For the first time in NASCAR history, three female drivers had the prospect of making it to the Xfinity and Truck season openers at the Daytona International Speedway. While it looked like Jo Cobb would treat fans to a good show in the Truck Series opener, Natalie Decker delivered a stellar performance in qualifying to join Hailie Deegan for the United Rentals 300 to lock in for the big weekend.

But after Jo Cobb’s failure to qualify and Deegan’s troublesome wreck ended things early for the duo, the baton of promoting the presence of women in NASCAR was carried forward by Decker, who etched her name into the sport’s history as the third female driver to lead an Xfinity Series race since Danica Patrick in 2013. Following this monumental achievement, Decker shared the story of her thorn-laden path back to the front of the field.

Natalie Decker has a strong message for fans after making history at the Xfinity Series season opener

At the start of the United Rentals 300, all eyes were on Hailie Deegan and AM Racing as the rising talent stepped up to the Xfinity Series, but that all quickly changed after a wreck on lap 23 ended her race alongside Daniel Suarez, Sam Mayer and Kyle Weatherman. While Deegan’s 37th-place finish only extended her frustrations with the superspeedway, a comeback story was brewing at the helm of the #36 DGM Racing Camaro.

For Natalie Decker, making it to the Xfinity Series season opener was a major win in itself, but the cherry on top was when she slotted into the lead and maintained it for seven laps, making her the third woman to lead an Xfinity Series race. While she may have ended her race in 18th while remaining on the lead lap, it was an achievement which echoed that Decker’s redemption was near. Reflecting on how far she had come since her tumultuous days in the Truck Series, Decker addressed the community and pleaded with them to never give up on their dreams.

In the interview, Decker shared, “All I need to say for anyone watching this right now, when things are going wrong, and you want to give up, don’t give up. Because the last three years were really hard on me, and tonight was a turnaround. I want to cry and I know it’s only an 18th, but to bring a car here with no points, to qualify in it, was a win in itself.” 

Decker felt finishing the race and being able to bring it home in one piece was the icing on the cake, adding that DGM Racing already felt like a sound home for her future. But the key message was for the fan base to apply to their own lives.

Decker stated, “I just want to say again, to anyone who’s listening, if you feel like giving up, don’t, because it took me three years to feel good again back at the race track, and I’m so happy to be here and I can’t thank these sponsor’s enough, Wawa and Amped and everyone else who has helped get me here today, because this is what I needed and I’m just so thankful for this opportunity and it was an amazing weekend.”

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Only a few years ago, Decker was struggling with her ARCA campaign, and a step up to the Truck Series proved to be a similar situation. But heading into the new season with fresh backing only helped the talented racer achieve her fullest. With that said, the highlight of her interview certainly was the message for the community, with Kenny Wallace also sharing it on his YouTube page.

The NASCAR community is all praises for Natalie Decker’s perseverance

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The heartfelt interview evidently went down well with the community, with fans chiming in to share how Decker’s achievement had inspired them. With how passionate the message seemed to be, fans couldn’t help but turn a new leaf; “I used to not really like Natalie. Lately, I have a new appreciation for her. I was rooting for her in that race.”

Meanwhile, some fans felt it was time Cup Series drivers that have it better realised the passion they needed to display. A fan shared a strong message: “You know who really needs to see this video? The drivers who have lost their way and forget what real, unbridled passion it is to drive through adversity and never give up. All of us, get settled in our environments and sometimes we need an inspiration to get back into the game of life, myself included.”

Even after leading for seven laps and showcasing her ability to maintain pace with the lead pack, some critics were not going easy on Decker. This is when a fan stepped in to defend Decker and share, “To anyone saying she only led because of fuel strategy, you still have to be on the lead lap, not lose the draft, and stay out of trouble to make that happen. All things that need to happen for a small team like hers to build and grow.”

While others weren’t brandishing such strong opinions, the consensus showed how far Decker has come in gaining the respect of the community. Users poured in with appreciation all over. One user stated, “She inspires me to never give up Natalie Decker.” while another added, “New fan here. I love watching the girls compete.”

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Taking a look at the reception of Decker’s comments, it’s safe to say the 26-year-old has finally found her groove, and we couldn’t be any more delighted!