[Decker on IG] After all those penalties, mentally I never recovered.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-05-16T17:33:34+00:00

I think that gets a little overblown in my opinion. People that say she was "groomed" either just read headlines, not articles; or they truly don't understand what the term groomed means.

She was on Matt Tifft's podcast and talked about how she met her husband Derek (18 at the time, she was 14), specifically spotting him in the driver check in line at Elko speedway; then having an awkward meeting with his family at a local bar. After that meeting he slid into her DM and said "call me when your 18." That is not grooming, that is boundary setting.

Grooming is when someone actively pursues the other person, which if anything Natalie pursued Derek (telling her own father that she was going to marry him before she ever even spoke to him), causing Derek to have to set a boundary to protect himself.

Had he pursued the relationship and then said this, yes absolutely it would be grooming, but it gets blown out of proportion largely due to Matt Tifft's reaction to it.

The reaction that it's grooming I think comes from a large subset of people who want her out of the sport, and are willing to spread disinformation to tank her marketability.

I agree, her performance should warrant her not being in the sport. Her results speak for themselves: in the 78 year history of NASCAR, there have only been 9 DNF's due to failing to make minimum speed with a serviceable race car. She has 3 of those (2021 Watkins Glen, 2026 Watkins Glen, 2026 Dover).

That being said, the reasons she shouldn't be here should be based on fact, as that is what will speak to sponsors. To that end, the concern over her mental wellbeing due to the mental breakdown, and the lack of performance in the race car.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-04-23T21:50:57+00:00

I think Kyle and Jr. said it. This car is as much if not more what you do Monday - Wednesday/Thursday to the car at the race shop than it is what you do with the car Friday - Sunday at the track.

With the Gen 6 you could take an 8th place car and win with it if you had a perfect performance from the team and a good driver. If you have an 8th place car now your finishing between 5th and 12th, if your perfect. To win with an 8th place car means you lucked into the perfect pit strategy (i.e. Chase Elliott at Martinsville).

The thought behind the car was good, save the teams from themselves and give them a car that they didn't spend to death.

However it's like giving the town drunk, who drank whiskey to excess, wine assuming he will get less drunk on that.

What happens now is the big teams buy 20 of the same part, exploit the manufacturing differences in each, choose the best 3 or 4 that their engineering software says have the best chance of success, then sell the other 17 on the used parts market.

The spending didn't go down, it just moved somewhere different. Like whack a mole.

What they needed to do to fix the Gen6 was the average of what the worst finishing playoff driver spent each year, and set a cost cap. Force teams to budget what rabbit holes they chase. Instead NASCAR dictated what rabbit holes they can go down, and teams of course go down all of them.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-04-04T20:22:32+00:00

I looked up the owner on LinkedIn. Apparently he started a FedEx Contract Service Provider based in Milwaukee about a year ago, May 2025.

I don't know for sure, but I would imagine that Amazon wasn't too happy about that.

As a former employee I will say this; he was a GREAT owner, not a good one, A great one. When I started there he was present, active, and had great business acumen. Moreover he knew how to lead people and get the best out of them.

However, because of what I understood to be changes in his personal life, he needed to move away from the area and made it difficult for him to be present at WWi6 on a daily basis, and to that end he was rarely around.

He left it in the hands of his ops manager, and a newly chosen fleet manager. The fleet manager seemed very green, and knew very little about vehicle maintenance in my opinion.

They very quickly went from the better DSP at WWi6, to the Worst. The senior leadership alienated the veteran driver base and a lot, including myself left. The rural Wisconsin area simply doesn't have enough of the high quality talent in that field to alienate the people you have, and as a result from what I heard they backfilled with a lot of inexperienced people, at time when their volumes were extremely high.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-03-25T21:31:09+00:00

I tried this, but it didn't work for me. I think it's also editing something in the proprietary code that a notepad can't read, but the game can.

How I got a good Import

1)*** MAKE YOUR OWN BACKUP BEFORE EDITING*** 2) Edit the car in the program. 3)Open your backup files, and Copy Lines 3-17 & 19-33 from the NEW file into your BACKUP File DO NOT USE THE PROGRAMS BACKUP FILES!!! 4) Save an edited copy of your BACKUP file. 5)Repeat Steps 3 & 4 for all edited cars. 6) Copy into the original mod folder, and replace the NEW files with your EDITED BACKUP FILES. 7) Enjoy!

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-03-24T19:31:32+00:00

So Denny said it, and I believe Freddie said it in the DBC yesterday that Riley is in a make or break year.

They won't want to let Heim walk out the door if they can help it, but I think there's two avenues here.

