The NASCAR driver tells the story of the first time she met her husband at age 14
Natalie Decker is a driver in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. She’s on the entry list for the race today at Daytona International Speedway.
She’s currently married to Derek Lemke. He ran two NASCAR Truck Series races back in 2023.
They were engaged in 2022 and married in 2023. They welcomed a son into their family in February 2025.
The two first met when Decker was 14-years-old. Lemke is roughly 3.5 years older.
Decker told the story…
Natalie Decker details meeting her husband
“So, I was 14-years-old and I went to his home track at Elko,” Natalie Decker stated via the Speedway Sessions podcast.
“And he was a few people in front of me in line checking in, to get your pit pass. He was wearing a baby blue Bauer hat. Hockey brand, backwards.”
“And, I look at my Dad and I said, ‘Do you think that’s a hockey player and a race car driver? Cause if that’s the case, I will marry that guy.’ “
“And my Dad was like, ‘Oh, whatever.’ “
“So, I was actually racing against Derek’s Dad, that first time I ever went to that track. He messaged me on Instagram and he was like, ‘Call me when you’re 18.’ “
Matt Tifft responded, “Whoa! Is that grooming? I feel like that’s grooming.”
Decker added, “He texted me and he’s like, ‘How’s it going?’ And it was Valentine’s Day. So Dad, if you’re watching this I’m so sorry. But, my Mom already knows about it. So, I’ll say it.”
“I sent him a very cute picture of my cute little butt. And I said, ‘Happy Valentine’s Day Derek, What’s my present.’ “
Decker added, “We never stopped talking since that day.”
The 28-year-old has run 13 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races dating back to 2021. She’s also run 32 NASCAR Truck Series races.
