Natalie Decker and Derek Lemke tried to escape Richmond Raceway’s heat on Friday, July 28th. They entered the Reaume Brothers Racing trailer and sat on the cold floor. The heat index was rising to 110 degrees, and the temperature was nearing 100 degrees.
Lemke had finished practice and qualifying for the 2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series‘ biggest race, the Worldwide Express 250. The regular season ended with the Worldwide Express 250. It was important because it was his first NASCAR-approved race.
Lemke told Frontstretch’s Adam Cheek, “I wasn’t as nervous as I expected, which was surprising.” His voice was enthusiastic and worried: “I don’t even know if I was still really nervous when I drove onto the track, but I was, to put it simply, very flustered.” I don’t think I struck any fans, my helmet was messed up, and I was ready to go onto a live track where the practice had been going on for five minutes. I didn’t realize what I was getting into.
Since December 2022, they have been engaged and participated in the Truck Series. Decker has raced 32 times. Her fifth-place finish at Daytona International Speedway in 2020 was the best by a female truck driver.
“We’re both super competitive in everything we do together,” Decker said. She laughed, “He has never defeated me, to be honest.”
Despite their competitiveness, they help each other on the track. Natalie’s guidance was crucial to Lemke. He stated, “I feel like I help her when she’s running.” It may not always work that way. The couple says they advise each other.
Lemke has raced legendary cars, late models, and snowmobiles. Elko Speedway in Minnesota, where he races, helped him acclimate. “I believe that being able to hop into different cars and adapt quickly easily helped me when I came to Richmond and started to understand it quickly,” he thought.
He didn’t realize he was in a NASCAR race until after qualifying. He told Natalie, “I can’t accept it.” I won’t believe it until I’m sure I’m competing. The evening would be hard, he remarked.
They met at Elko Speedway and started dating. The way Lemke appeared and the brand on his hat astonished Decker, who was 14. She told her father, “Dad, I’m going to marry that guy,” without fear. He requested her to phone him when she turned 18, and she did. It happened perfectly.
The Lemkes have always loved racing. Derek’s father, Jon, has raced in the Truck Series and garnered track experience. Lemke, his father, remarked, “He’s always been way more talented than me.” He was born that way.
The duo has been doing well with Josh Reaume and is considering more sports. Right now, Lemke can only race on short tracks. But they chose Richmond for the race.
Charlotte Motor Speedway hosted Decker’s latest NASCAR race. She qualified 33rd and finished 34th. She wanted her future spouse to compete with her in the Xfinity Series and stressed the importance of having the proper people at the racetrack.
Lemke utilized a computer program to practice for the race weekend, but he had to compensate for items not in the software. His sudden stop at the start of his drill made Decker giggle. He finished running the JAG Metals No. 33 Ford. He practiced laps with better drivers.
Lemke struggled in his maiden Craftsman Truck Series race. He qualified 31st and finished 33rd. He congratulated RBR and Josh Reaume and remarked, “I’m really happy to announce that I’ll be able to make my first NASCAR start.”
Decker epitomized their relationship: “She’s more than just a spouse of a NASCAR driver now.” NASCAR racing is another activity. I drive NASCAR, and my spouse does too. Natalie Decker and Derek Lemke show how love, competition, and perseverance help racers.
Our Reader’s Queries
When did Craftsman leave Nascar?
Maury Gallagher’s GMS Racing has revealed that they will be shutting down their NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team and GMS Fabrication company by the end of the 2023 season. This decision marks the end of an era for the team, which has been a prominent player in the industry for years. The closure of the fabrication entity will also be a significant loss for the company, which has been operating alongside the Truck Series team. It remains to be seen what the future holds for GMS Racing, but this announcement is sure to have a significant impact on the NASCAR community.
Who is Nascar truck driver Decker?
Natalie Decker, a rising star in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, made her debut in the 2021 Super Start Batteries 188 at Daytona RC. Since then, she has continued to impress fans and competitors alike with her skill and determination on the track. While she has yet to secure a win, she has consistently placed in the top ten and shown promise for future success. With no poles to her name just yet, Decker is focused on continuing to improve and make her mark in the world of professional racing.
Who drives the 33 in the Nascar truck series?
Mason Massey is behind the wheel of the No. 33 Ford for Reaume Brothers Racing in the 2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. As a valuable member of the team, he’s ready to take on the competition and show off his skills on the track. With his passion for racing and dedication to success, Massey is sure to make a name for himself in the upcoming season.
