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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 11: Daniel Dye, driver of the #10 Champion Container Chevrolet, looks on backstage during pre-race ceremonies prior to the NASCAR Xfinity SeriesFocused Health 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 11, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Daniel Dye is facing backlash after comments he made during a livestream about IndyCar driver David Malukas. The 22-year-old Kaulig Racing driver spoke about a meeting with Malukas while opening trading card packs on Whatnot. A clip from the stream spread quickly on social media and drew strong reactions from fans.
The moment traces back to late February at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, where drivers from different series interacted. What started as a casual retelling turned into a broader online controversy. Critics focused on Dye’s tone and wording, while others raised past issues from his earlier career.
Livestream Clip Sparks Online Reaction
During the stream, Dye described his interaction with Malukas and used an exaggerated voice while repeating what Malukas had told him. He referred to it as his “David Malukas gay voice” and continued the impression while opening card packs.
In the clip, Dye said, “He was like, ‘Oh my gosh, yes, we race Indianapolis, love Indianapolis, and Roger Penske, I love Roger. Love you, Roger.’”
Fans reacted quickly once the video circulated. Many described the impression as offensive and said the tone came across as mocking. The clip gained traction on X and Reddit, where users widely shared and discussed it.
Journalist Austin Konenski wrote, “This is not a good look for Daniel Dye. Glad to see Brent Crews take himself out of that conversation. There is no place for that kind of behavior.”
Another reaction from Joe Srigley read, “This is disappointing… I don’t understand why we can’t just be nice to the people we meet. To say this on a public social media platform where it can easily be clipped and shared is bananas. Not to mention, there’s a good chance that David ends up seeing this.”
Fans Bring Up Past Incident, and Criticism Grows
As the video spread, some users connected the situation to Dye’s 2022 high school case. That incident involved a battery charge during what was described as a “nut tag” game. The charge was later reduced to a misdemeanor and dismissed.
Social media users referenced that case while criticizing Dye. Logang post stated, “Daniel Dye mocking David Malukas (by all accounts, an extremely nice guy) with a homophobic tone because Malukas talked to him about ovals is ironic considering Dye is a criminal charged with grinding his cock on someone’s face.”
Another response from Jett Kraus focused on performance comparisons, saying, “David Malukas got more talent on his pinky than Daniel Dye ever will have in his life. Malukas will be an IndyCar winner but Dye will only be known for grinding his balls on someone’s face.”
No Response Yet From Drivers or Team
Calls for accountability followed across multiple platforms. Some users asked NASCAR, Kaulig Racing, or sponsors to respond or take action. Discussions also appeared on Reddit forums, where fans debated possible consequences.
Another fan Gonad post read, “Daniel Dye acting like he ain’t lucky to even still be in NASCAR, dudes ass and trying to make fun of Malukas who actually has talent lol.”
The clip has drawn attention across racing communities, but no official action has been announced so far.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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