After securing a career-best 12th-place finish at the April 20 Talladega race, NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie Hailie Deegan and her crew found themselves disappointed due to a maneuver by fellow Ford driver Riley Herbst on the final lap. Despite the milestone achievement, the No. 15 team felt they were denied a chance at a higher finish due to Herbst’s actions, sparking frustration and scrutiny within the racing community.
Following the race, tensions were palpable as Deegan’s spotter expressed disbelief over Herbst’s move, lamenting the missed opportunity for a better result. Despite their efforts throughout the day, Herbst’s decision to prioritize his own position over team collaboration left Deegan and her crew feeling aggrieved and questioning his sportsmanship.
Hailie Deegan Denied Chance at Possible Top-5 Result or Win
Deegan’s strong performance throughout the race positioned her for a potential top-5 finish or even a victory, raising expectations within her team and among her fans. Starting on the outside of the second row during the final laps, Deegan and Herbst had the opportunity to work together to advance their positions. However, Herbst’s maneuvering ultimately disrupted their potential partnership, leading to disappointment and frustration for Deegan and her crew.
Despite the setback, Deegan’s team recognized the progress she has made in recent races, including an 18th-place finish at Martinsville and her career-best performance at Talladega. While the outcome fell short of their aspirations, they remain optimistic about Deegan’s trajectory and the potential for continued improvement throughout her rookie season.
@HailieDeegan and her crew were not happy after @TALLADEGA because they felt fellow Ford driver @rileyherbst had done her dirty. Here’s the radio communication. pic.twitter.com/9j9R4tmWU5
— Kyle Dalton (@kdsportswriter) April 21, 2024
Deegan Can Build Off Result
Despite the disappointment of the Talladega race, Deegan’s team sees it as a stepping stone for future success. By capitalizing on the momentum gained from her recent performances, Deegan has the opportunity to elevate her performance in the coming weeks. The experience gained from races like Talladega will serve as valuable lessons, driving her determination to achieve better results in the remainder of the season.
As Deegan continues to refine her skills and adapt to the challenges of NASCAR’s competitive landscape, her team remains hopeful that the Talladega race will serve as a turning point in her rookie year. By channeling their frustration into motivation, they aim to harness the momentum generated from the race and translate it into improved performance in the races ahead.
Despite securing a career-best 12th-place finish at the Talladega race on April 20, NASCAR Xfinity Series rookie Hailie Deegan and her crew felt disappointed by a maneuver from fellow driver Riley Herbst on the final lap. The No. 15 team believed they were denied a chance at a higher finish due to Herbst’s actions, sparking frustration and scrutiny within the racing community. Deegan’s spotter expressed disbelief over Herbst’s move post-race, highlighting the missed opportunity for a better result. Despite the setback, Deegan’s team remains optimistic about her progress, recognizing the momentum gained from recent races. They see the Talladega race as a stepping stone for future success, aiming to channel their frustration into motivation for improved performances ahead.
