Right before the COVID-19 Pandemic shut the world down in early 2020, racecar driver Natalie Decker punched out one of her best-ever performances on the track at Daytona International Speedway.
February 14, 2020, Decker became the highest-finishing female driver in NASCAR Truck Series history. Driving the No. 44 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports that Friday night, Decker logged a 5th place finish in the NextEra Energy 250.
Decker and the thousands of other drivers who have raced at America’s most famous track over the years are quick to call Daytona hallowed ground. It also doesn’t hurt for Decker that she seems to have a knack for racing at the sport’s most famous venue.
“Daytona is a track that demands respect—it’s fast, unpredictable, and mentally intense,” the NASCAR veteran said when we connected last week, ahead of the 2026 season’s start. “As a driver, it represents opportunity, momentum, and the kind of challenge that brings out the best in you.”
Since that last big performance at Daytona, a lot has been going on for Decker. The 28-year-old driver, who hails from Eagle River, Wisconsin, now lives in Salisbury, North Carolina, after moving here with her husband, fellow NASCAR driver Derek Lemke, a few years ago. She also became a mother to a son, Levi, just over a year ago.
Last month, Decker also announced she will compete in this year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series season opener, the United Rentals 300 on February 14. This year’s starting date comes exactly six years after she picked up her first top-five finish. Her return to Daytona this weekend is also significant, as she will be the only woman and the only mom competing in the field.
“Having a top-five finish there in the NASCAR Trucks gives me confidence that I belong and that my preparation and instincts pay off at the highest level.” Also, she said, “Daytona weekend is incredibly special to me.”
For 2026, Decker has also picked up a new commercial partner, skincare brand T.N. Dickinson’s, as her principal racing sponsor.
Bryan Jackowitz, president of Dickinson Brands Inc., is stoked about the new partnership with Decker, so much so that he and the brand have used the moment to bring to life a campaign called #TNCoolMomsClub. It’s a national storytelling and fan engagement initiative that the company and racing sponsor say celebrates modern motherhood, confidence, and care.
“T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel has been part of American households for generations, and Natalie represents our brand values strength, balance, and authenticity,” Jackowitz said in a statement at the end of last month. “Activating the #TNCoolMomsClub with Natalie at Daytona on Valentine’s Day makes this partnership especially meaningful.”
Decker also weighed in on picking up a new principal racing sponsor upon her return to NASCAR competition.
“This partnership reflects who I am at this stage of my life,” Decker added. “Becoming a mom hasn’t changed my drive to compete, and I love that T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel is meeting fans at the track through the #TNCoolMomsClub.”
This time around, Decker will also be part of a newer racing team. She will be taking the track in the No. 35 Chevrolet Camaro for Joey Gase Motorsports.
Joey Gase Motorsports is owned in part by Scott Osteen, a Florida-based entrepreneur who previously founded and owned Floridian Motorsports, which competed part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with driver Mason Maggio.
Decker’s other top-five finish came on February 10, 2018, in the ARCA Series Lucas Oil 200 race, also at Daytona International Speedway. Following her maternity leave two years ago, Decker made a single start last August at the 2025 Wawa 250 in Daytona, where she finished 22nd.
On a personal level, Decker reiterates that, “Daytona is emotional. It’s where the season truly comes alive, where dreams feel tangible, and where the energy from fans, teams, and sponsors is unmatched.”
Decker added, “Every time I roll onto that track, I’m reminded why I do this—because moments at Daytona can change everything.”
T.N. Dickinson’s announced that their partnership begins with the United Rentals 300 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, followed by the Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 at Pocono Raceway on June 13, 2026. The Connecticut-based brand also said its effort includes on-site fan activations at both the Daytona and Pocono races.
Embracing motherhood, switching gears
When I asked Decker what transitions or changes being a new parent might have brought to her racing career, she hinted that the new demands not only add structure but also a different outlook that comes with its own sense of peace.
“Motherhood has given me a new outlook on my racing career in the best way possible. It’s given me a deeper sense of purpose every time I strap in.” Decker also explained, “My routines are more intentional now. Being a mom has elevated my patience, resilience, and perspective, and those lessons translate directly to the track.”
Decker also thinks that her son Levi, who just turned one last week, can learn a lot from having two parents in a single family.
“I’m not just racing for myself anymore—I’m racing to show my child what passion, hard work, and belief can look like.”
But when you’ve got a little one, how does that change your day? I asked her. How do naps, playtime, and other baby stuff make a seasoned race car driver switch gears?
“My mornings usually start early with family time, and a quick check-in on the day’s priorities,” Decker said. “Then it’s straight into training—whether that’s physical conditioning, simulator work, or reviewing data and notes, connecting with sponsors, planning logistics.”
Decker said it all takes place, “while ensuring that Levi’s day is filled with fun, cuddles, and including him in every possible way. Just the way I was raised in a race family, it’s all about making memories together.”
She concludes that, “My days are super busy, but every bit of it feels purposeful—because I get to chase my passion and it is all done together as a family.”
