NASCAR indefinitely suspends Truck Series driver Daniel Dye for disparaging remarks about IndyCar reserve driver David Malukas
NASCAR announced on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, an indefinite suspension for Craftsman Truck Series driver Daniel Dye after he made disparaging comments about NTT IndyCar Series reserve driver David Malukas during a livestream.[1][2] Dye has been barred from all NASCAR-sanctioned activities and ordered to complete sensitivity training prior to any potential reinstatement.[1]
In the video, which circulated widely on social media, Dye mimicked Malukas' voice and described it as "gay," while referencing the IndyCar driver's sexuality.[2]
Dye, a 22-year-old from Phenix City, Alabama, posted an apology on X, stating: "I want to first apologize 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."[1][2] He added that he has friends in the LGBTQ+ community and committed to "being more aware and respectful moving forward."[2]
Dye is scheduled for a part-time campaign in the No. 10 Chevrolet for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in the 2025 Truck Series season.[3] The team recently competed at Daytona International Speedway, where Dye qualified for the Fresh From Florida 250 on February 14, 2025.[4]
This is the second suspension of Dye's stock car racing career. On March 11, 2021, the ARCA Menards Series indefinitely suspended the then-18-year-old Dye following a felony battery charge related to a December 2019 high school incident in which he punched a classmate in the groin area, sending the victim to a hospital.[5][6]
The charge was later reduced to misdemeanor simple assault. ARCA reinstated Dye on June 17, 2021.[5]
Malukas, 22, Lithuania-born and based in Chicago, joined Team Penske as an additional reserve driver ahead of the 2025 IndyCar season.[7] He has not publicly commented on Dye's remarks.[2]
Sources
- NASCAR, "NASCAR indefinitely suspends Daniel Dye following inappropriate social media comments," February 18, 2025, https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2025/02/18/nascar-indefinitely-suspends-daniel-dye-following-inappropriate-social-media-comments/
- Fox News Digital, "NASCAR driver Daniel Dye suspended indefinitely after making disparaging remarks about IndyCar driver," February 18, 2025, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nascar-driver-daniel-dye-suspended-indefinitely-disparaging-remarks-indycar-driver-david-malukas
- McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, "Daniel Dye," accessed February 2025, https://mhracing.com/drivers/daniel-dye/
- NASCAR, "Fresh From Florida 250," February 14, 2025, https://www.nascar.com/results/2025/daytona-1/02/14/
- NASCAR ARCA, "ARCA Menards Series driver Daniel Dye suspended indefinitely," March 11, 2021, https://www.nascar.com/news-media/2021/03/11/arca-menards-series-driver-daniel-dye-suspended-indefinitely/
- NBC Sports, "ARCA suspends driver Daniel Dye indefinitely for felony battery charge," March 11, 2021, https://www.nbcsports.com/motor-sports/news/arca-suspends-driver-daniel-dye-indefinitely-for-felony-battery-charge
- Team Penske, "David Malukas Jr. joins Team Penske as additional IndyCar reserve driver," December 10, 2024, https://www.teampenske.com/news/2024/12/10/david-malukas-jr-joins-team-penske-as-additional-indycar-reserve-driver
