Dye suspended indefinitely by NASCAR and Kaulig

NASCAR and Kaulig Racing indefinitely suspended Craftsman Truck Series driver Daniel Dye on Tuesday for insensitive behavior caught on a livestream.

Dye was seen and heard mocking Team Penske NTT IndyCar Series driver David Malukas as he was opening trading cards. In doing so, Dye changed the tone of his voice, as to mock how Malukas sounds, and made inferences about Malukas’s sexuality.

NASCAR has mandated Dye undergo sensitivity training before he will be reinstated. Dye drives the No. 10 Ram entry for Kaulig Racing.

A lengthy apology was posted on Dye’s social media page after the suspension was announced. It reads in full:

“I want to first apologize to David Malukas. I recently went on a livestream 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.

“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 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.

“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 taking this seriously and working on being more aware and respectful moving forward. I’m sorry to everyone I let down. I am committed to learning from this and better understanding that the impact that 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 inclusivity going forward.

“I know I’ve got a platform and a responsibility, and I need to use it better.”

Dye was recognized for his platform to advocate for mental health at the end of 2025 with the Comcast Community Champion Award. Through his “Race to End Suicide” nonprofit, Dye raises awards and resources for individuals who are struggling. He has also done public speaking, outreach events, and other engagements through the platform.

Tuesday was not the first time Dye has been suspended for inappropriate behavior. In 2022, while an ARCA Menards Series driver, Dye, who was then 18 years old, was suspended by the series after he was arrested in Daytona Beach, Fla., on a felony battery charge. In what was said to be a game among high schoolers, Dye hit a fellow student in the groin. The charge was later dismissed, with Dye undergoing an anger management class, community service, and paying restitution to the victim, and Dye was reinstated for racing.

The Craftsman Truck Series returns to action for the first time since Feb. 28 this weekend at Darlington Raceway.