Natalie Decker’s NASCAR return after childbirth was realized on Friday, as she competed in her first NASCAR Xfinity Series race in more than a year at Daytona International Speedway. Decker, only six months after welcoming her son Levi, qualified on owner points and achieved a 22nd place finish, marking a significant milestone for the Wisconsin native.
Decker’s Comeback Journey at Daytona
Getting back behind the wheel for DGM Racing in partnership with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, Decker made her 13th career Xfinity Series start. This race at Daytona not only marked her return to the track but was also her second-best finish in the series, just behind her 18th place result in the Daytona opener earlier in the season. Throughout the event, Decker expressed both excitement and appreciation for those who supported her transition back to competition after motherhood.
“DAYTONA first race back since having my son 6 months ago & over a year since I have been in the seat. I was excited, nervous and thankful for the opportunity. Thank you everyone who made this possible & all who supported my motherhood journey coming back to the track as a driver,”
—Natalie Decker, Driver
Decker, who welcomed Levi with her husband Derek Lemke in February 2025, joins a select group of women—including Shawna Robinson, Sara Christian, Tina Gordon, Ethel Mobley, Alli Owens, Kelly Sutton, and Jessica Friesen—who have raced in one of NASCAR’s top three series after becoming mothers. Her post on X included heartfelt images from the race, highlighting the significance of having her family at the event.
“We have decided right when we started dating that our goal was to raise our family how we were raised at the racetrack. So this is just so amazing that I get to bring Levi to the Daytona race with me and he gets to be a part of the whole experience,”
—Natalie Decker, Driver
Marking History for Mothers in NASCAR
Natalie Decker’s return stands out in NASCAR history, as only a handful of female drivers have balanced motherhood with competing at such a high level in the sport. Among this small group, she continues to forge a path and inspire the next generation of women in racing. The Daytona race itself was filled with action, with several lead changes and an overtime finish that saw Parker Kligerman, substituting for Connor Zilisch, claim victory for JR Motorsports.
Decker’s Racing Milestones and Career Highlights
Throughout her career, Decker has achieved notable successes, including a fifth-place finish in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2020 with Niece Motorsports—the highest finish recorded by a woman in that series. With 32 starts in the Truck Series prior to her hiatus, Decker originally launched her motorsports journey in karting at age nine, moving to stock cars in her early teens. In 2013, she earned ARCA Midwest Tour Rookie of the Year honors after securing third place in the final standings.
Her advancement through NASCAR came via the Drive for Diversity program with Rev Racing in 2015, helping her compete at higher levels and gain exposure. Before her Daytona return, Decker’s last appearance in the Xfinity Series was at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May of the previous year.
Now, together with her husband Derek Lemke, Decker operates Natalie Decker Racing, a Super Late Model team, underscoring her commitment both on and off the track.
Looking Ahead: Impact and Inspiration
Natalie Decker’s return to NASCAR so soon after childbirth not only highlights her resilience and determination but also serves as a source of inspiration for women and mothers interested in motorsports. Her journey demonstrates that balancing family and a competitive racing career is possible and meaningful. As Decker continues her season, fans and fellow racers alike will be watching her progress and the doors she helps open for future drivers.
