r/NASCAR • u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker • Jan 31 '15
AMA Natalie Decker
Hi, I am Natalie Decker, the new team member of NASCAR Rev Racing Drive for Diversity. Looking forward to answering any questions you may have about my racing career.
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u/CommieCanuck NASCAR Jan 31 '15
I see that you're also into hockey. Who do you cheer for in the NHL?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
I really don't have one favorite team. But where I come from, Eagle River, WI there seems to be a lot of Black Hawk fans. Currently, my favorite team outside of NHL is my high school hockey team I play for- Northland Pines Girls Eagles!
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u/-internets Green Flag Jan 31 '15
There are Blackhawk fans everywhere nowadays. I'm always amazed at how many Hawks jerseys I see in the crowd at away games
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Jan 31 '15
Indeed, the only place where you won't see too many is Detroit and then they're the Yankees of the NHL with the most championships and longest playoff streak in history.
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u/ThatJoshGuy327 Jan 31 '15
Well the Habs have the most championships but I do agree with your assessment on them being the Yankees of the NHL.
Source: Lightning fan.
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u/51rogue3 Johnson Jan 31 '15
You're making your first Cup start and it's at the Bristol night race, what is your intro song?
If you could pick the intro song for any other driver; who would it be, what song and why?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Feb 02 '15
My song would be "Roar" by Katy Perry. And I will pick Tim Sauter because every time he came to my home track State Park Speedway in Wausau, WI he would race like...."Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer.
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u/beezwacks Six-Time Jan 31 '15
Hey Natalie! Thank you for stopping by our little corner of NASCAR!
What challenges have you overcome as a female driver, and do you find it to be a distraction? Do you find that you have to work and race harder to gain respect?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
The challenges I have faced have been racing at a young age because of missing a lot of school and keeping up with my studies. I don't need to race harder, I just need to keep racing clean.
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u/beezwacks Six-Time Jan 31 '15
Thank you for that thoughtful, honest answer. I wish you nothing but the best and look forward to you continuing to be a role model to all little girls who want nothing more than to race a car.
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u/Avcracy Jan 31 '15
How much competition is there between yourself and your two sisters, even outside of racing?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
Paige and Claire are my cousins and we are very competitive on the track. Claire and I played varsity hockey together and were on the same line. Paige taught me how to water ski.
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Jan 31 '15
If you could race in any series outside of the NASCAR sanctioned championships, what would be your first choice?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
The first series that comes to my mind is the ARCA Midwest Tour because there are many drivers in that series I would like to compete against.
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u/BigDildo Earnhardt Sr. Jan 31 '15
Thnaks for taking time to do this. Do you have a set schedule of events you will race this year? If so, can someone post a link? I always like to pay attention to the drivers who actually spend time connecting with fans.
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
I will be racing the NASCAR Rev Racing Drive for Diversity's Schedule for the NASCAR Whelen All American Series. We will be racing at Hickory, NC and Langley. I will post D4D schedule. Also, I will be racing back in Wisconsin and the Midwest in super late model when it fits into my schedule.
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u/usaftoast2013 Jan 31 '15
It's awesome to see so many hockey fans and hockey players on the track nowadays, its something you never think of as going together. So, to start off, who would win 1 on 1, you vs Michael Annett? You vs Joey Logano?
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u/DKeener Harvick Jan 31 '15
Congratulations on earning your D4D oppurtunity. Going forward who would be your dream team in NASCAR and who would most like to compete against?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
I don't have a dream team in NASCAR. It would be an honor just to be picked as a driver! Actually, a few years back when I went to Winchester and first met Chase Elliott in the pits, I told him I would be rubbing doors with him in the future.
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u/imissedthetoilet Harvick Jan 31 '15
Honestly, I'm not sure if any of us are THAT familiar with the Drive for Diversity program. What opportunity is it giving you, that you would otherwise not have? Where do you hope to be in 2016? What have you done to earn it? Thanks for stopping by!
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
There so so many opportunities D4D is giving me! The list would be so long if I typed it all but I will share some with you. Working in the shop, personal physical fitness training, meeting new people, attending NASCAR events such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, media interviews, racing NASCAR Whelen All American Series, etc... I hope to be where I belong in racing in 2016. I want to keep learning and improving!
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u/lordspacecowboy Blaney Jan 31 '15
Thank you for posting! Is there a track that you hope to race at more than any other?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
There are so many tracks I want to experience! As for this year, if I could experience Martinsville that would be awesome!
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u/MutatedSpleen Gant Jan 31 '15
Hi, I don't know who you are, but it's cool you're here and I am familiar with the D4D program.
