NASCAR: 3 possible landing spots for Hailie Deegan in 2023
By Randy Smith
Hailie Deegan 2023 landing spots: No. 2 – SS-Green Light Racing
When it comes to full-time opportunities for Hailie Deegan to compete for Ford, the NASCAR Xfinity Series would be her best bet. The slim representation of Ford in the Truck Series will likely force her to search for Xfinity Series rides, and SS-Green Light Racing could be the perfect fit.
Not only are they affiliated with SHR, but they have also fielded the #07 Ford for multiple SHR drivers such as Chase Briscoe and Cole Custer, with the latter of the two winning at Auto Club Speedway this year. However, in addition to Briscoe and Custer, Deegan herself was able to pilot the #07 Ford this season, and she had an impressive run.
Deegan made her Xfinity Series debut in the car at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and she finished in 13th place.
This shouldn’t be overlooked by SS-Green Light Racing, and the success that other drivers have had in the #07 Ford compared to veteran Joe Graf Jr. may be enough to force them to look elsewhere and give another driver a full-time opportunity.
With the top three drivers in the Xfinity Series all set to join the Cup Series next year, star power will be needed, and signing Deegan to a full-time ride would provide the spark the series is looking for.
Additionally, this would further the relationship between SHR and SS-Green Light Racing. It is clear that Deegan is in SHR’s future plans, and giving her seat time in the Xfinity Series would allow her to communicate feedback to SS-Green Light Racing on where they are as a team while allowing her to grow as a driver under the guidance of both organizations.
Like most seats in NASCAR, sponsorship will play a huge part in landing a ride for Deegan, and it is unclear if Monster Energy will follow her next move. However, Pristine Auction signed on to sponsor the 2021 Truck Series Most Popular Driver and could elect to sign a full-time deal for next year.
On paper, it seems to be a win-win move for all involved, but there is one landing spot which could be an even better option for Deegan.