Decker Hospitalized
Natalie Decker. (Chris Graythen/Getty Images photo)

Decker Hospitalized, Will Miss Pocono Truck Race

LONG POND, Pa. – Natalie Decker will miss Saturday’s NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway due to bile duct complications related to her gallbladder removal in December.

Decker has been hospitalized since June 23 and, as such, will be unable to compete for Niece Motorsports in the Pocono Organics 150 To Benefit Farm Aid at the 2.5-mile, three-turn facility. Bayley Currey has been tabbed by Niece Motorsports to replace Decker at Pocono.

Decker drove the No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado for Al Niece’s team in the first three Truck Series races this season, with a best finish this year of fifth in the season opener at Daytona Int’l Speedway in February. It stands as her best finish in 22 races.

She was due to make her return this weekend after missing the last two races – at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway, respectively – before the hospitalization.

Decker currently ranks 18th in the Truck Series standings.