Fueled with a strong desire to succeed, captivating personalities and overwhelming popularity among their fan base, the combination of Decker and Münter pack a powerful punch.
Driving for long-time ARCA Racing Series fixture Venturini Motorsports, female teammates Natalie Decker and Leilani Münter are set to take flight in next month’s ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards season opening Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway February 10.
The lure of winning on racing’s biggest stage is every driver’s dream. But for these two women the thought of out-dueling a field of 40-drivers and capturing Daytona glory is more than just a dream – it’s a chance to make history.
As the only women entered in ARCA’s premier race, Decker and Münter stand out among a crowded garage bidding to become the first female winner in the series’ storied 65-year history.
“Every driver dreams of racing and winning at Daytona. This is exactly what I've been dreaming of since I started racing karts as a kid,” says 20-year old ARCA driver Natalie Decker. “I’m living my dream. Everyone in the garage are chasing the same goal. As far I’m concerned all drivers are created equal – we all share the same racing DNA. Once I put on my helmet I’m no different than anyone else.”
Aiming for a championship run in the ARCA Series this season Decker will make her Daytona debut in February. Earlier this month during open testing at Daytona’s famed track the Eagle River, WI native topped single car practice runs behind the wheel of her No.25 Venturini Motorsports – N29 Capital Partners Toyota entry.
Fully aware of the sports' history, Decker’s teammate, Leilani Münter, offers similar sentiments about creating headlines at Daytona.
“It’s all about breaking a glass ceiling,” says Leilani. “We’re not the first and won’t be the last female racers with a chance to win at this level. Obviously winning Daytona would be incredible and life-changing for me but it’s bigger than that - no women driver has ever won in the ARCA series or any of NASCAR’s top three series’ for that matter. The conversation should not be if it will happen, it’s about when it will happen.”
Known best for her environmental voice, Leilani will drive the No.20 Vegan Strong car during her sixth start at Daytona and tenth overall career ARCA start since 2010. Last season driving for Venturini Motorsports at Daytona Münter had a fantastic run going, running as high as fourth in the final stages of the race. With just 15-laps to go, running sixth, Leilani took heavy contact from another car as they raced down the backstretch - ending her chances.
Don’t miss Decker and Munter as they join the a stacked field during the 55th running of the Daytona ARCA 200 from Daytona International Speedway Saturday, Feb. 10 with live, flag-to-flag coverage aired on the Ultimate Sports Radio Network beginning at 4pm EST.
