A Golden Opportunity in the Desert: Deegan's Quest for Victory
The Chase for Checkered Flags Begins!
Hailie Deegan, a rising star in the racing world, is back with a bang! Her return to Bill McAnally Racing (BMR) for the 2026 ARCA Menards Series West (AMSW) debut at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway left everyone wanting more. Despite a solid sixth-place finish, Deegan's competitive spirit remains unquenched, setting her sights on the ultimate prize - the championship.
But here's where it gets intriguing...
The Temecula native used the opener as a warm-up, reacquainting herself with the stock car and the BMR team. With a seasoned presence, Deegan brings a wealth of experience to the table, especially at Phoenix Raceway, where she has raced in various NASCAR national series. This gives her and the BMR No. 16 team a significant edge over the competition.
And this is the part most people miss...
The deep field of 39 drivers at Phoenix Raceway presents a formidable challenge. However, Deegan's versatility and the team's growing understanding of her needs provide a unique advantage. During her previous stint with BMR, she was still honing her skills, but now, with more experience under her belt, the team can fine-tune the car to perfection.
A Controversial Take?
Some might argue that Deegan's expectations are too high, but is it truly controversial to aim for the stars? What do you think? Should racers set their sights on the championship from the get-go, or is it a gradual process?
The Notebook Strategy
As Deegan settles into her role at BMR, the team is diligently building a notebook of insights. This week's race at Phoenix Raceway is an opportunity to gather crucial notes and make precise adjustments. The goal? To lay a solid foundation for the entire 2026 season and, ultimately, a potential championship run.
Don't Miss the Action!
Catch all the excitement live from Avondale, Arizona, starting at 6:00 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1 for the General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway. Stay connected with the No. 16 NAPA Auto Care team on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to keep up with their journey.
Hailie Deegan's Quote:
"Phoenix is going to be an incredible experience! It's a track I know well, and with the speed we showed at Kern, I'm confident we'll put on a strong show with our NAPA Auto Care Chevy."
BMR is ready to take on the challenge. Are you?
