Natalie Decker Set to Start 12th in Strat 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Written by Adrian Beecher

Las Vegas, NV – After a slow start in practice on Thursday and seeing gradual improvements in the speed department, Natalie Decker finds herself in the 12th starting position for Friday nights Stratosphere 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

Round one was the big one for Decker, as she burned a 30.505-second lap, which was 9th fastest on the track as she advanced to the 2nd round of qualifying.

“The first round went really well. I was really happy with it, the truck handled amazing, the guys did a great job.” said Decker afetr qualifying.

Round two, Decker ran a 30.544-second lap, only 0.039-seconds slower. However, it pushed her back three spots to the 12th position. Despite that though, her goal was to make round two, which she did.

“The second round we went a little bit slower. We couldn’t get the motor cool enough, but that’s ok.” says Decker, “My goal was to make the second round of qualifying and we did, so I’m really happy.”

The 12th place starting spot will slot Decker on the 6th row, alongside Johnny Sauter in the No. 13 truck, who was actually fastest in round 1 of practice Thursday.

Starting near the middle of the pack has some challenges. Decker looks forwar to utalizinng those challenges as ano poourtunity to learn though.

“Just the air, it’s so different, it changes the way the truck handles and its something I’ve got to get used to and learn. So it’s probably a good thing I’m going to start there and learn a lot.”