Natalie Decker returned to racing last August, just six months after becoming a mother. Her first race back was in the Xfinity Series race at Daytona (Wawa 250), with DGM Racing in partnership with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports. Returning to racing during postpartum, and that too on a challenging track like Daytona itself, takes something. Decker made a good account of herself at the race, too.
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The 28-year-old qualified for the race based on owner points and started 38th on the grid. Decker worked her way through the field to finish 22nd, gaining 16 positions by the checkered flag. Now, she is gearing up for another Daytona appearance scheduled for next weekend.
Decker appeared on Wake Up America last Wednesday, where she spoke about racing again at the iconic speedway, managing the responsibilities of motherhood while competing, and her partnership with Dickinson Brands.
When asked about how she managed to return to racing within six months after giving birth, Decker credited the people around her. “Well, the big thing is truly, I have such a good support system,” she said.
“It really does take a village to raise a child, and I have my parents helping me, my husband. We work together as a family in racing. And [the] same thing with Levi [her son]. There’s just so much support and love, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them,” added Decker.
Daytona has played a big role in Decker’s career. Past results show that she is at ease at the venue. In the NASCAR Truck Series, she has made three starts at the track, recording a top-five finish and a top-20 result. In her four starts in the Xfinity Series, she logged a top-20 finish in 2024 and a 22nd-place finish last year.
“Yes. It’s my favorite track. I love Daytona,” said Decker, before elaborating on her connection with the track.
“It was the first race I did back when I was 6 months postpartum, and now it will be my second race back after having Levi. So, it’s so much fun: The drafting, the high-speed, all of it. I’m just so excited. It’s really one of my favorites,” she added.
Decker’s next outing at Daytona falls on the same day as Valentine’s Day. She confirmed via Instagram that she will compete in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season opener at Daytona.
The announcement that Dickinson’s will back her effort in the February 14 race came via a video featuring Decker alongside her son, Levi, and her husband, Derek Lemke. Although she has devoted time to family life since becoming a mother, she plans to continue being involved in the sport.
