UPDATE: September 26, 2020 — 10:04 AM ET:
Natalie Decker posted an update on her condition to Twitter on Saturday. She stated that she is flying back home to get further evaluation and upon completion of the tests, she will let everyone know what caused her to miss Friday’s NASCAR Truck Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
I know you are all wondering what happened and what is going on.
We are boarding soon to get back home where there will be more tests run so they can further evaluate and diagnose. I will let you know as soon as that is complete. Thank you for all your prayers and support— Natalie Decker (@NatalieRacing) September 26, 2020
ORIGINAL STORY: September 25, 2020 — 9:22 PM ET
Bizarre news just before the start of Friday night’s NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series World of Westgate 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, as Natalie Decker, who was slated to start 23rd, was not allowed to compete.
According to NASCAR, Decker was not medically cleared to compete in the event. However, as the truck had already passed pre-race inspection and was on the grid, Decker and the team will be credited with a last-place finish in the race.
No word on what ailment kept Decker from being cleared from the race, as of yet, but she was hospitalized and underwent surgery for complications due to gall bladder surgery back in June.
Decker also revealed last September that she suffers from Rheumatoid Arthritis.
The 23-year old driver scored the best finish for a female driver in NGROTS history with a solid fifth-place effort in the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.
Decker, who hails from Eagle River, WI, had contested 11 races with Niece Motorsports in 2020, Friday will count as her 12th although she was unable to compete a lap.
Once an official reason for Decker not being medically cleared for Friday’s race is revealed, we will amend this story.
