Bold start: Deegan’s desert quest isn’t just about chasing victory—it’s about proving she belongs among the sport’s elite. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a returning star lift a storied NASCAR program to a championship in 2026?
Hailie Deegan returned to Bill McAnally Racing (BMR) for her 2026 ARCA Menards Series West (AMSW) debut at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway on Saturday night. The No. 16 team showed strong speed in practice and flashed competitive pace at various points during the race, ultimately finishing sixth. While the finish marks a solid starting point, Deegan isn’t satisfied. Her drive to win and contend for a championship this season is clear, and she used this opener to rebuild comfort behind the wheel of a stock car with BMR. Her focus now shifts to the next challenge aboard the No. 16 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet SS at Phoenix Raceway.
Veteran Presence… Thursday night’s General Tire 150 at Phoenix Raceway features a deep field, but Deegan’s experience gives her and the BMR No. 16 team an edge. With six prior Phoenix starts across three NASCAR national series, driving different car types, she should benefit on the desert track. The race is a stacked combination event, pairing AMSW with the national ARCA Menards Series (AMS) field, and 39 drivers are entered. Deegan will face a demanding day as she looks to put together a strong performance in Arizona.
Build the Notebook… As Deegan continues to settle into her seat at BMR in the AMSW, the team is refining what she needs from the car to be competitive. In her earlier stint with BMR, she was still developing as a driver and has since gained substantial experience. Phoenix offers an opportunity to fine-tune the car and gather notes, which will be invaluable when the series returns in the fall for the season finale. The goal this weekend is to establish a solid foundation for the 2026 season and position the team for a potential title run later in the year.
Tune In… Coverage from Avondale, Ariz., begins 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 by following @BMRNASCAR on Twitter, @bmrnascar on Instagram, and Bill McAnally Racing on Facebook.
Hailie Deegan Quote:
“Going back to Phoenix is going to be a blast! It’s one of the most recent tracks I’ve raced at that is on the schedule this season, and with the speed we had at Kern as a team, I think we’ll have a good run with our NAPA Auto Care Chevy.”
BMR PR
