DGR-Crosley announced today that Temecula, Calif. native Hailie Deegan will compete for the team in the upcoming NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. The 18-year-old Toyota Racing Development (TRD) driver will drive the team's No. 54 Camry with primary sponsorship from iK9.
Deegan is a rising star in the NASCAR ranks. She currently competes full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West for Bill McAnally Racing (BMR), where she sits second in driver point standings with six races remaining in the season. Deegan also runs a part-time schedule in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and ARCA Menards Series.
"It's awesome that we were able to work with DGR-Crosley on running the K&N East race at Bristol," said Deegan. "They have top notch equipment and people within their organization. Every weekend they are competing for wins and as a driver, that's all you want -- a chance to win."
In 2018, Deegan secured her first NASCAR win as she took the checkered flag at Meridian (Idaho) Speedway becoming the first female to be victorious in the K&N Pro Series. She also went on to finish fifth in driver point standings, earning Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. So far this season, Deegan has a career-best season going as she has two wins, five top-five finishes and two pole awards in eight races this season.
It's no secret that Deegan loves racing on the high-banked 0.533-mile track of Bristol Motor Speedway. The NASCAR Next member has two previous starts at the track. Most recently in April of this year.
"Bristol [Motor Speedway] is one of my favorite tracks and there’s just so much NASCAR history at that track. It's a tough track to figure out, but I feel like it really fits my driving style. The short track beating and banging always makes for an exciting race. The seat time and experience this weekend will help me be at the top of my game when I go back to race on the west coast."
iK9, a comprehensive canine solutions provider for detection and service dogs, along with professional handler education, will adorn the sides of Deegan's No. 54 Camry at Bristol Motor Speedway along with Monster Energy and TRD.
Deegan will be joined by DGR-Crosley teammates Tanner Gray and Ty Gibbs in the Bush's Beans 150. Teams will have one practice session and qualifying on Thursday, Aug. 15 before the 150-lap race later that evening at 6:30 p.m., ET. The K&N Pro Series East race will be broadcast live from Bristol Motor Speedway on www.fanschoice.tv.
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