Hailie Deegan's NASCAR Comeback: A Measured Return

Hailie Deegan is set to return to NASCAR's Truck Series, with a phased approach planned by team owner Bill McAnally. In 2027, Deegan will compete for the ARCA Menards Series West championship and participate in select Truck Series races. This strategy is designed to build her experience and confidence for a full-time Truck Series campaign in 2028.

McAnally expressed his belief in Deegan's potential, noting her strong performance in the 2026 ARCA West season, where she secured two victories, including a last-lap pass at the Madera 150. These wins have reignited her self-assurance and positioned her as a championship contender.

Deegan's prior full-time Truck Series stints from 2021-2023 yielded five top-10 finishes across 69 starts. Following brief ventures into the Xfinity Series and Indy NXT, her return to ARCA West in 2026 marked a significant resurgence. Securing financial backing remains a challenge, but McAnally's plan offers a viable pathway back to the national series.