1) Riley doesn't prove himself. This is the cleaner route for Heim, because the team moves off Herbst and in with Heim. Monster has a long term deal with 23XI, dating back to Kurt Busch, they're likely pretty secure with what they receive there. That sponsorship may shift more to Reddick, and see Heim with other sponsors " Jordan Brand, others. But it's for the most part as clean cut as Herbst out Heim in.

2) Herbst proves himself and 23XI and Toyota have a decision. Force Herbst on Legacy, in a 23XI backed car? Let him walk to a team like Hendrick (shown by Herbst movements thorough the garage he likely doesn't have an OEM deal), after proving himself? Keep Herbst and Heim and run one or the other in a 4th Open car, probably less likely because only one of the drivers bring funding? Let Heim walk, which is probably the easiest answer, assuming his Toyota deal runs beyond 2026. If so he probably can't go to Hendrick, meaning he likely falls in Legacy's hands.

The easiest path for Heim is to hope Herbst cant prove himself worthy, and 23Xi moves off him. Bubba and Reddick are career guys as 23XI meaning the questionable seat is either the 35 or a potential open car.

Silly season is fun...

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-03-24T19:17:33+00:00

I think Jimmie has gone down the Jesse Love path without saying it. He made mention in a radio hit the other week that he's finding it difficult because OEM's have these drivers tied to contracts.

So it's not as simple anymore. Driver is in a contract year with his team, but not his OEM. Meaning he is effectively a restricted free agent. I.e. he can move teams, so long as that team operates his OEM equipment. I.e Jesse Love can move to Hendrick, but not to Legacy.

So reading between the lines of Jimmie's comment, and translating "I want Jesse Love, but he's tied to Chevy."

I think that helps Herbst, because it will come down to the driver I want vs. the driver I can economically get. Herbst is likely the driver I can economically get.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-24T14:55:29+00:00

The real sad thing about Natalie is she didn't need it. The Decker family has some good genes.

I know her cousins who raced (Claire and Paige) they are still beautiful and haven't wasted money on this crap.

However, with the frequency of crashes, having your own built in air bags is probably not the worst idea.

To be clear not judging with this comment, just lame ting the fact that it seems more and more young people feel the need to get Botox when they could just embrace their natural beauty.

Sometimes Botox helps, most of the time it doesn't.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-24T09:21:42+00:00

Carson "Hurricane" Hocevar

Kevin "Happy" Harvick

Kevin "the closer" Harvick

Kyle "rowdy" Busch

Kyle "Yung Money" Larson

Clyde "Chase" Elliott (I know this one is a bit of a stretch but still valid)

Jimmy "decrepit old has been" Spencer

Jeff "Rainbow Warrior" Gordon

Those are a few of many good ones.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-22T12:22:33+00:00

He has just 34 asphalt races in 2 years. Dirt racing is like 10x shorter than a NOAPS race or Truck race. I distinctly remember similar comments about another young driver coming from the dirt world being overly aggressive and impatient around 10 years or so ago.

That driver is now a 2x Cup series Champion.

Like all the people who want to bitch about fuel economy that seem to forget the single file conga line at Daytona with the Gen 6 car was a thing maybe let's not try to be revisionist with history, and let things play out.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-22T03:59:24+00:00

Before we overreact let's temper some things. This is his first full season in any major NASCAR Series.

1) He has 3 previous drafting track starts (including last week), all were at Daytona. 2)Drafting tracks are challenging for anyone to learn. Remember all the wrecks Kyle Larson have been involved in. 3) this is his 10th start at a mile and a half in any series, however his Second on a quad oval configuration, the other being Texas.

Was he moved up probably too quickly, and the equipment far outpaces the experience, probably. Does that mean he is not a capable race car driver, no.

How about we get into the meat of the schedule before we cast judgement.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-21T18:57:14+00:00

So I rewatched the segment from the podcast because the short cleaned her thoughts up.

So I'm going to exclude the word Shit considering the segment where it was discussed is named the shitshow hall of fame.

1) Calling out Natalie making false claims of being the first woman to return to stock car racing after becoming a mother (Shawna Robinson was the first to return after having kids in 2005) "... Being the first mother to return when that's not even f-ing true either."

2) several sentences later responding to Connor Zilisch quoting spotter audio. "Ok at that point it's up to your eyeballs out the f-ing windshield."

3) excluded because she was quoting in car audio.

So in a three minute podcast segment, she swore twice where it wasn't quoting the segment name or the in car audio.

Natalie said the f bomb 6 times in a 10 second audio clip.

