NASCAR driver suspended over homophobia towards IndyCar star

NASCAR Truck Series driver Daniel Dye has been indefinitely suspended after he used a homophobic voice to mock IndyCar racer David Malukas.

Dye, who drove for Kaulig Racing in the Truck Series has also been suspended by his team and has been ordered to undergo mandatory sensitivity training for the incident, which took place after the Phoenix double-header weekend between NASCAR and IndyCar.

Appearing on a livestream on Whatnot, an online marketplace, Dye was speaking about meeting Malukas whilst doing promotional material for the double-header.

He admitted to not knowing much about Malukas, who drives for Team Penske, and asked Malukas if he raced on any ovals.

"He was distraught, I asked him that question," Dye said, who then began to mock Malukas with a homophobic voice as he gave the IndyCar driver's response. 

NASCAR O'Reilly Series driver Brent Crews and Crews' stepfather, Matt Lankford were also both in the stream, but Crews had stepped away before Dye's homophobic comment.

Malukas has not yet publicly commented on the situation. 

The article continues below.

Daniel Dye statement

Following the suspension, Dye issued the following statement.

"I want to first apologise to David Malukas. I recently went on a live stream with some friends and made some careless comments. 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.

"I have some close friends in the LGBTQ+ community who / would never want to feel less of themselves because of what I said, and that's exactly why I should hold myself to a higher standard. In talking with them, I realise that a true friend would know better than to act the way I did, and for that, I need to be a better friend.

"What I said doesn't reflect how I feel about them or anyone else. I didn't think enough before I spoke, and I in no way meant any harm. I know that intention does not erase impact, and I need to do better.

"I'm taking this seriously and working on being more aware and respectful moving forward. I'm sorry to everyone I let down. I am committed to learning from this and better understanding the impact that my decisions can have on others. 

"That includes educating myself, listening to those affected, and taking meaningful steps to ensure my actions reflect respect and inclusivity going forward.

"I know I've got a platform and a responsibility, and I need to use it better."