NASCAR driver Natalie Decker faced significant criticism after her performance and comments during the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts race at Daytona last weekend. The backlash intensified following a collision with Sam Mayer and a controversial photo with comedian Bert Kreischer, sparking strong reactions across the NASCAR community. Kenny Wallace, a former NASCAR driver, spoke out in defense of Decker, emphasizing the importance of remembering her humanity amid the negative responses.
Kenny Wallace Urges Decker to Move Forward
Wallace used his YouTube platform to address the criticism aimed at Decker, telling her to remain focused and not be overwhelmed by the negativity. He encouraged Decker to prepare for her next event at Pocono Raceway, reminding critics that harsh judgments overlook the person behind the driver.
Natalie, you’re going to watch this. As my momma would say, this too shall soon pass,
Wallace said.
Dust it off and go to Pocono, your next sponsored race. I remember racing you at Marshall Town, and I remember you running 15th, something like that, at Daytona.
Shame on all of you. You know, that’s a human being, right?
he added.
And you know, when she was on her radio, she wasn’t talking to you; she was talking to her team. And as far as pulling her firesuit down, I’m sure she had to take it back; she would. But like I said, if it would have been October for breast cancer awareness month, it would have been just fine.
Decker’s Recent Performance and Future Prospects
At the Daytona race, Decker finished 33rd, marking her 14th start in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This result contrasted with a stronger finish two years prior, when she placed 18th at the same track. Despite the challenges, Decker’s career continues, and attention now turns to whether she can recover and perform better at her upcoming race in Pocono.
