NASCAR and Kaulig Racing have both indefinitely suspended driver Daniel Dye for comments that he made during a livestream.
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The Craftsman Truck Series driver made disparaging comments about Team Penske driver David Malukas and used a tone mocking gay men. This occurred after someone else in the video said that Malukas "plays for the other team."
NASCAR stated that this is a violation of the Rule Book, specifically the member code of conduct. Dye will have to complete mandatory sensitivity training before returning to racing.
"He was like, 'Oh my God, yes, we race Indianapolis too. I love Indianapolis and Roger Penske. I love Roger. I love you, Roger,'" Dye said about Malukas while taking on a tone of voice associated with a particular stereotype. "As soon as I started doing a David Malukas gay voice, I hit a gold, so let's keep it going."
— mario (@LostSchemes) March 17, 2026
The Rule Book states that NASCAR members should not make public statements or communications 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."
NASCAR first suspended Dye after video of the comments surfaced on social media. This means he will not take part in this weekend's Craftsman Truck Series race at Darlington Raceway or any other event on the schedule until he completes the mandatory sensitivity training and receives approval to return.
Kaulig Racing then suspended Dye. The team did not yet name a replacement driver for the No. 10 Ram 1500. This news will likely come later in the week.
"I want to first apologize to David Malukas," Dye said in a statement on Tuesday evening. "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 I 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 realize 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 that 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."
Dye has made three Truck Series starts and three O'Reilly Auto Parts Series starts this season. His best finish is 13th at EchoPark Speedway.
