesn't have any experience at the tracks you're going to. Obviously, money is a big factor in this but if there was a way to have Brett and Hailie there, I think it would've only benefitted Hailie."

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Freddie Kraft calls Hailie Deegan a "talented race car driver"

Kraft highlighted Joey Logano's performance with the AM Racing No. 15 Ford during the Chicago Xfinity race. He noted:

"We talked about this team underperforming. Joey gets in the thing this weekend and didn't exactly light the world on fire. I mean, he's pretty good at what he does."

Freddie Kraft was quick to defend Deegan's abilities, labeling her a "talented race car driver." He emphasized that Deegan's lack of success with AM Racing wasn't entirely her fault and said:

"She (Hailie) is a talented race car driver, this is not on Hailie either. She's won races in the regional series. So, you know, it's just a weird combination of bad timing."

Hailie Deegan is set to be replaced by Stewart-Haas Racing driver Josh Berry for the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Pocono Raceway.