Hailie Deegan Sets Course for Return to NASCAR Competition in 2026

The speculation can finally be put to rest. Hailie Deegan is officially heading back to the discipline that launched her career, confirming she will drive the No. 16 Chevrolet SS full‑time in the ARCA Menards Series West for the 2026 season. The move reunites her with Bill McAnally Racing, the team where she first made her mark and became one of the most talked‑about young drivers in the sport.

For fans who have followed her journey from dirt tracks to Daytona, and even through her recent open‑wheel stint in Indy NXT, this return feels like a well‑timed reset. Deegan is going back to the environment where she once thrived, hoping to rediscover the rhythm and confidence that made her a breakout star nearly a decade ago.

A Reunion Built on Unfinished Business

This isn’t just another driver signing a contract. It’s a return to familiar ground and to a team that helped shape her early success. During her first run with Bill McAnally Racing in 2018 and 2019, Deegan didn’t simply show potential. She delivered. She earned multiple victories, consistently ran up front, and proved she could win on the demanding short tracks that define the West Series.

Now she’s stepping back into the No. 16 Chevrolet with a clear mission: contend for a championship. Deegan made it clear that this move is about more than getting back behind the wheel. It’s about competing at the level she knows she’s capable of and doing it with a team that understands how to bring out her best.

The support behind her is strong. Columbia Bank, Monster Energy, and NAPA Auto Care are backing the effort, providing her with the stability and resources that championship seasons are built on. In a sport where funding often dictates opportunity, Deegan is entering 2026 with the pieces firmly in place.

McAnally’s Confidence in Deegan Hasn’t Faded

Bill McAnally has spent decades building one of the most successful organizations on the West Coast, and he doesn’t bring drivers back unless he believes they can win. His enthusiasm for Deegan’s return says everything about the faith he still has in her.

He’s made it clear that her experience, her racecraft, and her familiarity with the series’ unique tracks make her a natural fit for another title run. Pairing her with teammate Mason Massey gives BMR a lineup capable of delivering the organization’s 12th championship, a milestone McAnally has been eyeing for years.

A Demanding 2026 Schedule Awaits

Deegan’s 2026 season won’t be limited to ARCA West. Alongside the full 13‑race schedule, she’ll also run select events in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. It’s a smart approach that allows her to chase a championship while still keeping her name active on the national stage.

The ARCA West races give her a chance to rebuild momentum in equipment she knows she can win with. The Craftsman Truck Series starts allow her to stay sharp against deeper fields and tougher competition. It’s a balance that could pay off in a big way if she executes.

Fans have already embraced the move. The moment the announcement dropped, social media lit up with excitement. Many welcomed her back to stock cars, while others immediately began speculating about what this means for her long‑term future with Chevrolet. Some are already envisioning a path to JR Motorsports or another major O’Reilly Series team.

Why This Move Is Pivotal For Deegan’s Career

This return marks a pivotal moment in Deegan’s racing life. Switching to Chevrolet opens doors she hasn’t had access to before. The manufacturer has a deep development system and a strong presence across all three national series, giving Deegan a clearer path forward.

More importantly, returning to a series where she’s already proven she can win gives her a chance to rebuild confidence. A strong season in 2026 would remind the industry and perhaps even herself of the talent that once made her one of NASCAR’s most promising prospects.

And from a marketing standpoint, Deegan remains one of the most recognizable names in American motorsports. A winning season would only amplify her value to sponsors and teams looking ahead to 2027.

What’s Next

The 2026 season has all the makings of a redemption arc for Hailie Deegan. By returning to Bill McAnally Racing, she’s betting on the combination of familiar equipment, a proven team, and her own growth as a driver to carry her back to Victory Lane.

The talent is still there. The support is in place. The opportunity is real. Now it comes down to execution. When the green flag waves on the ARCA Menards Series West season, the spotlight will be firmly on the No. 16, and on whether Deegan can turn this homecoming into the championship run she’s been chasing.