Could you give us a brief recap of your racing career thus far? Where you've been, how you got here, what your aspirations are, etc?
Please 'n thanks!
Edit: I done typed bad.
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
Started in go karts at 9, mod four at 12, super stock at 14, limited late and ARCA Midwest Truck at 15, super late at 16. I have raced in Midwest and FL. I tried out for the D4d program in 2013 and 2014. My aspirations are to make it to the top in NASCAR and inspire others.
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u/Magnaflux Jan 31 '15
Hi Natalie! What are you thoughts on the Chase system and when do you think we'll see you competing for the Cup? Thank you.
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
I think the chase is good because drivers that win get a reward and consistency also gets rewarded. I would like to compete for the cup as soon as I prove that I am ready- hopefully sooner than later.
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u/jonasthewicked Ryan Blaney Feb 01 '15
Saw your name and wanted to say hi man! How's the weather up north? Upstate NY is cold and windy and were supposed to get 7-10 inches tomorrow. Hope your winter is going well and just for fun(although I really don't care who wins to be honest) just to poke fun I'll say Go Hawks haha!
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u/Magnaflux Feb 01 '15
Ha ha, good to see you back on here. Weather here in Bean town is brutal. We got 25-30 inches during the big blizzard. Other than that the winter's been going smooth but slow. Semester just got back up so that'll make it go faster. 500 few days away! Oh, and Go Pats!
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u/jonasthewicked Ryan Blaney Feb 01 '15
Man that's just too much snow, I have a friend in Boston who's snowblower couldn't get through the snow at first, I have no clue what brand. thank goodness NASCAR is a few short weeks away! Who are you liking in the truck or xfinity series this year? I'm hoping bubba Wallace does well, and chase Elliot will win some races most likely. I'd say Kahnes gonna win the cup series this year but no sense in lying to myself! Ha!
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u/Magnaflux Feb 01 '15
Yeah, shoveling was a pain. There was ice under the snow so not only did I have to shovel but then break the ice underneath. I got a good workout though, ha ha...
Well in Xfinity I think Chase will repeat. I think Dylan K will perform better in the part-time (hell, he might win on the road course). Chris Buescher and Ty Dillon will give Chase a run for the money though. Bubba if they find sponsorship.
Trucks, I really want Justin Boston to win it all! I think it'll come down to him Jones and Crafton. Not a fan of Jones tho..
I hope Kahne wins this year, but I kinda want Gordon to go out on top. I think it'll be Edwards or Harvick. I also hope Bobby Labonte surprises at the Daytona and Dega races.
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u/jonasthewicked Ryan Blaney Feb 01 '15
I'm with you man I want Gordon to go out a champion. That would be ill dude I'm bummed hes gonna retire but I'm sure having kids and his back and all that stuff wears on him. I hope Dylan K runs good as well and shuts those critics up for a while. I forgot about Beucher he ran well in that 60 car last season. I'm willing to bet Toyota comes out swinging in the cup this year after all the chatter about them being down on horsepower last year they'll prolly have a good speedweeks setup with fresh motors, but well have to wait and see
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Feb 01 '15
Hi! The weather in WI is snow and cold! Which is good because where we come from snowmobiling is BIG. We are also getting ready to host Pond Hockey in Eagle River, WI so we need cold for the ice! Hawks fan? Maybe they will come to our Pond Hockey event!
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u/jonasthewicked Ryan Blaney Feb 01 '15
I love hockey I'm a Boston Bruins fan true and true, and nah I'm a green bay packers fan, but Magnaflux is a pats fan so I was poking some fun I thought the pack would go all the way but not this year.
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Jan 31 '15
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
I started racing go karts at the age of 9, mod four at age 12, super stock at age 13, limited late model and ARCA Midwest Truck age 15, and super late model age 16.
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Jan 31 '15
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
I started in go karts- you learn so much in go karts. Racing is expensive, have you tried to raise money through sponsorships? Sponsors are a very big part of racing and it's good to build a personal relationship with your sponsors and let them know you as a person that will help them in return.
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Jan 31 '15
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
I wish you the best! Believing in yourself and having others believe in you along with hard work is the right way to go!
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u/Harvickfan4Life Harvick Jan 31 '15
Who were your racing inspirations growing up?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
Watching NASCAR growing up it was Mark Martin. And at 12 years old when I began racing cars in WI, Lyle Nowak was my inspiration and taught me so much! When I started ARCA Midwest Truck racing at age 15, Jason Schueller was another inspiration for my racing career. Then entering super Lates Chris Wimmer and Scott Wimmer guided me and gave me inspiration along with my crew chief Tom Ress.
