Natalie Decker Confirms Additional NOAPS Starts in 2026 Amid Criticism

The NASCAR driver will compete in two more races this season despite backlash over her Daytona performance.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Natalie Decker, a NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver, has confirmed that she will compete in two additional races in 2026 beyond the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway. Decker's sponsor T.N. Dickinson's has signed on for events at Bristol Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway, bringing her total 2026 schedule to five races. However, Decker's Daytona performance drew criticism from the NASCAR community, with some questioning her incident with fellow driver Sam Mayer and controversial comments made on the radio.

Why it matters

Decker's expanded 2026 schedule and the criticism she has faced highlight the challenges and scrutiny that NASCAR drivers can face, especially those early in their careers. The incident at Daytona and Decker's response have sparked debates around driver conduct, sponsor relationships, and the pressures of competing at the highest levels of motorsports.

The details

At Daytona, Decker finished 33rd after plowing into Sam Mayer, who had already wrecked and was slowly sliding up the racetrack. Decker was heard on the radio saying, "Are you f*cking kidding me? That hurt so bad. What the f*ck? Why the f*ck did he come up the track? Who the f*ck was that? That pissed me off so much." This drew criticism from some in the NASCAR community, who also questioned a controversial photo Decker took with comedian Bert Kreischer.

  • Decker competed in the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 25, 2026.
  • Decker will compete at Bristol Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway later in the 2026 season.

The players

Natalie Decker

A NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver who is expanding her 2026 schedule to five races.

Sam Mayer

A fellow NASCAR driver who was involved in the incident with Decker at Daytona.

Kenny Wallace

A former NASCAR driver who defended Decker and criticized the NASCAR community for trying to "destroy" her.

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What they’re saying

“Are you f*cking kidding me? That hurt so bad. What the f*ck? Why the f*ck did he come up the track? Who the f*ck was that? That pissed me off so much.”

— Natalie Decker (on3.com)

“Shame on all of you. You know that'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. And as far as pulling her fire suit down, I'm sure if 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.”

— Kenny Wallace, Former NASCAR Driver (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.