DragChamp Racer Spotlight: Ricky Decker

In the spotlight this week is NHRA Division 3 Super Stock racer and former World Champion Ricky Decker. Ricky started the 2019 season on fire going to four finals in his first four races.

Decker grabbed a runner up at the season opening Lucas Oil event at Columbus. That was followed by a win at the Cavalcade of Stars LODRS at Summit Motorsports Park.

A week later he captured the $5,000 Stock/Super Stock win at the Jeg’s Sportsnational Open. His latest final round came at the Thunder Valley Nationals were he scored a runner up finish.

In the following Q&A, we learned more about Ricky Decker.

How long have you been racing?

31 years

How did you get introduced to the sport?

My Dad

Which class or classes do you compete in? 

Super Stock    

Where do you normally race?

NHRA National and Division races

Tell us about your current race car.

94 Super Stock Camaro, built by my Dad and my brother.

Please list your major racing accomplishments.

• 2008 NHRA Super Stock World Champion
• 1996 Division 3 Super Stock Champion
• 2008 Division 3 Super Stock Champion
• 2014 Division 3 Super Stock Champion

What’s on your bucket list, future goals, what do you hope to achieve?

Win a NHRA National event

What is your favorite race car, and why?

The current car I race because my family built it.

Tell us what you do for a living?

I work for my dad at Lawn Cure Inc., a business he started in 1976.

How do you support your racing, side hustle, sponsor, partner, etc.?

My dad is the one that’s made this dream possible.

Who do you hate to see in the other lane, and why?

I try to block the other lane out and focus on doing what I need to.

What’s the hardest part of drag racing?

I’d say the fact that we’re dealing with thousandth’s of a second and luck is a big factor!

What are you saying to yourself just before you stage the car?

This is just like at the shop “see it and let go”.

What do you enjoy the most at the racetrack?

Hanging out with friends and meeting new people.

Are you superstitious?  If so, what are they?

Not really.

Do you love to win or hate to lose?

Hate to lose!

Which are you better at the starting line or the finish line?

I’d say I’m fair at both.

What motivates you to continue racing?

The challenge to make the car and driver perfect.

If money were no object, what would your racing operation look like? 

I’m pretty content with where I’m at right now.

How often do you use a practice tree?

I try to hit it every couple days.

What is your daily driver?

2014 Chevy truck.

Favorite movie or TV show?

I’m not a big movie person,I watch sports or racing mostly.

Favorite music, artist?

Country or rock. Van Halen.

Where do you spend the most time on the internet?

Racing sites or Facebook

What is your favorite sport?  Favorite team?

College Basketball, Kentucky.

Besides racing, what do you do in your free time?

Relax.

Would you rather hang out with a crowd or have a quiet evening at home?

Quiet evening at home.

What’s your favorite thing to eat? 

Steak and potatoes. Texas Roadhouse.

Who would you like to thank, who helps you the most?

My wife Missy, sons Jacob and Josh, my dad Paul, and my brother Steve. FAST EFI, Parsons and Myers, Hoosier Tire, the Dona family, and all of “The Good Time Gang”.

Look for Ricky Decker to be in the thick of the Super Stock championship battle later this season. Good luck Ricky!