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NASCAR driver Daniel Dye was suspended indefinitely Tuesday after making derogatory remarks about IndyCar driver David Malukas during a live broadcast, mocking the Team Penske driver’s voice in a derogatory manner.
Dye, who is facing the second suspension of his career, was suspended this week and issued a public apology after a video of his livestream mocking the IndyCar driver went viral on social media.
NASCAR Truck Series driver Daniel Dye (10) during qualifying for the Fresh from Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida on February 13, 2026. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
In the video, Dye could be heard imitating Malukas’ voice and referencing his sexuality while describing an interaction between the two. He described Malukas’ voice as “gay”.
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“I want to first apologize to David Malukas. I was recently on a live stream with friends and made some careless comments. I chose my words poorly and I understand why that upset people. I’m sorry to anyone who was offended. That’s not how I want to portray myself,” Dye said in a post on X.
“I have close friends in the LGBTQ+ community who I would never want to be made to feel less than because of what I said, and that is 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 to do that I need to be a better friend. What I said does not reflect how I feel about them or anyone else.”
Dye went on to explain that he didn’t “think hard enough” before speaking and that he meant “no harm.”
NTT IndyCar Series driver David Malukas walks to his car before the Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee on August 31, 2025. (The Tennessean)
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“I know that intention doesn’t erase impact and that I have to do better,” he said.
“I take this seriously and strive to be more mindful and respectful in the future. I am sorry to everyone I have let down. I am committed to learning from this and better understanding the impact my decisions can have on others. This includes educating myself, listening to those affected, and taking meaningful action to ensure my actions reflect respect and inclusion moving forward. I know I have a platform and a responsibility, and I must do better use it.”
Dye was ordered by NASCAR to undergo sensitivity training as part of his suspension. He was previously suspended in the NASCAR-owned ARCA series at age 18 after being charged with battery for hitting a classmate in the groin.
ARCA Series driver Daniel Dye (24) during the Daytona ARCA 200 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida on February 14, 2026. (Mike Dinovo/Imagn Images)
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The student was treated at a hospital for a possible ruptured testicle. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor and Dye was reinstated.
Malukas, who often posts on social media with his girlfriend, has not appeared to speak publicly about the incident.
