Hailie Deegan’s recent split with AM Racing has sent shockwaves through the NASCAR community, leaving many wondering about the young driver’s future. NASCAR veteran Kevin Harvick weighed in on Deegan’s career trajectory during a recent podcast episode.
Harvick expressed concerns about Deegan’s decision to leave Toyota’s development program, a move he believes has hindered her growth. According to Harvick, Toyota offers a superior driver development structure compared to Ford, while Chevrolet falls somewhere in the middle. He stressed the importance of sustained development and mentorship early in a NASCAR career, suggesting Deegan may have been pushed to compete at a higher level.
The former Cup Series champion expressed skepticism about Deegan’s chances of finding a competitive ride in the future, highlighting the challenges she may face in securing another opportunity. With no top-five or top-10 finishes in the Xfinity Series this season, Deegan’s performance has undoubtedly raised questions about her readiness for the next level.
Despite early success in lower-level series, including ARCA Menards Series West victories and Rookie of the Year honors, Deegan has struggled to translate that momentum into consistent results in NASCAR’s top divisions. As one of only two female drivers in the Xfinity Series, her career path is being closely watched, but Harvick’s assessment paints a challenging picture for her future.