In an exciting development for motorsports fans, NASCAR driver Hailie Deegan is set to make her return to Nitrocross this weekend at Utah Motorsports Campus. This marks Deegan’s first appearance in the series since 2021, showcasing her versatility as a driver and her roots in off-road racing.

Back to the Dirt

Deegan will compete in the Side-by-Side (SxS) class, joining a star-studded field that includes members of the Block family – Lucy, Mika, and Kira Block, the wife, son, and daughter of the late Ken Block – as well as action sports legend Travis Pastrana. This lineup evokes nostalgia for the early days of U.S. rallycross, where Ken Block Sr., Pastrana, and Hailie’s father, Brian Deegan, were fierce competitors.

Previous Nitrocross Experience

Deegan’s last Nitrocross appearance came in the 2021 season finale at the Florida International Rally and Motorsports Park, where she competed in the SxS class. In that event, she demonstrated her skill with impressive finishes of fifth and fourth places.

From Off-Road to NASCAR and Back

While Deegan has become a familiar face in NASCAR circles in recent years, her racing career began in the world of off-road competition. She cut her teeth in the trophy kart classes of the SXS Stadium Series and the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series before transitioning to stock car racing. Her off-road prowess was further demonstrated in 2022 when she competed in the prestigious Mint 400 in the Unlimited Truck Spec class.

In NASCAR, Deegan has shown promise, securing three wins in the K&N Pro Series West and achieving three top-10 finishes in the Craftsman Truck series over three seasons. Her Xfinity Series campaign, which included 18 starts and four top-20 finishes, came to an early end after parting ways with AM Racing following the Tennessee Lottery 250.

A Family Affair

The Deegan name is no stranger to Nitrocross. Hailie’s father, Brian Deegan, has been a sporadic but successful presence in the series. He has competed in both the SxS and the top Group E class, claiming SxS victories in both the 2021 and 2022-23 seasons. In the 2023-24 season, Brian made his debut in the Group E class, competing in four races across the Phoenix and California weekends, with a best finish of seventh at Glen Helen Raceway.

Looking Ahead

Hailie Deegan’s return to Nitrocross not only highlights her diverse racing skills but also adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming event at Utah Motorsports Campus. As she prepares to take on the challenging SxS class once again, fans and fellow competitors alike will be eager to see how her NASCAR experience translates back to the dirt tracks of Nitrocross.

This appearance could potentially open new doors for Deegan, reminding the motorsports world of her versatility and potentially paving the way for more off-road opportunities in the future. As the worlds of traditional motorsport and action sports continue to intertwine, Deegan’s presence at this event exemplifies the exciting crossovers that modern racing fans have come to love.

Photo by Matthew Thacker/Motorsport Images