NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Natalie Decker recently addressed controversy surrounding her shirtless photo taken with American comedian Bert Kreischer during Daytona weekend. The image, captured on the Fan Deck above the Cup Series garage at Daytona International Speedway, sparked criticism from fans after being shared widely on social media. Decker explained on Samantha Busch’s Certified Oversharer podcast that the encounter with Kreischer, renowned for his shirtless public appearances, was spontaneous as he was en route to a television appearance.
Decker stated she sought approval from her sponsor before taking the photo, emphasizing she felt comfortable sharing it. When Kreischer uploaded the picture to his Instagram story, she reposted it, which led to the public backlash. Reflecting on the response, she declared during the podcast:
“This is a great opportunity to say from your nose to your toes and everything in between, Tia and Dickinson’s, because my shirt’s off, and also, I’m sorry, but my bra covers way more than my bikini does, and I’m posting in my bikini quite often. So for the people that were mad about it, maybe it’s because it is a bra and not a bikini, but I felt comfortable doing it, and I wouldn’t take it back.” – Natalie Decker, NASCAR Driver
“If I had to go back, I would really do it again, because it was in my eyes. It was funny; it was in the moment. And we’re here to have fun. I want to wake up every day and make sure I’m truly authentic to myself,” she concluded.
Details of Daytona Truck Series Incident and Fallout
Aside from the photo controversy, Decker was involved in a heated on-track moment with Haas Factory Team driver Sam Mayer during the Truck Series opener at Daytona International Speedway. The clash occurred during the final stage of the 2026 United Rentals 300 on February 12, 2026, after a multi-car accident was triggered by Jeb Burton colliding with Ryan Sieg entering turn one. The crash included drivers such as Justin Allgaier, Taylor Gray, Jeremy Clements, Sam Mayer, and Decker herself.
Following the crash, Decker’s vehicle collided with Mayer’s #41 Chevy, leaving her frustrated and broadcasting strong language over the team radio regarding Mayer’s role in the incident:
“Whoever that f***ing idiot was, go to his f***ing pit! Why would he f***ing do that?! Ruined our f***ing race! Sorry everyone…great work.”
The harsh remarks caused fans and NASCAR insiders to criticize Decker extensively on social media. However, former NASCAR Cup Series driver Kenny Wallace publicly defended her reaction, emphasizing the pressures drivers face during races. Wallace said:
“Dust it off. Dust it off and go to Pocono for your next sponsor race, because I remember racing you at Marshalltown, and I remember you running, what, 15th, something like that, at Daytona. Shame on all of you. You know that she’s a human being, right? And you know, when she was on her radio, she wasn’t talking to you; she was talking to her team.”
Kenny Wallace Supports Decker Despite Criticism
Wallace also commented on the viral shirtless photo with Bert Kreischer, describing it as simply part of the act and not something to be harshly judged. He highlighted the human element behind drivers facing constant public scrutiny. Decker’s Daytona race concluded with a 33rd place finish after a DNF in the 120-lap event.
Natalie Decker’s outspoken responses and the mixed fan reaction illustrate the complexities of public perception for NASCAR drivers off and on the track. The scrutiny around her social media activity and radio remarks during competition signals ongoing challenges athletes face balancing authenticity and professionalism in high-pressure environments.
With several high-profile events ahead, including upcoming races at Pocono, Decker’s next performances and public interactions will likely continue to attract close attention from both supporters and critics in the NASCAR community.
