AM Racing has enlisted Joey Logano, a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, to pilot the No. 15 Ford in Saturday afternoon’s Xfinity Series race at the Chicago Street Course, replacing regular driver Hailie Deegan.
Last year, NASCAR restricted drivers to participating in just one race at the 2.2-mile temporary street circuit in Chicago, Illinois, to ensure no one had prior experience advantage ahead of the inaugural street race weekend in NASCAR history.
However, this year, drivers are allowed to compete in both races. Logano, fresh off his victory at Nashville Superspeedway, will drive the No. 22 Team Penske Ford in Sunday’s 75-lap Grant Park 165 after tackling Saturday’s 50-lap The Loop 110.
The team’s unexpected driver change reportedly aims to gather valuable feedback to enhance on-track competition as NASCAR progresses into the second half of the season.
During her three complete Truck Series seasons, Deegan did not achieve a top-five finish in any race and managed only five top-10 finishes. Her highest position in the standings was 17th place.
Last season, AM Racing participated full-time in the Xfinity Series with Brett Moffitt, who secured nine top-10 finishes and ended the season in 17th place in the standings. Moffitt’s strongest finish of the season, fourth place, occurred in Chicago, highlighting the team’s potential for this upcoming weekend and validating the choice to replace Deegan with Logano.
