NASCAR suspends Daniel Dye after mocking fellow IndyCar driver with ‘gay voice’

NASCAR has suspended American racing driver Daniel Dye indefinitely after he mocked IndyCar competitor David Malukas using what he described as a “gay voice” during a livestream.

The incident occurred while Dye, 22, was opening trading cards on the Whatnot streaming platform. During the broadcast, he recounted a recent interaction with Malukas at the joint NASCAR Truck Series-IndyCar weekend in St Petersburg, Florida, imitating the driver in a high‑pitched voice and referring to it as a “David Malukas gay voice”. 

Footage of the livestream spread rapidly across social media on Tuesday, prompting immediate action from NASCAR. The organisation confirmed Dye had violated Section 4.3.C of its rule book, which prohibits disparaging public comments based on characteristics including sexual orientation. He was suspended indefinitely and ordered to complete sensitivity training before any possible reinstatement. 

Kaulig Racing, Dye’s team in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, also suspended him with immediate effect after becoming aware of the comments.

Dye issued an apology on social media, acknowledging he had “chosen my words poorly” and recognising the hurt caused. He added that he had friends in the LGBTQ+ community and should have held himself to a “higher standard”.

Malukas, 24, who drives for Team Penske in the IndyCar Series, has not publicly commented on the incident. Reports noted that he frequently shares posts with his girlfriend on social media.

This marks the second significant disciplinary measure of Dye’s career, following an earlier suspension in 2022 during his time in the ARCA series.

NASCAR reiterated its commitment to maintaining an inclusive environment, stressing that comments mocking individuals on the basis of sexuality have no place in the sport. In the meantime, Dye remains barred from all competition pending the completion of mandatory sensitivity training.