A Golden Opportunity in the Desert: Deegan's Quest for Victory
The stage is set for an exciting comeback as Hailie Deegan returns to Bill McAnally Racing (BMR), aiming to kick off her 2026 campaign with a bang in the ARCA Menards Series West (AMSW). The race at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway showcased her team's potential, finishing sixth and leaving Deegan hungry for more. This result is just the beginning; Deegan's competitive spirit and ambition to win a championship this season are undeniable.
But here's where it gets interesting... Deegan, a native of Temecula, Calif., is not just returning to BMR; she's also reacquainting herself with stock car racing. Her focus now shifts to the next challenge at Phoenix Raceway, where she'll pilot the No. 16 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet SS. With her experience and the team's growing understanding of her driving style, they aim to fine-tune their strategy and build a solid foundation for the rest of the season.
The Veteran Advantage
Deegan's presence at Phoenix Raceway on Thursday night is a significant advantage. Her resume speaks for itself, with six starts across various NASCAR national series, driving different types of cars. This experience gives her an edge over the competition, especially with a combined field of 39 drivers from both the AMSW and the national ARCA Menards Series (AMS).
And this is the part most people miss... Deegan's time away from BMR has allowed her to develop and mature as a driver. Her return marks a new chapter, and the team is eager to harness her improved skills. This week's race at Phoenix Raceway is a crucial step towards their ultimate goal: a potential championship run later in the year.
Stay Tuned and Join the Conversation
Catch all the action from Avondale, Ariz., as coverage begins at 6:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 for the General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway. Stay connected with the No. 16 NAPA Auto Care team on social media: @BMRNASCAR on Twitter, @bmrnascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook. Don't miss this exciting journey!
Hailie Deegan's Take:
"Phoenix is going to be a thrill! It's one of the most recent tracks I've raced on this season, and with the speed we showed at Kern, I'm confident we'll put on a strong performance with our NAPA Auto Care Chevy."
Will Deegan's experience and the team's hard work pay off? Join the discussion and share your thoughts! BMR PR.
