Natalie Decker NASCAR return after childbirth is generating attention as she prepares to re-enter the NASCAR Xfinity Series, just months after becoming a mother in February. While Decker’s comeback is notable for its rapid timing, she is not the first mother to race in NASCAR, though she could set a new precedent by returning within a year after childbirth.
Natalie Decker’s Race Against the Clock for Xfinity Entry
Natalie Decker Lemke plans to return to the Xfinity Series following the birth of her child, with Fox & Friends reporting on her intentions. No official statement has been released by her team, DGM Racing, and Decker’s No. 92 car holds 45th position in the points standings. To secure her spot in the race, Decker must qualify based on her speed, making the path to her official start particularly competitive this season.
Clarifying the Record: Mothers in NASCAR’s Top Three Series
When some media outlets, such as Fox News, indicated Natalie Decker would be the first mother to make a NASCAR return following childbirth, historical accounts proved this claim to be inaccurate. According to a journalist from Athlon Sports, Decker stands to become the seventh woman to compete in one of NASCAR’s top three series after giving birth. What distinguishes her, however, would be achieving this milestone less than a year postpartum.
“The claim by @FoxAndFriends of @NatalieRacing to become first mother to return to @NASCAR after having child is false. Here are the facts of the history of mothers in #NASCAR. A thread… pic.twitter.com/fJLe2CzB41” — Justin Schuoler, Reporter
Six Women Who Set Precedents in NASCAR After Motherhood
Sara Christian competed as a mother on June 19, 1949, at Charlotte Speedway, earning a 14th place finish in a field of 33. Throughout that first season, Christian participated in six of the eight races, securing 13th overall in the final year standings.
Ethel Mobley, another early pioneer, raced during NASCAR’s second event in 1949 at the Daytona beach-road course. She finished 11th out of 28 entrants and returned later that season to compete at Langhorne Speedway, which was then a one-mile dirt circuit.
Shawna Robinson holds distinction as the first female driver to compete both before and after having children. She made her last NASCAR Xfinity Series appearance at Atlanta in 1995, became a mother to two children, and returned to ARCA series races in 1999 before making her Xfinity comeback at Texas Motor Speedway in 2001.
Alli Owens made 32 starts in the ARCA Racing Series, concluding her run there in 2010, and attempted to qualify for the NASCAR Truck Series at Daytona the following year. After not qualifying, she stepped away to have her first child and eventually returned with a single Xfinity Series start at Richmond Raceway.
Jessica Friesen is noted as the most recent mother to compete in NASCAR’s top three series. She debuted in the Truck Series at Knoxville in 2021 and later participated again in 2022. Both of these starts came several years after the birth of her only son.
Kelly Sutton raced in the NASCAR Truck Series from 2003 to 2007, achieving her best finish at 15th place in Charlotte. Sutton is also recognized as the first known competitor, male or female, to participate in the series after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, adding to her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport.
Expanding the Legacy: Mother-Daughter Duo in ARCA Competition
Beyond NASCAR’s national divisions, Sarah Burgess made her own history when she became the first mother to race alongside her daughter, Bridget Burgess, at an ARCA West event held at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2022, demonstrating how women racers continue to push boundaries at all levels.
Looking Ahead: Implications of Decker’s Potential Comeback
If Natalie Decker Lemke successfully qualifies and competes in the Xfinity Series this season, she will become the first mother to make a return within twelve months of giving birth, setting a new benchmark in professional motorsports. Her comeback serves as an inspiration and brings renewed visibility to women and mothers in the racing community, potentially influencing future opportunities and recognition for female drivers across NASCAR and related circuits.
