The United Rentals 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series opener at Daytona International Speedway was a history-maker. For the first time since 2014, two female drivers – Natalie Decker and Hailie Deegan – started the race at the iconic track. The race had its fair share of wrecks and cautions. But Decker, against all odds, prevailed to reach a historic milestone.

Driving the DGM Racing #36 Chevrolet car, Decker led 7 laps during the race, thus becoming the first woman to lead in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race since Danica Patrick in 2013. Decker finished the race in P18, but she could have even done better had it not been for Anthony Alfredo. In a recent episode of Kenny Conversation, the 26-year-old discussed her historic run. But she also took the opportunity to highlight how female drivers are treated differently when racing in NASCAR.

Natalie Decker & Kenny Wallace were on the same page about female drivers’ treatment

Natalie Decker’s dream run in the lead was cut short, all thanks to Alfredo, who “was not very respectful.” Sharing the incident with Kenny Wallace, she said, “The guy behind me did have damage, Alfredo. So it was going to be more difficult for him to get around me. It probably wasn’t going to happen, but I did eventually pull out of the line. He was not very respectful; he was trying to get his lap back. He almost wrecked me two different times while I was leading.”

Addressing comments on social media that underestimated her, saying she couldn’t even stay in the lead, Decker explained why she gave it up despite having a fast car. Because of Alfredo’s recklessness, she told Wallace, “I was like, ‘That’s enough. I’m not going to risk it because the guy behind me is being stupid.’” After leading the race for seven laps, she felt she’d proved everything she needed to, adding, “It wasn’t worth me staying up there and getting wrecked for no reason.”

“That’s why I pulled out of the line, and I was like, ‘I’ll just let him go and get behind everybody; it’s not a big deal.’” That’s when she revealed the unfair treatment she’s experienced. “I just feel like, sometimes, the girls do get raced harder, and I’ve experienced that.” Wallace agreed with her, prompting her to elaborate.

Decker said, “There’s some drivers who I’ve experienced very good side-by-side racing with. And then there’s others who will literally wreck you if they can’t get by you because they’re just p*ssed that they can’t beat a girl.” That said, the motorsport industry is slowly seeing more diversity in the number of female stakeholders. Acknowledging the female drivers in NASCAR on Women’s Day, the American organization shared a post on Instagram. But Decker and many others couldn’t help but point out a crucial missing factor.

The carousel NASCAR posted featured several women in the paddock. The caption read, “From drivers to pit crew members to engineers and team owners, may their passion continue to inspire generations.” However, none of the pictures included Hailie Deegan. In response, Decker wrote, “It’s awesome to FINALLY see NASCAR post faces of the women in the sport BUT where is @hailiedeegan?? She is the only female right now running at the highest level full time.”

Coming back to Natalie Decker. She might have gained recognition and attention after the race at Daytona, but her racing history is rather misunderstood by many on social media.

Decker’s racing roots and the hard work she’s put in over the years

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Owing to certain challenges, it is indeed rare to see female drivers competing at the highest level of racing. Even if they do put themselves in the spotlight, there are vague assumptions about their credibility. And so was the case with Decker. She explained that she has had to work just as hard as every driver who’s made it in motorsport to get where she is right now and that she’s not just turned into a professional race car driver overnight.

“I started racing when I was 9 years old and fought my way through short track racing, through the Midwest, and get to the ARCA Series. A lot of people think I randomly came out of nowhere with ‘daddy’s money.’ I would totally be racing off my dad’s money if I could. I have a lot of history and a lot of races under my belt before I came into the ARCA Series,” she added.

Looking at her history just in the Trucks Series and ARCA, it is fair to say that Decker is not an overnight sensation. And that female racecar drivers need more appreciation and recognition than they are getting.

“I Worked My B*tt Off!” – Xfinity Star Natalie Decker Talks About How She Is No Longer Bothered By Sexist Remarks