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Six Women Make Racing History at Phoenix Raceway
23 Oct
Summary
- Six women raced in ARCA West Series, setting a new series record.
- Hailie Deegan hopes to return to NASCAR Truck Series in 2027.
- No woman has won in NASCAR's top three national touring series.
On October 16, 2026, Phoenix Raceway hosted a historic ARCA West Series race, featuring six women competitors – the most in the series' history. This event tied a record for the national ARCA Menards Series. Drivers included Taylor Reimer, Hailie Deegan, Jade Avedisian, Quinn Davis, Mia Lovell, and Dystany Spurlock.
Hailie Deegan, a prominent figure in the field, expressed her ambition to return to the NASCAR Truck Series by 2027. Deegan, who has a diverse racing background including off-road and ARCA West Series wins, has previously competed in the Truck Series, achieving several top-10 finishes and fan-favorite status.
Despite Deegan's proven talent and desire to advance, securing sponsorships remains a significant hurdle for her return to NASCAR's national circuits. This mirrors a broader challenge faced by women in racing, as no woman has yet achieved a win in any of NASCAR's top three national touring series.
Other women making their mark include Toni Breidinger, who last competed full-time in 2025, and Katherine Legge, who participated in two Cup Series races this season. The increasing presence of women in racing signifies progress, yet the ultimate goal of a national series win remains a future aspiration.
