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NASCAR driver Daniel Dye was suspended indefinitely Tuesday after making disparaging remarks about IndyCar driver David Malukas during a live stream, 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 live stream 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 mimicking Malukas’ voice and referring to his sexuality when describing an interaction between the two. He described Malukas’ voice as “gay”.
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“I first want to apologize 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,” Dye said in a post on X.
“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. When I talk to 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.”
Dye went on to explain that he didn’t “think enough” before he spoke and meant “no harm”.
NTT IndyCar Series driver David Malukas heads for his car before the Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tenn., on Aug. 31, 2025. (The Tennessean)
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“I know that intentions don’t erase impact and I have to do better,” he said.
“I’m taking this seriously and working to be more aware and respectful in the future. I’m sorry to everyone I let down. I’m committed to learning from this and better understanding the impact 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 inclusiveness going forward, and I know I need and responsibility better.”
Dye was ordered by NASCAR to undergo sensitivity training as part of his suspension. He was previously suspended from the NASCAR-owned ARCA series when he was 18 after being charged with felony battery for punching a classmate in the groin area.
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 potential ruptured testicle. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor and Dye was reinstated.
Malukas, who often posts on social media with her boyfriend, did not appear to publicly address the incident.
