Dale Earnhardt Jr. breaks down the “frustrating” career choices from drivers like Hailie Deegan that ends in disappointment
Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn’t happy with how Hailie Deegan’s stint with AMR came to an end.
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Hailie Deegan and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)
Hailie Deegan came into the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024 with the hopes of re-establishing herself after three underwhelming years in the Truck Series. She signed with AM Racing to drive the No:15 Ford entry and unfortunately, she failed to succeed. Her poor form and AMR failing to field solid cars resulted in the parting ways this week.
Hailie Deegan and AMR announced the separation as they were convinced that their goals no longer align together. It is a major missed opportunity for both parties involved. NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. discussed the situation on his recent podcast and pointed out Deegan, who had a good sponsorship backing, shouldn’t have signed the Xfinity deal with AMR when it was offered.
Dale Jr. then went onto highlight how drivers with solid financial backing often ends up making disappointing career choices. Since they will not have the financial backing forever, these drivers often show too much urgency and ends up signing with teams in the top divisions that often doesn’t suit them. Their hopes of climbing the racing ladder faster put them in bad spots.
I see this with a lot of drivers that are trying their hardest to get to the very top, taking the next opportunity that presents itself at the next level, and trying to progress as quickly as possible, because you can’t sit here… They’re like, ‘Well, we’re spending all this money, let’s go spend it here,’ and they just end up in bad situations. It’s about timing. But it’s frustrating to see it.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Dale Jr. Download.
Hailie Deegan’s crew chief responds to her exit
Joe Williams, who won a Xfinity Series race with Cole Custer in the past, was assigned to lead Deegan to success at AMR. But he failed to do so and he exited the team alongside the driver. He asserted that the issues at AMR is more to do with the decisions they made over the duo, and reiterated that their goals no longer align.
Yes I am no longer with AM. I want to thank Hailie Deegan for taking a chance on me this year. I wish her the best In the future and value our friendship. I don't need my job back. A lot more than driver Crew chief. Wasn't her fault they made the change. Like the post said goals don't align.Joe Williams said.
The opinion shared by Willaims the points to the fact that the exit of Deegan from AMR isn’t just because of how the team performed. It seems they have had issues beyond just performance. It would be interesting to how the drama involving the three parties would playout in the future.
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Justin P Joy
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