NASCAR has indefinitely suspended driver Daniel Dye for homophobic comments made about IndyCar driver David Malukas.
During a recent livestream, Dye, 22, used a self-described “gay voice” to imitate a recent conversation he had with Malukas, 24.
NASCAR cited Section 4.3.C of their official rule book, which states members should not make “a public statement or communication that criticizes, ridicules, or otherwise disparages another person based upon that person’s race, color, creed, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, or handicapping condition.”
Dye, driver of the No. 10 Kaulig Racing Ram in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, must complete sensitivity training before he may return to competition, per NASCAR.
“I want to first apologize to David Malukas,” Dye wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, March 17. “I recently went on a live stream and made 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.”
He continued, “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.”
Dye insisted he was taking the suspension “seriously” and vowed to be “more aware and respectful moving forward.”
“I am committed to learning from this and better understanding that the impact that my decisions can have on others,” he wrote. “That includes educating myself, listening to those affected, and taking meaningful steps to ensure my actions reflect respect and inclusivity going forward.”
Dye’s post concluded, “I know I’ve got a platform and a responsibility, and I need to use it better.”
Kaulig Racing also announced they had “indefinitely” suspended Dye with their own statement on Tuesday “after becoming aware today of comments he made on social media.”
Malukas, who drives the No. 12 Chevrolet for Team Penske in the IndyCar Series, has not commented on Dye’s suspension or remarks. He has routinely posted photos of himself and his girlfriend on social media, including as recently as March 10, when he shared a carousel of photos via Instagram from Phoenix Raceway.
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