NASCAR Reinstates Daniel Dye, But He'll Need A New Team

Dye exits Kaulig Racing after suspension over comments about IndyCar driver David Malukas

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:40pm

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NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Daniel Dye has been reinstated by NASCAR after serving a suspension for comments he made about IndyCar driver David Malukas. However, Dye revealed he will not return to action with Kaulig Racing, which had also levied its own suspension over the incident. Dye said he is stepping away from his role with Kaulig Racing and is optimistic about finding his next opportunity in stock car racing.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of professional drivers being familiar with their peers across different motorsports series. Dye's comments about not knowing who Malukas was drew criticism and led to his suspension. As he looks to continue his NASCAR career, this situation could impact his future prospects with teams.

The details

Dye was suspended for mocking Malukas while on a livestream where he opened packs of trading cards. Dye was recalling meeting Malukas in St. Petersburg and claimed to have not known who he was or the fact that he was an IndyCar driver. Kaulig Racing, Dye's former team, has announced that NASCAR veteran Corey Lajoie will hop into Dye's vacated No. 10 Ram for this weekend's Craftsman Truck Series race at Rockingham.

  • On March 31, 2026, NASCAR granted Dye reinstatement, effective immediately.
  • Dye revealed on X that he will not return to action with Kaulig Racing.

The players

Daniel Dye

A NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver who was suspended by NASCAR and Kaulig Racing for comments he made about IndyCar driver David Malukas.

David Malukas

An IndyCar driver who Dye claimed to not have known about during an incident that led to Dye's suspension.

Kaulig Racing

The NASCAR team that Dye drove for, but has now parted ways with after his suspension.

Corey Lajoie

A NASCAR veteran who will replace Dye in the No. 10 Ram for Kaulig Racing at the upcoming Craftsman Truck Series race at Rockingham.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Daniel Dye

“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.”

— Daniel Dye

What’s next

Dye will now need to find a new team to continue his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career after parting ways with Kaulig Racing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of professional drivers being familiar with their peers across different motorsports series. As Dye looks to continue his NASCAR career, this situation could impact his future prospects with teams, emphasizing the need for drivers to be knowledgeable about the broader racing landscape.