Deegan begins march to NASCAR's big leagues at Daytona

FILE - In this Oct. 18, 2019, file photo, driver Hailie Deegan greets fans after practicing for an ARCA Series auto race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. It’s a critical year for Deegan, the up-and-coming 18-year-old with an eye on making it to NASCAR’s biggest stage.(AP Photo/Colin E. Braley, File)

Hailie Deegan adjusts her helmet in her garage before the start of a practice session during testing for the upcoming Rolex 24 hour auto race at Daytona International Speedway, Friday, Jan. 3, 2020, in Daytona Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

FILE - In this Jan. 3, 2020, file photo, Hailie Deegan walks through her garage before the start of a practice session during testing for the upcoming Rolex 24 hour auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. It’s a critical year for Deegan, the up-and-coming 18-year-old with an eye on making it to NASCAR’s biggest stage. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

FILE - In this May 31, 2019, file photo, Hailie Deegan drives down the front stretch during the ARCA Series auto race at Pocono Raceway, in Long Pond, Pa. It’s a critical year for Deegan, the up-and-coming 18-year-old with an eye on making it to NASCAR’s biggest stage. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)