CHARLOTTE, N.C. — On Monday, Hailie Deegan announced her transition from NASCAR to the IndyCar realm, revealing that she will participate in the Indy NXT Series for the upcoming year with HMD Motorsports.

Deegan is set to drive the No. 38 car throughout the complete 14-race schedule of the series, which serves as a feeder for IndyCar. Her new team at HMD consists of five drivers, including Caio Collet, Josh Pierson, Tommy Smith, and Bryce Aron.

“I am thrilled about this new opportunity and can’t wait to collaborate with a well-established team like HMD Motorsports,” Deegan expressed. “There’s a significant amount for me to learn, but I’m eager to get started. The team possesses a vast array of experience that I can learn from, and I look forward to absorbing as much information as I can before my racing debut in March at St. Petersburg.”

Although Deegan has yet to compete in open-wheel racing, the 23-year-old has spent the past four years in NASCAR, making her debut in the Truck Series at the age of 18, as well as competing in the Xfinity Series. Hailing from Temecula, California, Deegan is still searching for her first win at NASCAR’s top level.

This week, Deegan will be testing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, working closely with Nathan Toney, a former engineer for HMD Motorsports and the current owner of Toney Driver Development.

According to the team, Deegan has already participated in various test sessions at multiple tracks. Later this month, she will also gain her initial experience in open-wheel racing by competing in the final event of the Formula Regional Americas season at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

“Hailie, along with the Deegan name, carries significant weight in the motorsports community, and we are excited to welcome her to the HMD Motorsports family,” stated team president Mike Maurini. “Hailie has been proactive, visiting our shop and demonstrating a serious commitment to her transition into open-wheel racing.”