NASCAR has chosen to reinstate Craftsman Truck Series driver Daniel Dye from an indefinite suspension handed out earlier in March.
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The sanctioning body announced the news on March 31 with the weekly penalty report. NASCAR noted that Dye is now eligible to return to all activity. This indicates that he has completed the mandatory sensitivity training that NASCAR assigned as part of the indefinite suspension.
Dye, 22, received his suspension on March 17 after video surfaced of him making derogatory comments about NTT IndyCar Series driver David Malukas. The two drivers had taken part in a joint promotional event setting up the St. Pete IndyCar/Truck Series doubleheader.
"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 after someone else on the livestream had said that the driver "played for the other team."
"As soon as I started doing a David Malukas gay voice, I hit a gold, so let's keep it going." Dye continued to make comments about Malukas as the livestream continued.
NASCAR first suspended the driver for the comments he made, which violated the NASCAR Rule Book. Kaulig Racing then issued a suspension ahead of the race weekend at Darlington Raceway. The team turned to veteran AJ Allmendinger to drive the No. 10 for the race in South Carolina.
Dye responded after the indefinite suspensions by issuing a statement on social media.
"I want to first apologize to David Malukas," Dye said in a statement. "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 is now eligible to race again, but it will not be with Kaulig Racing. He and the team have parted ways as of Tuesday afternoon.
