He’s back – but not really.
NASCAR has reinstated Craftsman Truck Series driver Daniel Dye following his suspension over comments made on a livestream earlier this month. But following the news of his reinstatement, Dye has confirmed that he won’t be returning as the driver of the #10 RAM truck for Kaulig Racing.
The whole situation started while Dye was opening trading cards during a livestream on shopping platform Whatnot when he began discussing a conversation he had with IndyCar driver David Malukas, who drives the #12 car for Team Penske.
While doing his effeminate impression of Malukas, he joked about his “David Malukas gay voice” while continuing to mock the open wheel driver:
NASCAR fans immediately began criticizing Dye and calling for the sport and his team to take action, and it wasn’t long before both the sport and his team came down on the 22-year old driver.
Dye was indefinitely suspended by NASCAR for a violation of their member conduct guidelines, which state that:
“NASCAR Members shall 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.”
He was required to undergo sensitivity training before being reinstated by NASCAR. But Kaulig Racing also announced that they had also suspended their driver:
“Kaulig Racing has indefinitely suspended driver Daniel Dye, effective immediately, after becoming aware today of comments he made on social media.”
And the driver was quick to issue an apology both to Malukas and to the sport:
“I want to first 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.
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.”
Well today, NASCAR confirmed that Dye had completed the required sensitivity training, but the driver immediately announced that he would not be returning to Kaulig Racing and the #10 truck:
“I’m incredibly thankful for my time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and for the chance to compete with Kaulig Racing alongside some of the most passionate fans in motorsports. At this time, I am stepping away from that role.”
Dye also seemed to hint that he would be looking outside of the Truck Series for future opportunities, presumably in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where he spent last season with Kaulig:
“NASCAR has played a meaningful role in my development, and I don’t take that opportunity lightly.
After a lot of honest self-reflection and guidance from mentors I trust, I’ve decided the smartest move for my career is to realign my focus on my long-term objective of becoming a successful driver at the highest level of stock car racing.
Now that I’m reinstated, I’m optimistic about what the future holds and look forward to working hard at my next opportunity.
This sport and its fans mean everything to me, and I can’t wait to get back to it focused on the real goal more than ever.”
Kaulig Racing also issued a statement, basically just saying that they had accepted Dye’s resignation and that they wish him well:
Corey LaJoie is expected to replace Dye in the #10 truck for the remainder of the season.
Dye was in his first season with Kaulig in the Truck Series after the team became the inaugural RAM truck team as the manufacturer returned to the sport this year. He was sitting at 13th in points at the time of his suspension.
Last season, Dye competed full-time in the Xfinity Series (now O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) for Kaulig, scoring a career-high finish of 7th at both Martinsville and Atlanta while finishing 20th in the final season points standings.
