Were Hailie Deegan’s challenges a blessing in disguise? The new silly season rumor surely does suggest so, further hinting at how fate is always unfolding. In a twist of events, Stewart-Haas Racing’s decision to shut its operations paved the way for the Haas Factory Team to emerge as a contender, and Hailie Deegan’s departure from AM Racing set the stage for her potential new opportunity. If this rumor proves true, it could be the turning point that might end up making sense of Deegan’s unlucky rookie Xfinity season.

Hailie Deegan and the Haas Factory team are possible

Following SHR’s closing, Gene Haas, revealed his plans of retaining one Cup and two Xfinity charters in NASCAR. With three of the team’s drivers having secured seats for the 2025 season, Riley Herbst, Ryan Preece, and Cole Custer remain. So, now, for Deegan to land a full-time ride in 2025, either of the current SHR drivers would have to make way. And as fate would have it, Custer is expected to move back to the Cup Series, leading a single-car racing program. The defending Xfinity Series champion certainly has shown that he can compete for wins in a high-pressure racing setup, and therefore Gene Haas trusts him to lead the charge of his new creation.

As far as Ryan Preece is concerned, he could sign with the Haas team in Xfinity, however, it is fair to say that the driver would not be looking to scale down from Cup. Furthermore, he has possible options to explore in teams like Front Row Motorsports and Rick Ware Racing. Meanwhile, Riley Herbst is a strong contender to join 23XI. Even if one of these drivers secures a spot with Haas, a second seat would still be available – and it’s improbable that both Herbst and Preece would be signed. Now, this could spell ‘happy news’ for Hailie Deegan, who may find herself in a prime position to claim the remaining seat.

This development was further backed by NASCAR Insider and 2-time Truck Series Mechanic of the Year winner Dave Green via his X account, NASCAR Prophecy. “For the 2025 season, Hailie Deegan has secured a ride in one of the two Haas factory team Xfinity cars. With Cole Custer going back to the CUP Series, it made a seat available for her. This is a huge opportunity for her to grow in top-notch equipment. @HailieDeegan #NASCAR.”

While it is still early to predict anything with certainty, Hailie Deegan’s chances of securing a 2025 Xfinity ride with the team are looking promising. A vacant seat at Haas could prove to be a much-needed change of scenery for Deegan, potentially providing the fresh start she needs after her stint with AM Racing.

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Here’s why Deegan would fit in with the Haas Factory Team

The first thing that a driver expects from the race team is to have a competitive racing set-up. While Deegan’s statistics in the 17 races this season are nothing to boast about, again, AM Racing isn’t a proven race team. They are testing the waters, having only started competing in the Xfinity Series in 2023.

Imagine if Deegan gets herself in the No. 00 car, which is essentially a rocket ship. It will, at least, help her gain confidence and allow her to compete rather than struggle. Moreover, Gene Haas has previously worked with a female racer, Danica Patrick, with SHR at the Cup level, and he was patient with her. So taking a shot at another upcoming talent in an Xfinity car is not out of bounds for the veteran NASCAR team owner.

Another factor that weighs in Deegan’s favor is the massive backing she brings with Monster Energy. Now we’ve seen serial winners like Kyle Busch lose a seat without the backing of a major sponsor. So, while she may not be a proven racer just yet, her sponsorship does allow her to stay afloat in the NASCAR scene.

What do you think about this rumor? Do you reckon Haas would be taking on a risk by signing with Hailie Deegan or is it all a work of fate?