Natalie Decker is poised for a potential return to NASCAR, following a season largely focused on motherhood and only a single start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Despite her limited participation, her deep-rooted connection to racing keeps the door open for her future in motorsport. Unlike many of her peers, such as Chase Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr., who hail from established stock-car families, Decker’s lineage is steeped in the world of snowmobile racing.
The Decker family’s journey in motorsport began in 1967, when Natalie’s father, Chuck Decker, and his three brothers began competing professionally. Their legacy includes competitive racing through the 1990s, with Chuck securing the 1987 World Championship. He later owned the World Championship Snowmobile Derby Racetrack located in Eagle River, Wisconsin, where Natalie spent her childhood weekends immersed in the adrenaline of racing events.
Natalie’s introduction to racing took place in a unique setting. At just five years old, she participated in her first race at the Derby, which has a history that predates even the Super Bowl. She recalls the atmosphere vividly, standing before a crowd of approximately 10,000 spectators, lined up with nearly 15 other young competitors. However, her inaugural race ended abruptly after only 100 yards when she decided to retire from snowmobile racing, much to her father’s concern.
Transitioning from snowmobiles to go-karts marked a significant turn in her racing journey. The pivotal moment occurred during a trip with her father at the age of seven when they stumbled upon a go-kart track. Inspired by the kids racing there, Natalie began to envision a future in stock car racing. For two years, she persistently requested a go-kart, and on her ninth birthday, her father surprised her with a purple kart designed for asphalt ovals.
Now, as she approaches the end of 2025, Decker’s plans for the 2026 NASCAR season remain unconfirmed. However, recent hints on social media suggest that she and her husband may be considering a venture into dirt-track racing in the upcoming season. For the moment, Decker is prioritizing her family after welcoming her first child earlier this year.
Reflecting on her aspirations, Natalie expressed her early passion for NASCAR in an interview with We Are Motor Driven: “I knew I wanted to race NASCAR because my dad and I watched it every Sunday, and I was glued to the TV.” This dedication illustrates the influence of her family’s motorsport heritage, which continues to guide her ambitions in the racing world. Whether she returns to NASCAR or explores new racing avenues, Decker’s journey exemplifies the blend of family tradition and personal aspiration in the competitive landscape of motorsport.