Natalie Decker
NASCAR racing // Eagle River, Wisconsin, United States
Natalie's Socials:
Natalie Decker, a resilient motorsports competitor, born June 25, 1997, in Eagle River, Wisconsin, excels in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, showcasing inspiring performances and determination. Her journey began with winning go-kart championships, progressing to full-sized stock cars and achieving numerous accolades in various racing series. Despite facing health issues and unfair treatment as a female driver, Decker remains committed to her craft, leveraging social media to connect with supporters[1][4].
Natalie's Sponsors:
I want to do more and when I say more, I’m talking about racing. I cannot wait to get back to the track. Whatever that looks like.
CHAT & RACER CALENDAR COMING
NEWS:
GRRL! Weekly Top-10 Newsletter
SubscribeSOCIALS:
VIDEOS:
FULL BIO: Natalie Decker
Natalie Decker has emerged as a trailblazing force in NASCAR, breaking barriers for women in motorsports while demonstrating exceptional skill and determination on the track.
EARLY YEARS
Born on June 25, 1997, in Eagle River, Wisconsin, Natalie grew up immersed in racing culture. Her father, Chuck Decker, a 1987 World Champion snowmobiler and owner of the World Championship Snowmobile Derby Racetrack, introduced her to go-kart racing at age seven. By nine, she received her first purple oval asphalt go-kart as a birthday gift, marking the beginning of her racing journey in a family deeply rooted in motorsports tradition.
EARLY SUCCESS
Decker began competing seriously at age 12 in 4-cylinder modified stock cars before transitioning to the Super Stock class in 2011. Her talent quickly became evident when she won the 2012 class championship at Marshfield Motor Speedway. In 2013, she earned the ARCA Midwest Tour Rookie of the Year title after finishing third in points. By 2014, Natalie had claimed seven limited late model features and two super late model features, establishing herself as a rising star in racing circles.
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2013: Completed every lap of the World Series of Stock Car Racing at Florida’s New Smyrna Speedway and was selected to the NASCAR Rev Racing Drive for Diversity combine[1].
- 2014: Won the track championship at State Park Speedway in Wisconsin with 10 fast times and seven feature races[1].
- 2015: Joined NASCAR Drive for Diversity program with Rev Racing, competing at Hickory Motor Speedway[1].
- 2018: Made history as the first woman to start the Daytona ARCA race from pole position, finishing fifth overall[5].
- 2020: Achieved the highest finish for a female in the NASCAR Truck Series with a fifth-place finish at Daytona International Speedway[1].
- 2021: Won the SGT Pro Am Championship in the Trans Am series with Ave Motorsports[1].
- 2024: Made history at Daytona International Speedway by leading the most laps by a female in NASCAR Xfinity since Danica Patrick[4].
REPUTATION
Despite facing challenges and bias as a female driver in a male-dominated sport, Natalie has earned respect for her determination and resilience. Her ability to compete at the highest levels while overcoming obstacles has made her an inspiration to young women in motorsports. Decker has been candid about being raced harder by male competitors, yet her focus remains unwavering as she continues to break barriers and champion women’s presence in racing.
FUTURE GOALS/PLANS
After announcing her pregnancy in 2024, Natalie has temporarily stepped away from active competition in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. She and her husband Derek Lemke have reopened their family-owned Late Model team, suggesting a shift toward team management while balancing her new family responsibilities. While her immediate racing future remains to be determined, Decker’s influence as a pioneering female racer continues to inspire the next generation of women in motorsports.
References:
Who is Natalie Decker? All you need to know about the NASCAR driver participating in Xfinity Series
Paige, Claire, Natalie Decker and the Danica Patrick connection
Behind The Wheel with Natalie Decker
Have Natalie updates or corrections? Please let us know – We’d love to keep this profile current.
