Very few names in NASCAR have caught the spotlight quite like Hailie Deegan has since her debut in 2021. After winning the Craftsman Truck Series’ most popular driver award in 2021 and 2022, Hailie’s seen great fame and success and now drives the No. 13 Ford F-150 for Ohio-based ThorSport Racing.
Also, a performance driver for Ford, she recently made the headlines following her P2 finish in the SRX race at Eldora Speedway. Known for her accomplishments in the different disciplines of racing, Hailie Deegan made her debut in yet another form of car racing last week: the National Compact Touring Series.
In a race held at the Sandusky Speedway in Ohio, the full-time Craftsman Truck Series driver participated in a compact car and finished 5th place in ‘A Main Top Ten’. The racing sensation recently put up a video from the trip on her YouTube handle, and as it appears, she wasn’t very sure-footed going into the race.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The reason behind Hailie Deegan’s nervous debut at Ohio
The NCTS is a professional touring series that has been gaining attention in recent years. The series had recently announced that they’d reached an agreement with Hailie Deegan’s management and that fans would be seeing her race at Sandusky on the 19th of August.
As expected, Hailie traveled to the hometown of her NASCAR team and participated in the race. In a vlog that covered her time at the event, the Craftsman series star revealed her nervousness going into the main race.
She said, “We are going out for race time. The car race is short 25 laps because of all the wrecks that happened in the modified race. I’m a little nervous after seeing some of those wrecks not gonna lie”.
“So we’re gonna try our best to stay clean and bring home a good finish.”, Hailie continued.
Watch Story: Former NASCAR Driver Doubts Hailie Deegan’s Suitability for SRX
Despite the series not being that prominent yet, the wrecks that Hailie witnessed in the qualifying and the races seem to have shaken her. But the NASCAR Truck Series star managed to finish the main race fine.
“Absolutely Delighted”: NCTS welcomes Hailie Deegan with open arms
Trending
F1 Community Rages at Danica Patrick’s Return as Sky Sports Snubs Ex-World Champ for Her
Tony Stewart’s Wife Leah Pruett Pens a Heartfelt Message for Husband After His Unwavering Support for His Family
“We Are Not Morning People”- Travel Woes Hit Home for Kyle Busch & Wife Samantha Leaving Son Brexton Grinning
Unimpressed NASCAR Fans Call Out Chase Elliott’s 7th Consecutive MPD Award Sweep Amid Rekindled Dating Fire
Denny Hamlin’s One Final FedEx Tribute Steals the NASCAR Awards Spotlight as He Uncovers Drivers ‘Disgruntled’ Emotions
The partnership between the racing series and Hailie Deegan brought one of racing’s most promising talents and quickly growing promotions together.
Drew Jach, a spokesperson for the series, spoke about how Hailie’s skill and passion for racing aligned with their own. As per nationalcompacts.com, he said, “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Hailie Deegan to the National Compact Touring Series”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In her vlog, Hailie also talked about how the event came to be with the help of ThorSport Racing’s truck chief, Rich Lushes, and went on to explain the structure of the NCTS races as she got to know them.
After her qualifying race, she said, “Well guys. This is by far the most different stuff I have ever raced. Before like… I just, I don’t even know how to explain it. Like, it’s been a blast.”
Read More: “Hit Her in the Face”: Hailie Deegan Reveals Wild Relationship Story
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The fact that NCTS’s cars are front-wheel-drive might have lent a hand in making Deegan’s experience feel different. But she took the newness in a positive stride and said, “It’s taking some getting used to, but it’s definitely different from what I’ve raced in the past. But it’s been a blast. Always learning new cars is very fun.”
Following her debut in Ohio, Hailie Deegan flew back to the Milwaukee Mile Speedway in Wisconsin for the Craftsman Truck Series race. She ended up finishing in the 22nd position in the 18th race of the Truck Series. She will be seen behind her F-150 again on September 8 at the Kansas Speedway.