Natalie Decker, a prominent figure in the world of NASCAR, has officially revealed her plans for a memorable racing comeback at the classic Daytona International Speedway in 2026. The Wisconsin-born driver confirmed she will compete in the season-opening O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race on February 14, with long-time sponsor TN Dickinsons supporting her once again. This anticipated Natalie Decker Daytona return marks her first start at Daytona since embracing motherhood in 2025, and her team, fans, and backers have eagerly awaited her competitive resurgence.
Decker’s Racing Journey: Notable Achievements on Iconic Tracks
Decker’s rise in stock car racing began in 2017 with Venturini Motorsports in the ARCA Menards Series. Over two years, she developed her racing skills before making her NASCAR Truck Series debut with DGR Crosley in 2019. With each step, Decker built a reputation for resilience and determination, qualities on display when she advanced to the Xfinity Series in 2021, joining RSS Racing and earning a 40th-place finish at her first Daytona International Speedway outing.
At Daytona’s fast 2.5-mile track, Decker posted two top-five finishes—first in 2018 during the ARCA Menards Series, then a repeat in 2020 while competing in the Truck Series. Her Xfinity Series milestones continued, with a respectable 18th place secured at Daytona in 2024 alongside DGM Racing. The Daytona venue has consistently been a high point in Decker’s career, providing a dramatic stage for her most notable performances.
This recurring success helped lay the foundation for the enthusiastic announcement of her 2026 return. TN Dickinsons ignited excitement with their social statement:
“POV: Your valentine accepts! 😉💌 We’re SO excited to sponsor @nataliedecker at this year’s @nascar O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at @daytona. Tune in on Saturday, Feb. 14 to catch Natalie lap the competition in her custom designed T.N. Dickinson’s car!”
— TN Dickinsons, Sponsor (Instagram)
Motherhood, Racing, and a Heartfelt Comeback
In 2025, Natalie Decker welcomed her first child, giving birth on February 5. Her transition back into professional racing was marked by participating in only one competitive event that season—the second Daytona International Race, where she drove the #92 Chevy for DGM Racing in cooperation with Jesse Iwuji Motorsports. This special chapter redefined Decker’s experience, as balancing her new family life with the demands of elite racing set an inspiring example for drivers everywhere.
Returning to the Track After Motherhood: Natalie’s 2025 Daytona Performance
Decker’s determination to compete after childbirth came into full view in August 2025, when she prepared for the 24th Annual Wawa 250 Powered by Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway. Returning to the circuit only six months after her son’s birth, Decker qualified for the race in the #92 Chevy on owner points for DGM Racing and Jesse Iwuji Motorsports. The event, covering 260 miles, featured multiple changes in the lead, culminating with Parker Kligerman taking the win as a substitute for Connor Zilisch.
Marking her 13th start, Decker finished 22nd, notching her second-best career result at Daytona. She shared her emotions on social media following her return:
“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 (via X)
Paving the Path for Female Drivers Balancing Racing and Motherhood
Natalie Decker’s post-childbirth racing achievements connect her to a select group of women in the sport who have successfully returned to competition after becoming mothers. Notable figures who share this distinction include Shawna Robinson, Sara Christian, Tina Gordon, Ethel Mobley, Alli Owens, Kelly Sutton, and Jessica Friesen. Their experiences highlight both the challenges and the pride of merging parenthood with a professional racing career.
As Decker prepares for her highly anticipated run in the 2026 O’Reilly Series opener at Daytona, support from her sponsors, fellow drivers, and fans remains high. Her Natalie Decker Daytona return is set to inspire and energize the motorsports community, while shining a light on the evolving landscape for women in stock car racing. Her journey stands as proof of professional perseverance and personal resilience, creating lasting impact for existing and future generations of competitors.
