Kaulig Racing is facing a lot of criticism owing to their driver’s reckless comments. After his disrespectful mockery of David Malukas during a stream, Dye is facing suspension from the Truck series. But wasting no time, Kaulig Racing has resorted to a Cup star to save the day so its truck program doesn’t face a huge hit.

Young Dye replaced with veteran driver

AJ Allmendinger will be substituting Daniel Dye in the No. 10 RAM Truck this weekend. That’s their contingency plan. Daniel Dye was driving his first season for Kaulig Racing this year, trying to help them with their ambitious partnership with RAM Trucks. However, his insensitive words mocking IndyCar driver David Malukas have raised a huge question mark on his future in the series.

He did post an apology statement about his words, “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.” But that wasn’t enough to save him from the repercussions.

He is indefinitely suspended by NASCAR. Additionally, he will have to complete sensitivity training before he can make a return to the competition. His situation mirrors that of Kyle Larson in 2020. Although Larson’s words are not as deliberate as Dye’s.

NASCAR fans are especially skeptical about the state of his contract with Kaulig Racing. Many are also speculating about the fate of the No. 10 car in the absence of Daniel Dye. While they are asking about the driver who will be replacing Dye, they also want to know if Kaulig will scrap the fourth entry altogether.

For now, Kaulig Racing has not issued any statement confirming the replacement for Daniel Dye. It is confirmed that Allmendinger will be running for them this weekend. This will be AJ Allmendinger’s first Truck start after a very long time. The driver hasn’t raced in trucks for five years.

As of now, he is a full-time driver for Kaulig Racing’s Cup program. Allmendinger is 18th in the driver standings as of March 2026 with 115 points to his name. His commitment to Kaulig Racing will allow him to race at a few venues during Dye’s suspension, but as a full-time Cup driver, there are limits to what he can do for them.

While Allmendinger and Kaulig Racing will eventually find a way to get rid of this temporary problem, Dye might end up facing some serious consequences considering his track record.

Daniel Dye’s past mistakes resurface amidst NASCAR suspension

While his actions in 2026 are serious, Dye’s situation in 2022 was much more dire compared to today. In 2022, he was arrested for violence against his fellow classmate. Dye, then 18, was charged with a felony after an alleged incident at Father Lopez Catholic High School in Daytona Beach, Florida.

According to the accuser, Dye was disturbing him during the class and continued to do so even after being pushed away. However, the situation escalated quickly and seriously, with Dye punching the victim in his groin, which left the victim seriously injured.

Daniel Dye would face immediate arrest and was sent to the Volusia County jail. He did get out six hours later on a $2500 bond. But once again, his ARCA career faced jeopardy due to his actions. He was suspended indefinitely from the competition during his full-time season.

Dye’s actions raise a shadow of doubt over him as he faces his Truck suspension by NASCAR. While Kaulig assesses the situation, it may not be possible for him to return to Truck racing with them again.