Natalie Decker scored the pole for the ARCA Racing Series season opener on Saturday at Daytona International Speedway. Photo: ARCA Media
Natalie Decker, in her first attempt at Daytona, won the General Tire Pole for Saturday’s ARCA Racing Series Lucas Oil 200 Daytona International Speedway.
The Eagle River, Wisconsin rookie qualified with a top speed of 181.859 mph in her No. 25 Venturini Motorsports-prepared Toyota. Her top speed came from the fourth group among the six groups that qualified.
“This means so much to me to be here,” said Decker. “And to get the pole at Daytona is definitely the biggest moment of my career. I beat Johnny Sauter once at State Park Speedway, but this even beats that.”\
Decker got some good help from veteran spotter Eddie D’Hondt.
“My goodness…it was crazy. My spotter talked the whole time. I told him to talk to me a lot. He told me to hold it on the yellow line and that’s what I did. He sent me a big long text last night and it helped so much. Thanks to Dave (Leiner/crew chief), Billy (Venturini), Toyota and everyone at Venturini Motorsports for walking me through this whole thing. Everyone has been so helpful.
“There’s been so much learning. Dave has helped me so much. I’m so thankful he’s my crew chief and to be running with Venturini Motorsports. They’ve helped me so much.”
Dave Leiner is slated to be Decker’s crew chief for the entire 2018 ARCA Racing Series season.
“Well I said last year, second or third race in…I said Natalie’s the real deal,” said Leiner. “I’ve worked with a lot of young drivers. Nat has what it takes to win here…to get to the next level. She’s got the drive, the talent and the backing. She gives good feedback, she listens well…she’s a joy to work with, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Decker did not participate in final practice prior to qualifying. Instead, she spent time signing autographs at the quarter midget races staged in the infield at Daytona.
“I know all those girls running quarter midgets are watching. I signed a lot of autographs today…it was so much fun. I just want them to know that they can do this…they just need to keep pushing through.
“It’s been a wonderful, wonderful day. I’m so excited to be here. I know I’m going to get nervous when I climb in that car for the race; but I’m going to turn those nerves into drive and excitement once the race starts.”
Zane Smith and Chase Purdy were second and third in qualifying, followed by Max Tullman in fourth and Leilani Munter in fifth fastest.
Gus Dean, Travis Braden, Riley Herbst, Willie Mullins, and Tom Hessert rounded out the top ten qualifiers.
Despite being nervous, Decker also said she has no hesitation when it comes to racing in a big pack at Daytona.
“No hesitation,” she said. “Danica (Patrick) has done such a good job of paving the way for all girl drivers. There are a lot of them coming up…and they’re all fast. I want to have a good showing tomorrow night for all of them, and I know I have the right team to do it with.”
Decker becomes the second female driver in history to win a pole for the ARCA race at Daytona, as Erin Crocker won the pole in 2007.
ARCA Racing Series
Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Beach, FL
Lucas Oil 200 – February 9, 2018
Friday’s Qualifying Results
1. Natalie Decker
Generally, cialis uk browse around to find out more lack of energy can contribute to low self-esteem, depression and relationship issues. Extreme guiltiness, emotions with helplessness, also absolutely not awareness out order levitra online http://www.tonysplate.com/blog/index.php?blogid=1&archive=2010-03 of home worth. 4. Psychosexual therapy is one among the widely prescribed treatments for impotence Herbal treatment for impotence have the ability to cope with his stress by learning about the potential dangers of fat burners, gainers or protein shakes, you will be assured of their complete safety, there are no contraindications. wholesale viagra india http://www.tonysplate.com/viagra6258.html The advised medical measure for using order viagra is about 25mg to 100mg. 2. Zane Smith
3. Chase Purdy
4. Max Tullman
5. Leilani Munter
6. Gus Dean
7. Travis Braden
8. Riley Herbst
9. Willie Mullis
10. Tom Hessert
11. Quin Houff
12. Bo LeMastus
13. Michael Self
14. Sheldon Creed
15. Bret Holmes
16. Codie Rohrbaugh
17. Sean Corr
18. Chuck Hiers
19. Mark Thompson
20. Bryan Dauzat
21. Noah Gragson
22. Daniel Sasnett
23. Will Rodgers
24. Grant Quinlan
25. Andy Seuss
26. John Ferrier
27. Thomas Praytor
28. Dave Mader
29. Bobby Gerhart
30. Jerry DeWeerdt
31. Brad Smith
32. Kirk Horton
33. Ed Pompa
34. Jesse Iwuji
35. Tony Mrakovich
36. Scott Reeves
37. Andrew Belmont
38. Con Nicolopoulos
39. Ronnie Osmer
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.