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u/Racercraft8 Jan 31 '15 edited Jan 31 '15
Hi Natalie. I know you are excited for this chance with D4D. But how excited are you to be racing in speedweeks coming up in Flordia?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
I can't wait to get back in the race car at Speedweeks! Super Excited!
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
I can't wait to get back in the race car! I am very excited to race Speedweeks again!
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Jan 31 '15
I see that you have been at it for seven hours now. Are you a Reddit "regular" and just made a new account for this AMA?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
Today was the first day participating and going on Reddit. Still learning it. I see I double answered some questions trying to reply. :)
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u/jonasthewicked Ryan Blaney Feb 01 '15
I didn't read all the questions so if you've already answered this just ignore it, but what do you feel is the toughest part for a young woman to break into the NASCAR world and ultimately land that dream ride in cup? Good luck this year, drive safe and please come see us often here at the best reddit sub around! Thanks!
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Feb 01 '15
There are so many talented drivers out there which makes it difficult to land that dream ride in cup. Being a young driver has advantages because there is time to develop as a driver and learn from the veterans. As for being female, I am definitely a girl but when I put my helmet on I am just another race driver.
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u/jonasthewicked Ryan Blaney Feb 01 '15
Amen. I'm glad to see women being treated the same as anyone else in the car, that's how it should be, talent is talent regardless of race, sex, age etc
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u/ClarksonianPause Jan 31 '15
Natalie, the D4D program seems like an excellent opportunity for new racers. What's one great thing about the program that isn't publicized, but people should know about?
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u/Deacon46 Chris Buescher Jan 31 '15
Did you ever consider an Open-Wheel career?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
If the opportunity was there I would take it. It's awesome to race anything!
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u/racingschoolguy NASCAR Jan 31 '15
If you could be mentored by any driver in NASCAR who would you pick and why?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
For a past NASCAR driver, Jason Schueller because he has helped me in the past and I look up to him. Also, Bill Elliott!
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u/Elleck Jan 31 '15
Do you feel like the guys who race on dirt 100+ times a year are honing in on their driving skills quicker than someone running on asphalt a fraction of those times?
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Jan 31 '15
Did you approach NASCAR or did they approach you?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
I applied for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity combine in 2013 and 2014 and was accepted into the three day combine both years, along with 19 other competitors. The 3 day combine was held both years I tried out in Hampton, VA and Langley Speedway. I was chosen this year to join the team.
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u/NLC40 Larson Jan 31 '15
Are you kidding me? Has it always been at Langley? I live about an hour from there.
I should have never chose to play Football as a kid.
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u/skylin4 Jan 31 '15
Welcome Natalie! For you, what is the most exciting part about entering the drive for diversity program? And do you have a favourite driver in the Sprint Cup Series?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
Meeting new people, making new friends, experiencing new things, and being apart of new opportunities that NASCAR Rev Racing D4D offers! And of course to keep learning learning learning!
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u/CamHartman Bubba Wallace Jan 31 '15
Hey Natalie! Welcome to /r/Nascar !
If you had to compare your driving style to one other driver (maybe the person you model yourself after/look up to the most) who would it be?
Thanks for stopping in!
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
Chase Elliott because I am smooth and save my tires for the end of the race like Chase.
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u/crushcastles23 We all miss you Beez. Jan 31 '15
Hey, thanks for coming out today.
Who do you think is the best up and coming driver?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
Chase Elliott
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Jan 31 '15
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
No racing romance. I just look up to him and he is a very good role model for young drivers.
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u/johnnyracer24 Jan 31 '15
Welcome to NASCAR's sacrurary of reddit, /r/NASCAR!
What is one driver that you wish/could race against?
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Jan 31 '15
Danica Patrick
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u/beezwacks Six-Time Feb 01 '15
Totally awesome answer. Can you give your opinion on Danica's ability? I think she is a fantastic driver who gets a lot of flack because she's a woman.
Being a woman, that's something I pay close attention to.
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u/TheNatalieDecker Natalie Decker Feb 01 '15 edited Feb 01 '15
ALL drivers in NASCAR have ability. She seems to be smooth and patient and those are good qualities to have as a race driver.
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u/tsr6 Checkered Flag Jan 31 '15
Hey Natalie,
Troy here.... (#6, or probably better known as #36 spotter)
Congrats on making the Rev Racing team, been fun watching you guys all start from basically day one till now (including the couple times I got to spot for Paige back in the day).
My big tough question for you - What short track racer back here in the Midwest did you or do you look up to most? Who would you consider to be your biggest mentor?