There are a lot of disagreements among NASCAR fans, but one of the biggest right now is over announcer Leigh Diffey. If that surprises you, you’re about to find out people have some hot takes on how the man does his job. Some love the guy and think he’s made NASCAR far more enjoyable, but others strongly disagree.
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While the argument has been festering under the surface for some time, it all came exploding out into the open back on August 3. That’s when former NASCAR pit reporter John Kernan took to X to voice his displeasure with Diffey’s announcing skills:
“I think I’m done with NASCAR. After further review stag racing SUCKS! And I’m sure Leigh Diffey is a great guy but, if I want to hear that accent, I’ll watch Formula 1. Sorry, guess I’m xenophobic.”
That touched off a firestorm of a debate on X, which has spilled over elsewhere. While some agreed that Kernan’s statement was all about xenophobia, with some saying he was right and others portraying him as a backwards redneck, the discourse didn’t stop there.
One of the chief complaints that’s been aired out about Diffey’s announcing style is the fact he loves to shout, including at the beginning of races. Some find it bitterly ironic that NASCAR has brought in someone with such bravado as an announcer at the same time they feel the motorsport has become watered down and less exciting to watch.
But others think Diffey’s enthusiasm enhances the viewing experience at home. They love his Australian accent, love that he seems so into the races, and they get bumped every time the guy starts yelling.
We don’t expect everyone to agree about Leigh Diffey, the current state of NASCAR, or where the motorsport is headed. But we do expect everyone will continue fighting about it.
Image via X
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