“It Started Strangling Me”: Hailie Deegan Suffers Unusual Issue in First Indy NXT Oval Test
Hailie Deegan, a rising star in motorsports, faced an unexpected challenge during her first oval test with Indy NXT, the second-tier open-wheel racing series in the United States. Deegan, who is best known for her time in NASCAR and her pursuit of success in the racing world, experienced a potentially dangerous issue during her first test on an oval circuit, describing the sensation as feeling like the car was “strangling” her.
The test, which took place at an undisclosed oval track, was an essential part of Deegan’s transition into the Indy NXT series, a feeder series for the prestigious IndyCar Championship. As she got accustomed to the high-speed nature of the oval layout, she encountered a strange sensation that left her momentarily concerned for her safety and performance.
Deegan, who has spent the majority of her career competing in stock car racing, had never driven an open-wheel car on an oval before this test. Her racing experience, while extensive, had mostly been limited to road courses and short tracks. The difference between the two disciplines is vast, particularly when it comes to handling the high-speed and often physically demanding nature of an oval circuit.
“It started strangling me,” Deegan said in a post-test interview. “It was a weird sensation, almost like the G-forces were pulling me in a way that I wasn’t prepared for. The car was just moving around a lot, and I wasn’t sure what was happening at first. I’ve never felt something like this before.”
While her comment may sound dramatic, the G-forces generated by an open-wheel car at high speeds on an oval track are nothing to take lightly. Oval tracks, known for their continuous left turns, create a unique set of challenges for drivers, especially when it comes to managing cornering forces and maintaining stability throughout a session. Deegan, who had previously raced on road courses and in NASCAR’s Truck Series, found herself adapting to the oval’s demands, which include sustained high-speed cornering.
For Deegan, the initial discomfort came from the way the car’s aerodynamics and weight distribution affected her during turns. Open-wheel cars like those used in Indy NXT have very different handling characteristics compared to stock cars. The lack of downforce and the sensitivity of the open-wheel design can result in an overwhelming physical experience for drivers unfamiliar with it.
“This car’s aerodynamics really push the car into the track, and at high speeds, I could feel my neck and chest getting heavier, almost like I was suffocating,” she continued. “It’s not something I had to deal with in stock cars, but now I’m starting to understand just how much physical strength is needed to compete at this level.”
Deegan’s performance throughout the test was promising, despite the unusual challenge. Her ability to quickly adapt to the car and manage the physical stress shows her resilience and determination to excel in new environments. Though she encountered a brief struggle, Deegan’s confidence and composure were evident as she continued to work with her team to adjust the car to better suit her needs.
Her coach and engineers were quick to offer support, making slight adjustments to the car’s setup and providing guidance on how to better handle the forces during high-speed laps. After some modifications, Deegan found a better balance and was able to improve her lap times as she got more comfortable with the car.
Deegan’s experience during this oval test highlights the intense physical and mental demands faced by drivers in open-wheel racing. As she continues her journey in Indy NXT, this test will undoubtedly serve as a learning experience, helping her refine her skills and understand the complexities of oval racing. With her background in competitive motorsports and her determination to succeed, Deegan’s career in the Indy NXT series promises to be one to watch in the years to come.
