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HAMPTON, VA – OCTOBER 22: Natalie Decker from Eagle River Wisconsin, Stands on pit road at Langley Speedway on October 22, 2013 in Hampton, Virginia. (Photo by John Harrelson/NASCAR via Getty Images)
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HAMPTON, VA – OCTOBER 22: Natalie Decker from Eagle River Wisconsin, Stands on pit road at Langley Speedway on October 22, 2013 in Hampton, Virginia. (Photo by John Harrelson/NASCAR via Getty Images)
Though the NASCAR world celebrates its 75th this year, women drivers in the community are very few. It is time to level up the game in that area, as there are always a few who are talented and rise through the ranks. One such driver is Natalie Decker. Will she get her chance this year?
NASCAR may be a male-dominated sport, but change is sometimes good and inevitable. There is a lot to be done for women, especially when it comes to competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. This year, it looked like there will be good news for Decker in the Xfinity Cup Series 2023. But unfortunately, the deal to drive full-time didn’t go through.
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Natalie Decker’s deal fell through
Pit Pass Network recently posted on Twitter, “DEVELOPING STORY: We are hearing that @NatalieRacing was close to signing a deal to drive full time in the @NASCAR_Xfinity Series in 2023, but negotiations fell through at the last moment. We are also hearing that a veteran driver will fill that ride instead. #NASCAR.”
DEVELOPING STORY: We are hearing that @NatalieRacing was close to signing a deal to drive full time in the @NASCAR_Xfinity Series in 2023, but negotiations fell through at the last moment. We are also hearing that a veteran driver will fill that ride instead. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/3E9XVGKgKC
— Pit Pass Network (@pitpassnetwork) February 8, 2023
Since it was posted, a lot of fans have been coming out in support of her. Because there are not many women drivers, a lot of people were excited and hopeful to see her at the Xfinity race this year. The young driver has gained a lot of experience and has shown great potential over the years. Decker’s career-best finish was recorded in fifth place in the Truck Series in 2020, making her the highest-finishing female driver in Truck Series history.
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TALLADEGA, AL – OCTOBER 12: Natalie Decker, DGR- Crosley, Toyota Tundra N29 Technologies (54) during the running of the 14th annual Sugarlands Shine 250 on October12, 2019 at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Al.(Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Fans support Natalie Decker
Some fans really felt bad that she did not get the opportunity while some called out to teams and NASCAR to be fair to the new women drivers and give them a chance to grow. Have a look at what some fans said.
That sucks I really like Natalie Decker
— Mystique (@km1reed) February 8, 2023
That sucks!!
— Chad LaBrie (@fastbud88) February 8, 2023
Don't sign unless it feels right but don't let $$$ drive the feels. Good drivers need good teams
— Krazy Redneck (@Geeky_Redneck) February 8, 2023
I like her spotters better🏁
— magenta (@michonnedead33) February 8, 2023
Maybe this explains all for tweets lately that haven't been positive about the sport
— John Haas (@JohnHaas1984) February 8, 2023
Unfortunately it sounds like this time it was because of the group of people around her trying to change the deal at the last minute that the deal fell through
— The Mohawk Foundation 🎀 (@mohwkfoundation) February 8, 2023
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This might not look like a good start to the year for Decker. Though her fans feel she has the potential to achieve bigger, with the Xfinity Series deal off the table, what will 2023 bring in for Decker? Will more avenues open up for women drivers in NASCAR?
Written by
Edited by
Akash Pandhare