NASCAR driver Daniel Dye has been suspended indefinitely by both the racing organisation and his team, Kaulig Racing, after he mocked a fellow driver's voice as 'gay' during a livestream. The 22-year-old, who competes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, made the comments on the Whatnot streaming platform while imitating IndyCar driver David Malukas.
According to The Athletic, Dye said in a high-pitched voice: 'He’s like, “Oh my gosh, yas, we race Indianapolis, too. Love Indianapolis. And Roger Penske.” As soon as I start doing a David Malukas gay voice, I hit a gold. So let’s keep it going.' The video circulated on social media on Tuesday, prompting swift action from NASCAR and his team.
NASCAR issued a statement saying Dye had been 'indefinitely suspended' over his 'insensitive comments' and must complete sensitivity training before returning to competition. Kaulig Racing also announced an indefinite suspension, stating it acted 'after becoming aware today of comments he made on social media.'
In an apology posted on X on Tuesday evening, Dye described his remarks as careless. 'I chose my words poorly, and I understand why it upset people. I’m sorry to anyone who was offended. That’s not how I want to represent myself,' he wrote. He added that he has close friends in the LGBTQ+ community and should hold himself to a higher standard.
Dye, from Daytona Beach, Florida, is currently 13th in the Truck Series standings. His career began in regional races before moving to national competition. In 2022, while in high school, he was arrested for striking a fellow student in the groin and charged with battery, though the charge was later dismissed. Malukas, who finished second in the 2025 Indianapolis 500, has not publicly commented on the incident.
