Hailie Deegan's Golden Quest: Can She Reign in the Desert?
In a thrilling comeback, Hailie Deegan reunited with Bill McAnally Racing (BMR) for her 2026 ARCA Menards Series West (AMSW) debut at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway. The No. 16 team showcased their potential, finishing sixth and leaving Deegan hungry for more. Despite the solid start, Deegan's competitive spirit shines through, setting her sights on championships and victories.
A native of Temecula, California, Deegan used this race as a warm-up, reacquainting herself with stock car racing alongside BMR. Now, she shifts gears towards the next challenge at Phoenix Raceway, aiming to build on her experience.
Veteran Advantage, Desert Style
The General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway on Thursday night promises an intense battle, with Deegan's veteran status giving her an edge. Her diverse NASCAR national series experience, spanning six starts and various car types, could be the key to success on the desert track. However, with 39 drivers entered, the competition is fierce, combining AMSW and national ARCA Menards Series (AMS) fields. Deegan has her work cut out for her in Arizona.
Fine-Tuning for Future Glory
As Deegan settles into her role at BMR, the team is learning what it takes to make her competitive. Her growth as a driver since her previous stint with BMR is evident, and this week's race at Phoenix Raceway offers a chance to perfect their strategy. The team aims to gather valuable insights, especially with the series finale approaching in the fall. This weekend is crucial for laying the foundation for a potential championship run later in the year.
Catch the Action and Stay Connected
Coverage of the General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway starts at 6:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1. Stay tuned and show your support for the No. 16 NAPA Auto Care team by following @BMRNASCAR on Twitter, @bmrnascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.
Hailie Deegan's Take:
"Phoenix is going to be exciting! It's one of the most recent tracks I've raced on this season, and with the speed we showed at Kern, I believe we'll have a strong run with our NAPA Auto Care Chevy."
BMR PR
