Hailie Deegan has announced that she will no longer drive the No. 15 Ford Mustang for AM Racing.
The California native released a statement Monday morning, saying that she and the Xfinity Series team are parting ways. She did not go into details but said that there were several reasons why this partnership did not work out.
"Beginning this season, I had a lot of excitement and hope in taking my next step in the NASCAR Xfinity Series," Deegan said. "It's something I've been working towards for years and always dreamt about. I worked hard to prepare for this season after the team pursued me to drive their car.
"Unfortunately, it has not turned out the way that I expected. There are always several reasons within a race team as to why things do or do not work, but sadly our goals no longer align. With that being said, myself and AM Racing will be parting ways.
"The only thing I am focused on is getting back to being competitive. That is ALL that matters to me. I'm working as quick as possible to find the best opportunities to get back to the track. I'm thankful for the following that I have and everyone who supports me, it's truly only me that knows the whole story and what I need to succeed."
Deegan made her Xfinity Series debut in 2022. She drove the No. 07 Ford for SS Green Light Racing and delivered a 13th-place finish. She returned to the Truck Series in 2023 but moved up to Xfinity full-time at the start of this season.
The campaign did not pan out for Deegan or AM Racing. The team struggled in 17 races as Deegan failed to finish three races while posting an average finish of 26.8. Her best finish was 12th at Talladega. The team also switched crew chiefs midway through the year.
"AM Racing and Hailie Deegan have decided to part ways, effective immediately," the Xfinity team said in a statement. "We are grateful for Hailie's contributions and dedication as the driver of the No. 15 Ford Mustang during her time with the race team.
"We wish Hailie the best in her future endeavors and look forward to her continued success on and off the track."
Deegan was not in the No. 15 Ford Mustang last weekend at Chicago. AM Racing put Joey Logano in the car, saying that the team "needed to take advantage of the knowledge and feedback" that the two-time Cup champion could provide as it sought improved performance.
Logano qualified 15th for Saturday's Xfinity Series race. He finished eighth after moving into the top 10 during the final stage of the street course race.