In this age of social media and live streaming, comments are immediately spread around the world.
Craftsman Truck Series driver Daniel Dye is the latest to learn the consequences of those words when NASCAR suspended him indefinitely over some insensitive remarks made at a livestream event.
NASCAR has charged the driver of the number 10 Kaulig Racing Ram truck with violating the NASCAR rule book Section 4.3C of the Rule Book – “NASCAR Members shall not make … a public statement or communication that criticizes, ridicules, or otherwise disparages another person based upon that person’s race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, or handicapping condition.”
On a recent livestream event, Dye was opening trading cards while discussing his experience with NTT IndyCar driver David Malukas at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in late February. The 22-year-old Dye imitated Malukas using what he described as a “gay voice.” Where he repeated exaggerated phrases about Indianapolis and Roger Penske. The livestream immediately drew criticism.
Malukas has not responded publicly to Dye’s remarks.
Using language officials at NASCAR and Kaulig deemed “unacceptable”, Dye was immediately suspended.
Kaulig Racing has not named a replacement driver for the number 10 Ram Truck.
Dye issued a statement on social media where he apologized saying, “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.”
Dye will have to attend sensitive training sessions before he can apply for reinstatement to NASCAR.
O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Brent Crews was also present at the livestream but walked away when Dye began making the comments that got him suspended. The 17-year-old Crews will not face any penalty.
This was not the first time Daniel Dye has gotten into a sot of bother. In 2022, he was arrested under a charge of felony battery that was later reduced to a misdemeanor and later dismissed. Driving for the ARCA Series, Dye was suspended temporarily.