Natalie Decker, a 28-year-old NASCAR driver, recently shared the heartwarming story of how she first met her future husband, Derek Lemke, back when she was just 14 years old. During her appearance on ‘Speedway Sessions’, Decker reminisced about their initial encounter at Elko Speedway in Nevada, where Lemke, now 32, stood in line ahead of her while wearing a distinctive baby blue Bauer hockey hat.
Decker recalled her excitement at the sight of Lemke, expressing her admiration to her father, who encouraged her youthful hopes. “I looked at my dad and said, ‘Do you think that’s a hockey player and a race car driver? Cause if that’s the case, I will marry that guy,’” Decker recounted, though her father dismissed her comment as mere child’s play.
It wasn’t until four years later that the two would reconnect. Decker mentioned that she had raced against Lemke’s father during her first visit to the track. The sparks flew when Lemke reached out to her via Instagram with the message, “Call me when you’re 18.” On Valentine’s Day, Decker sent a playful picture along with the text, “Happy Valentine’s Day, Derek. What’s my present?” This marked the beginning of their unbreakable bond.
The couple tied the knot in December 2023 and welcomed a son named Levi in February of the same year. Decker spoke candidly about the challenges of motherhood, emphasizing how the experience strengthened her. “Giving birth was incredible, the best experience of my life, and it was the biggest adrenaline rush I’ve ever had,” she reflected, highlighting the thrill of childbirth, which she compared to the rush of racing.
As Decker prepares to race the No. 35 Chevrolet in the United Rentals 300, she will stand out as the only female and mother competing in the event. While acknowledging the underrepresentation of women in the sport, she remains hopeful for change and expresses her desire for a more diverse racing environment.
Decker’s journey reflects not just personal growth, but also the evolving landscape of motorsports, where more women are beginning to make their mark behind the wheel. Her exciting story not only resonates with fans but also inspires aspiring athletes, showing that dreams can indeed come true with persistence and passion.