Hailie Deegan Announces Full-Time NASCAR Return for 2026 Season

Hailie Deegan has announced that she will officially return to racing in the ARCA Menards Series West in the 2026 season. Deegan started her racing career with Bill McAnally Racing in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West back in 2018. Now, the 24-year-old is set to return to racing in the coming season and start making her mark in the world of motorsport again.

Notably, Hailie Deegan gained recognition after winning three races, making her the first woman to win races in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West. Subsequently, she received a great opportunity in racing at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck and ultimately the Xfinity (now O’Reilly Auto Parts Series). Though Deegan’s career was far from smooth sailing, she still remained a great contender for top-10 finishes a couple of years back.

Now, Hailie Deegan has received a great opportunity to return to her racing roots in the ARCA Menards Series West with Bill McAnally Racing. She will pilot the No.16 Chevrolet with multiple flashy sponsorships from NAPA Auto Care, Monter Energ,y and Columbia Bank. Deegan will race full-time for the constructor and hopes to continue her success in the ARCA Series.

Speaking on her return to NASCAR with BMR, Hailie Deegan claimed that she couldn’t be more excited for the reunion with the team. Because of her stint at IndyNXT, Deegan believed that she lost touch with stock racing. Regardless, she is focused on achieving a great comeback and remaining a common contender for race wins. Further, the 24-year-old thanked the sponsors for helping her field a seat in the ARCA Menards series for the 2026 season.

I couldn’t be more excited to reunite with Bill [McAnally] and the BMR team, I’ve been away from stock cars for a bit but am focused on coming back stronger and competing for wins and a championship. Having Columbia Bank and Monster Energy on board and working with NAPA Auto Care again is going to be a thrill, and our goal is to get them to victory lane multiple times this year.

Hailie Deegan said via bmrnaparacing.

Bill McAnally Racing owner applauds Hailie Deegan’s NASCAR comeback

Hailie Deegan could not achieve a picture-perfect finish in IndyNXT as she finished the season in 14th place overall. Now, her return to the ARCA Menards Series will certainly help her add on to her success in the category before in her career. Bill McAnally Racing owner, Bill McAnally, opened up on Deegan’s return to the team and what it meant for their ambitions in the 2026 season.

Bill McAnally highlighted that having Hailie Deegan back in the team was incredibly special. He recalled the stint with the 24-year-old back in the day and how the two parties achieved great success. McAnally applauded Deegan’s commitment to compete in the ARCA Menards Series and keep succeeding in the sport. The owner claimed that the team had a great shot at winning the title with her and Mason Massey coming together at Bill McAnally Racing.

Having Hailie back on our team is incredibly special, We enjoyed working together several years ago and won some races. I see the commitment she has for competing at this level and we want to be part of her success. She has the knowledge of winning out West and we have a great chance to chase our 12^th title with her and Mason Massey in the fold.

Bill McAnally said via bmrnaparacing.

The commencement of the 2026 season is right around the corner. Hailie Deegan’s return to NASCAR racing proves that women certainly have a chance to succeed in a traditionally male-dominated sport. More women participating in the pinnacle of stock racing will only help improve equality and make racing even more exciting. Deegan will definitely motivate many other women to come up and dare to race against others in multiple categories of NASCAR.

Read More: Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott to Drive for Dale Earnhardt Jr. In the 2026 O’reilly Series

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