NASCAR driver Daniel Dye suspended over ‘gay voice’ jibe at David Malukas
"I chose my words poorly, and I understand why it upset people," said Dye
By Aaron Sugg
Daniel Dye, a 22-year-old NASCAR driver, has been suspended over a “gay voice” jibe aimed at David Malukas during a livestream on Whatnot this week.
In the video, which circulated Tuesday (17 March), another participant told Craftsman Truck Series driver Dye, that Malukas “plays for the other team”.
After the comment, Dye mimicked Malukas, who competes in the IndyCar Series for Team Penske, using what he called a “David Malukas gay voice”.
“It’s like ‘Oh my gosh, yas'” – Daniel Dye mocking David Malukas’s “gay voice”
He said: “It’s like ‘Oh my gosh, yas, we race Indianapolis. Love Indianapolis and Roger Penske, I love Roger, love you Roger.”
After the video circulated online, NASCAR announced Dye was: “indefinitely suspended from NASCAR after insensitive comments made during a recent livestream.”
In a statement issued on the official NASCAR website, the body outlined the rule breach under Section 4.3.C in the NASCAR Rule Book.
What does NASCAR say about homophobia in sport?
The rule states: “NASCAR Members shall not make… a public statement or communication that criticises, ridicules, or otherwise disparages another person based upon that person’s race, colour, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, or handicapping condition.”
— Daniel Dye (@danieldye43) March 17, 2026
In response, Dye must complete sensitivity training before returning. The driver issued an apology on social media, describing his comments about Malukas as “careless”.
“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,” he said.
“I realise that a true friend would know better than to act the way” – Dye apologising for mocking David Malukas
“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 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.”
Dye continued: “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 sorry to everyone I let down,” Dye said, adding he remains committed to learning about LGBTQ+ issues and wants to educate himself to avoid similar discourse.
“I know I’ve got a platform and a responsibility, and I need to use it better” – Dye admitting he is trying to learn from his mistake
“I know I’ve got a platform and a responsibility, and I need to use it better,” Dye concluded. Malukas, 24, has yet to comment on the situation, nor addressed his sexuality on a public platform.
This is Dye’s second suspension in four years. In 2022, he was suspended after being arrested on felony battery charges (later reduced and dismissed).
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