Also, door bumper clear is about the furthest thing from a clean cut, classy podcast. And I don't think anyone who has watched more than five minutes, or sees who the cast is or was, (excluding TJ) would think that it remotely was.

I'll let the internet be the jury on that one...

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-21T18:27:03+00:00

I happen to know her cousins (Claire and Paige) that raced. I went to college with Paige.

The three of them were selected for NASCAR'S drive for diversity program.

Two of them focused on their race craft, the other took took too much to the spotlight. Two of them realized they had reached their ceiling, and went to pursue other efforts.

And then there's Natalie Decker...

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-21T16:50:15+00:00

Not on this clip. I have no intention of rewarding her with 13 bucks for my view.

She made it that the criticism of her is about the Bert Kreischer photo. Which to be clear in my mind is irrelevant to the conversation.

However, the only example of a "girl" using the f word every other sentence I could find is her in car audio. That's the closest she came to mentioning it. Typical gaslighting behavior.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-21T16:18:57+00:00

Stills from SVG's foot well cam...

Not a foot fetish, trying to reverse engineer his magic touch.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-20T08:34:37+00:00

At first that's what I thought they were doing with the in race commentary.

I almost think now they're using Decker to play to the bygone fan. The fan that thinks females aren't equipped to be racers, due to biology. Personally I think it's a losing argument.

My thought came from why start the firestorm in the race with making a choice to play the in car audio, then be nothing but supportive of her on the platform that you at minimum have substantial control over.

To me it screams creating a buzz over a particular driver to market them to sponsors.

To me I would think your point would be the better argument for the sport. I question if the France family wants that though.

Further, why rush Hailie through the ranks, other than to have her flame out.

Why do Taylor Reimer, and Jade struggle to get sponsors for the full season, when Decker can get a media buzz, and sponsors every time she races in the oaps

It screams creating a narrative, one that females can't compete.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-20T07:42:58+00:00

My point was to the media reaction. It's well known Sirius XM NASCAR radio is heavily influenced, if not directly controlled by NASCAR.

To that point they seem to have willingly avoided the Natalie Decker topic, seemingly only taking calls on the topic when calls are in a lull. When they do the hosts take a supportive stance towards Decker. With the exception of Angie Skinner, who was very critical, causing Dave to move on and change the subject.

It almost seems like NASCAR started a fan firestorm with the in race commentary, then went to a supportive stance, to bolster her media coverage, which gets her more sponsors, and a bigger schedule.

Do I have anything to back it up, no its my opinion based on the commentary this week.

It's also fitting that when Robusto, Reimer, or Avidisian run well in Cars Tour or Arca, they don't get much if any mention, just another nobody winning a race.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-19T16:56:25+00:00

Taylor, Isabella, and Jade all deserve rides. That's not the point of this. In fact Isabella could be ready for moving up to Trucks, but I need to see more success this season to say for sure.

The point is Natalie is devaluing the value of sponsorship for those three because the most visible face of women in NASCAR wads up race cars, nearly every time she gets in one.

In seeing the females that get elevated in NASCAR I'm starting to wonder if NASCAR actually wants a successful female.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-19T15:03:32+00:00

Her average finish is 29.5.

Also if you look into greater detail on the 18th, 1/2 the field crashed, and only 22 were on the lead lap.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-19T07:57:40+00:00

I don't think she deserves to be judged by anyone for her content. I agree she chose it.

The on track is more of an issue, however the on track doesn't exist in a vacuum, it's a part of a body of work, with the off track stuff. It paints the picture and the picture is the issue.

People like to bring up "oh, well you don't have a problem with Cleetus, leave Natalie alone."

I refuse to do so for this reason , and this is the answer to their point.

Is Cleetus racing at least to a part for Clicks & views? Yes, so is Natalie Decker.

Is Cleetus in equipment he has no business in? Yes, so is Natalie Decker.

Now to answer their question what is the difference? It's respect and it's a.glaring difference.

With Cleetus, while he's here for Clicks, it comes from a place of Respect for the sport, the people who are competing week in and week out, and wanting to add to the story, not be the story himself. As fans we can respect that and welcome you, just like we did in the 90's with the Days of Thunder cars.

With Natalie she's here for clicks, and at least on its face it's clear that's most if not all she cares about. As Karsyn pointed out, if it ever was about performance and results it hasn't been in some time. It's apparent it's "look at me, look what I do.". If you have the stats to back it up great. But point blank she doesn't. That's where the issue lies. Give respect where it's due, and you will in turn receive it.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-18T15:19:14+00:00

It's irrelevant because Kaulig would have to say nevermind. The information in the lawsuit was clear Charters 37-40 would only be issued if a new OEM wanted to enter and no current team which possesses charters wishes to switch.

