By Seth Eggert, NASCAR Writer
In recent years, Martinsville Speedway has become a track for young, up-and-coming drivers to make their NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut. This weekend’s Alpha Energy Solutions 250 will be no different. Three of the up-and-coming drivers are family, and are all from Eagle River, Wisconsin.
18-year-old Natalie Decker will be attempting to make her debut in the No.14 VP’s Madditive Chevrolet Silverado for NTS Motorsports. Natalie’s cousin, 21-year-old Claire Decker, who is also attempting to make her series debut, will drive the No.10 AMSOIL Chevrolet Silverado for Jennifer Jo Cobb Racing. Meanwhile, Claire’s sister, Paige Decker, will attempt to compete in her second Truck Series event, piloting the No.74 Chevrolet Silverado for Mike Harmon Racing.
To her credit, Natalie Decker has won multiple track championships in go-karts, super-stocks, and Late Models. Natalie is one of seven drivers who were selected to be a part of the Kulwicki Driver Development Program (KDDP). Natalie has also participated in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity in 2013 and 2014. In 2015, she was selected to join Rev Racing and the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program at Hickory Motor Speedway.
When asked about the opportunity, Natalie Decker said, “I’m excited but nervous to make my first laps in the #14 VP’s Madditive available at Auto Zone Chevrolet. I hope to learn a lot on and off track. I am super thankful for this opportunity to be able to show my abilities and join an elite class of drivers.”
Claire Decker has raced snowmobiles, go-karts, and currently competes in Super Late Models. Claire finished 11th in points in the TUNDRA Super Late Model Series. Claire was also a finalist in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Combine. Claire also participated in the PEAK Stock Car Dream Challenge.
Paige Decker won in the TUNDRA Super Late Model Tour in 2013, becoming the first woman, and rookie to do so. Later on that year, Paige earned the tour’s Rookie of the Year honors. Paige, like her sister Claire, and cousin Natalie, also participated in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity combine, and was a member of the program in 2014. In the spring of 2015, at Martinsville Speedway, Paige attempted to compete in her first Truck Series race for Mike Harmon Racing, but failed to qualify. Paige returned to the team, and Martinsville, and qualified 31st out of the 32 trucks that made the field.
Image: Brian Lawdermilk/NASCAR via Getty Images
