NASCAR driver Natalie Decker has ignited a wave of backlash from fellow racers, including women, after a series of recent incidents during the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Daytona and on social media. Despite her strong following of nearly 200,000 Instagram fans, the 28-year-old part-time driver in both the Camping World Truck Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has struggled to gain respect within the racing community, largely due to her on- and off-track behavior.
Recent Incidents Stir Controversy
Earlier this week, Decker caused a stir with an Instagram post where she posed with comedian Bert Kreischer while her racing suit was only partially zipped, a photo that quickly gained over 25,000 likes. Shortly before that, on the Speedway Sessions podcast, she shared that her husband, Derek Lemke, had first contacted her on Instagram when she was just 14 years old.
“He messaged me on Instagram and he was like, ‘Call me when you’re 18,'” Decker said.
Lemke was 18 at the time of the message.
“Whoa. Is that grooming? I feel like that’s grooming,”
Matt Tiftt remarked, producing an uneasy laugh from Decker.
On-Track Performance Spurs Additional Criticism
Decker’s performance at the Daytona race added fuel to the fire. After a crash that left her 33rd out of 38 drivers, she blamed fellow competitor Sam Mayer for causing the collision. Over the radio, she expressed frustration with harsh language directed at Mayer, who at the time had no brakes following a prior wreck, while Decker accelerated into the accident from behind.
“F—, that hurt so bad. Why the f— did he roll up the track?”
“Who the f— was that? That pisses me off so much. That f—ing hurt! Holy f—.”
Female Drivers Speak Out Against Decker’s Conduct
The accumulation of these incidents has prompted open criticism from other female drivers in the sport. Karsyn Elledge, dirt car racer and niece of Dale Earnhardt Jr., described Decker’s actions as disappointing on the Door Bumper Clear podcast.
“Between the taking three business days to run into Sam Mayer and the multitude of things I saw on social last week … It’s honestly embarrassing,”
Elledge said.
ARCA Menards Series racers Taylor Reimer and Jave Avedisian also joined the conversation on X, indirectly addressing Decker’s conduct and emphasizing the importance of professionalism for women in motorsports.
“…As a woman in motorsports, I feel it’s my responsibility to be a role model for young and upcoming women in this sport,”
Reimer wrote. “I understand how difficult it is to secure sponsorship in this sport. I’m fully funded based on the partners I bring in each year. It’s a grind, and I know many others are in the same position. I made a promise to myself that I would do it the right way.”
“Well said @taylorreimerr. Couldn’t agree more. As a female in racing, my goal in life is to carry myself with a high standard on and off the track. Thanks @KarsynElledge3 for speaking on this topic as well,”
Avedisian responded.
Implications for Decker’s Standing in NASCAR
Despite the growing frustration from her peers, Natalie Decker continues to maintain sponsorship support, which allows her to compete. However, her strained relationships in the tight-knit NASCAR community and the critical responses from fellow female drivers may affect her long-term reputation. As the racing season progresses, whether Decker can shift public and competitor opinions remains uncertain, especially as conversations around professionalism and representation in motorsports gain momentum.
I’ve contemplated whether or not to speak on this, but my heart is telling me I should.
I’m going to start off by saying I am by no means perfect. Nobody is. I got back into racing 5 years ago and since then I have learned a lot and I’m still learning everyday.
With that being…
— Taylor Reimer (@taylorreimerr) February 17, 2026
Well said @taylorreimerr. Couldn’t agree more. As a female in racing my goal in life is to carry myself with a high standard on and off the track. Thanks @KarsynElledge3 for speaking on this topic as well. https://t.co/QmUvi0OUdQ
— Jade Avedisian (@jadeavedisian) February 17, 2026
