NASCAR suspends Truck Series’ Daniel Dye for ‘insensitive comments’

Driver Daniel Dye has been suspended indefinitely by NASCAR for “insensitive comments made during a recent live broadcast,” the organization announced Tuesday.

The full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver was also suspended indefinitely by his team, Kaulig Racing.

In the video, Dye imitated IndyCar driver David Malukas. At one point during the live broadcast, Dye referred to the voice he used as the “gay David Malukas voice.”

According to a NASCAR press release, Dye was punished for violating a rule that state states must not make “a statement or public communication that criticizes, ridicules or disparages another person based on race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age or disability.”

“Dye used language that officials found unacceptable, resulting in Tuesday’s suspension,” NASCAR said. “Dye must undergo sensitivity training before she can return to competition.”

On Tuesday, Dye released a statement on social media, in which he apologized to Malukas and others for his “careless comments.”

“I chose my words poorly and I understand why this upset people,” Dye wrote. “I’m sorry to anyone who was offended. That’s not how I want to portray myself.

“I have close friends in the LGBTQ+ community who I would never want to be made to feel less than because of what I said, and that is exactly why I should hold myself to a higher standard. In talking with them, I realize that a true friend would know better than to act the way I did and to do that I need to be a better friend. What I said does not reflect how I feel about them or anyone else.

“I didn’t think hard enough before I spoke, and I didn’t mean any harm. I know that intention doesn’t erase impact and that I need to do better.”

Malukas and his team, Team Penske, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.

Dye, 22, was also suspended four years ago as a driver in the NASCAR-owned ARCA Series. He had been arrested and charged with battery for allegedly punching a high school classmate in the groin. He was reinstated when the charge was reduced to a misdemeanor.

In 49 Truck Series starts, Dye had two Top 5 finishes and ten Top 10 finishes, earning one pole position. He is 13th in three races this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.