Hailie Deegan Claims Fourth ARCA West Win at Madera After Seven-Year Drought

Key points

• Hailie Deegan won the ARCA Menard's West Series race at Madera Speedway, California, on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
• The win was her fourth career victory in the division and her first since 2019, breaking a seven-year drought.
• Deegan passed Trevor Huddleston on the final lap of the two-lap dash to the checkered flag at the 0.333-mile track.
• Deegan, 25, returned to ARCA West in 2026 after struggling in the 2025 Indy NXT season and a lack of success in national NASCAR levels.
• She entered the race sixth in the championship standings, with four races remaining in the season.
• Deegan credited Bill McAnally Racing for providing a car capable of winning, noting the team's nearly three decades of experience at Madera Speedway.

Background

Deegan began her stock car career in ARCA West in 2018, winning three races in her first two seasons and finishing third in the 2019 championship. She moved to the primary ARCA division in 2020 and then to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series from 2021 to 2023. After a partial 2024 season in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series, she struggled to find success at national levels and transitioned to open-wheel racing for the 2025 Indy NXT season. Her return to ARCA West in 2026 was framed as a reset, with a full-season commitment. The Madera Speedway race was round 10 of the ARCA Menard's West Series season, with coverage on FloRacing.

How outlets are covering it

Motorsport.com emphasized the emotional aspect of Deegan's victory, highlighting her tears and gratitude for continued support after a difficult period. The outlet noted her return to Victory Lane after seven years and her fourth career win in the division. Speedway Digest focused on the team's history at Madera Speedway, noting Bill McAnally Racing's nearly three decades of experience at the track and their 10 wins at the similar 0.333-mile All American Speedway. The outlet also highlighted teammate Mason Massey's championship position and his Madera debut. ARCA Racing provided a video of Deegan's Victory Lane interview, reinforcing the emotional tone of the win. Speed Sport's coverage was limited to the headline, but the focus on Deegan's return to glory aligns with the broader narrative of her comeback.

Why it matters

Deegan's victory marks a significant milestone in her career, ending a long winless streak in ARCA West and demonstrating her ability to compete at a high level after a challenging period. The win also highlights the importance of team support and experience, as Bill McAnally Racing's nearly three decades of experience at Madera Speedway contributed to her success. For fans and analysts, the victory underscores the competitive nature of the ARCA Menard's West Series and the potential for drivers to rebound from difficult seasons. Deegan's return to Victory Lane also adds to the small group of women who have won races in various levels of NASCAR, including Shawna Robinson, Manami Kobayashi, Gracie Trotter, and Tatiana Calderon.

What to watch

With four races remaining in the ARCA Menard's West Series season, Deegan will aim to maintain her momentum and improve her championship standing. The next race is expected to be at a different track, with coverage on FloRacing. Deegan's team, Bill McAnally Racing, will continue to leverage their experience at short tracks to compete for more victories. Fans can follow Deegan's progress through social media and racing platforms, with updates on her performance and championship position.