Derek Lemke, a Minnesota native with more than ten years of experience in stock‑car competition, is preparing for his first start in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Iowa Speedway.
The 2026 Hy‑Vee Perks 250 will mark the culmination of a career path that began on local tracks and wound through the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where Lemke honed his skill behind the wheel of a variety of machines.
Sponsorship and machinery
Lemke will climb into the No. 91 Chevrolet for DGM Racing, a program backed by a coalition of regional brands including Crankshaft Supply, Rack Shack BBQ and Burch Farms. The partnership not only provides financial support but also underscores the growing influence of Midwest‑based enterprises in national motorsport.
Team owner Mario Gosselin praised Lemke’s versatility, noting that the driver’s ability to adapt to different cars has been a key factor in earning the seat. “Derek brings a work ethic and a talent that stands out in any cockpit,” Gosselin said.
Family ties and personal motivation
Beyond the track, Lemke balances his racing ambitions with life in North Carolina, where he shares a home with his wife, driver Natalie Decker, and their young son, Levi. The Iowa opportunity is described by Lemke as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream that began on the dirt roads of Minnesota.
The race also places Lemke alongside his wife’s own racing schedule, creating a unique dynamic for the couple as they each chase milestones in the sport. Their combined presence highlights a new generation of driver families shaping the NASCAR landscape.
For Lemke, the debut at Iowa is more than a personal checkpoint; it is a statement that the Midwest can produce competitors capable of competing at the highest level. As the green flag drops, the crowd will be watching a story that blends heritage, hard work, and the promise of future success.