Charlotte, NC – NASCAR driver Daniel Dye He was suspended Tuesday for mocking an IndyCar driver — the second known major fine of his racing career David Malukas during a recent livestream.
In the video, which circulated on social media on Tuesday, Dye used voices, including imitating Maluka’s voice, to give the impression of Maluka’s sexuality.
Die is a Truck Series driver for Kaulig Racing, which has also suspended him. NASCAR ordered Dye to undergo sensitivity training.
He Apologized to Maluka in social media post His comments were described as “reckless”.
“I didn’t choose my words well and I understand why that upset people,” he wrote. “I’m sorry to anyone who was hurt. I don’t want to represent myself that way.
“I have some close friends in the LBGTQ+ community who I would never want to feel diminished by because of what I said, and that’s why I hold myself to a higher standard.”
He said that conversations with those friends made him realize that “a true friend would know better than to behave the way I do.”
Malukas, a 24-year-old driver for Team Penske, often posts photos with his girlfriend on social media.
This is the second time Dye has been suspended.
He was 18 years old and racing in the ARCA series when he was arrested in high school in Daytona Beach, Florida and charged with aggravated battery for walking up to a classmate and punching the student in the groin area. The victim was treated at a hospital for a possible ruptured testicle.
Dye said it was a game and he would be acquitted. Instead he was suspended indefinitely by ARCA, which is owned by NASCAR. Dye was reinstated when the charge was reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor.
In his third full season in the Truck Series, Dye moved to Kaulig Racing to drive for Ram in the automaker’s return to NASCAR this year. Through three races, his best finish was 13th at Atlanta.
Dye raced in St. Petersburg, Florida in the Truck Series, when NASCAR partnered its third-tier series with IndyCar’s season opener. Malukus made his Team Penske debut that weekend.
