NATALIE DECKER Finishes P22 in Strong Return From Maternity Leave at Daytona

August 25, 2025

by Zach Dean // from www.outkick.com

• NATALIE DECKER made a triumphant return to NASCAR competition at Daytona, securing a respectable 22nd-place finish in her first race back after giving birth. The performance showed she hasn’t missed a beat, managing to avoid the chaos that typically defines superspeedway racing while proving the doubters wrong about taking time for family.
• While the NASCAR playoff field took shape around her, DECKER’s clean run stood out in a race that ended with the usual Daytona drama and controversy. She demonstrated exactly what we love to see – a professional performance that didn’t wreck, didn’t cause problems, and reminded everyone that women can balance motherhood and racing without missing a step.
• The result caps off what’s been a statement-making season for DECKER, who continues to carve out her space in NASCAR despite the typical challenges facing women in the sport. Her return proves that taking time for life doesn’t mean losing your edge on track – a lesson the sport’s old-school mentality could stand to learn.

cup series, daytona international speedway, euronascar 2, playoffs