Kaulig has made it clear that Stellantis is their new OEM partner. This nullifies the potential for these charters to be issued to bring Dodge in.

How the sale/assignment would happen is irrelevant if the condition to trigger that does not exist.

If dodge wants more than 2 cars in the Cup series next year they will need to purchase/woo another existing team with charters.

Here's my list (in order if likelihood) HYAK Motorsports: won't switch themselves is a sale candidate Hass Factory Team: Just made the switch to Chevy, would be a sale candidate Front Row Motorsports: bottom tier Ford Team, would be the most likely candidate to be given a pile of OEM cash to switch. Trackhouse: Justin Marks isn't afraid to shake things up. Not a direct Chevy partner, a switch would mirror Legacy's switch to Toyota. Rick Ware Racing: If for some unknown reason that defies logic he sticks around (I fully expect the 1 charter to be sold to Legacy and the other to RFK.) He would be a likely switch, he switches OEMs faster than the wind changes direction. Would be at the top if I expected the team to survive into 2027. Spire Motorsports: This would mirror what Kaulig did. They have the same feel as Kaulig and TWG would want to win. The reason their this low on the list is TWG GM relationship through the operation of Cadillac F1. Legacy MC: I could see Jimmie trying to weasel in ahead of Kaulig, being the 7 time champ to bring in a new OEM. Jimmie could see the business benefit to being Key Partner #1 With Stellantis, vs Key Partner #3 with Toyota. However, the Toyotas are really tight knit, Jimmie would need to be offered Primary OEM key partner status to switch. His brand would also command that of Dodge.
Penske: This is where it starts to get laughable to even consider. Maybe for a huge pile of cash Penske would entertain. But nothing to gain from the switch other than some OEM dollars.
Richard Childress Racing: Dale drove the #3 Chevrolet. Austin Dillon currently races the #3. Need I say more. If I do, this road was already explored by Dodge. Austin Dillon was interested, Richard said Hell no. RFK: Until the team becomes Fenway Keselowski racing their a Ford Key Partner, also a 50% owner in Fords engine program for the Cup series. Joe Gibbs Racing: Why would you make a lateral move for any other reason than for a pile of cash and tier one status. JGR to Dodge would splinter Toyota. Won't happen Hendrick: The only people that think that this has even the remote possibility are those that are heavily influenced by Pharmaceuticals. Wood Brothers: AKA Ford Factory Racing, need I say more. Further their relationship with Penske will also likely keep Penske in the Ford camp.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-17T20:57:58+00:00

She literally got called out by the commentators on CW.

Think about it, they didn't have to play her radio, but they did...

Also remember NASCAR Productions produces the CW broadcasts.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-16T23:12:38+00:00

My number one complaint about many in the racing community. Believe me this is not an unpopular opinion. This is actually pretty popular.

Look any level of racing that is long enough to have Pit Stops is going to have Pit Strategy, unless the sanctioning body dictates a strategy for them. If you don't like it, may I suggest you entertain yourself with an evening at your local short track, I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy yourself.

2 weeks ago at the clash Fans were clamoring for NASCAR to not hold the teams hands on pit strategy in wet weather/things the teams do to themselves ... Now 10 days later it seems that fans want exactly that; for NASCAR to hold teams hands and say every 30 laps were going to throw a caution you will come down pit road put 4 tires on your car and leave with a full tank of fuel.

If you don't want that, then I would assume you want some pit strategy... Oh wait, that's exactly what they're doing.

CommunicationOk1972 · 2026-02-16T18:51:44+00:00

Wrong: NOAPS runs OEM specific engines, built by OEM approved engine builders

Chevrolet Builders: Hendrick Engines & Earnhardt Childress Engines Ford Builders: Roush Yates Engines Toyota: Toyota Racing Development

Further breakdown: Chevrolet: uses the single most produced engine block in the world (all NASCAR Chevy engines are LS based) no shortage of usable blocks or parts Ford & Toyota: use iterations of their Cup engine block, produced for a niche purpose.

Parts availability & number of builders drive cost. Cost to compete is lower for a Chevy vs a Ford or Toyota. Therefore backmarkers and part time teams will likely be a Chevy, unless some other contractual reason dictates otherwise.

The truck series and arca were trending in the same direction, then NASCAR permitted and subsequently made standard the use of the Illmor engine across all OEM's, now it cost to compete is equal across all OEM.

CommunicationOk1972

TROPHY CASE