NATALIE DECKER Credits HAILIE DEEGAN for Expanding Her Racing Horizons

June 21, 2025

by Shivali Nathta // from www.essentiallysports.com

• NATALIE DECKER opened up about how HAILIE DEEGAN’s fearless approach to racing multiple disciplines has inspired her own career strategy. With four karting championships under her belt and a third-place finish among women in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Daytona, Decker credits Deegan’s “race anything” mentality for helping her see road racing as a viable alternative to her NASCAR dreams.
• The connection runs deeper than professional admiration – both drivers come from racing families and started young, with Decker beginning in 4-cylinder modified stock cars at 12 and winning her first championship at 9. Her family’s snowmobile racing history intertwined with the Patrick family creates a unique support network, as she regularly receives advice from Danica Patrick’s father about navigating the challenges female drivers face.
• While Decker’s NASCAR journey hit pause after her 2024 DGM Racing appearances, she’s actively exploring full-season road racing opportunities with Ave Motorsports. The Wisconsin native isn’t abandoning her NASCAR aspirations but following Deegan’s playbook of staying race-ready across disciplines while the right opportunity emerges – though she acknowledges sponsorship funding remains the biggest hurdle to her next career move.

arca, ave motorsports, euronascar 2, off-road racing