With the 2026 NASCAR season almost here, Hailee Deegan had exciting news to share with her fans this Wednesday.
Deegan, 24, made plenty of noise in 2019 when she finished 3rd in the ARCA Menards Series West points standings. Two years later, she represented David Gilliland Racing in the Truck Series. She had three top-10 finishes in two seasons before joining ThorSport Racing in 2023.
In 2024, Deegan made the jump to the Xfinity Series. Her struggles on the track were serious enough that she parted ways with AM Racing mid-season. She then spent 2025 competing in Indy NXT races, finishing 14th in the points standings.
On Wednesday afternoon, Deegan announced that she's returning full-time to ARCA Menards Series West. She has landed a deal with one of her former teams, Bill McAnally Racing.
“I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Bill [McAnally] and the BMR team,” Deegan said in a press release. “I’ve been away from stock cars for a bit but am focused on coming back stronger and competing for wins and a championship. Having Columbia Bank and Monster Energy on board and working with NAPA Auto Care again is going to be a thrill, and our goal is to get them to victory lane multiple times this year.”
© Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images.
As you'd imagine, BMR is thrilled to have Deegan back in their lineup.
"Having Hailie back on our team is incredibly special," Bill McAnally said. "We enjoyed working together several years ago and won some races. I see the commitment she has for competing at this level and we want to be part of her success. She has the knowledge of winning out West and we have a great chance to chase our 12th title with her and Mason Massey in the fold."
NASCAR fans optimistic about Deegan's return.
It's become very apparent that fans are happy to see Deegan back in her comfort zone.
"Well.. that’s really good," one fan said in response to the news. "Hope things work out and she can finally get good results. I think this is the series she got her one and only win in stock car series career."
"Smart move," a second fan commented. "She's starting over and she know's she really good at ARCA. Definitely gonna get more wins and then she can move over to the Truck Series in future."
"Best move for her! Proven winner in ARCA," another fan declared.
If all goes well for Deegan, she could find herself back in the Truck Series.
Deegan's 2026 season will begin on Feb. 28 at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway.