"NBC really f*cked up; Why the change?" - NASCAR fans react to Leigh Diffey replacing Rick Allen as Cup Series commentator

NBC recently announced that Leigh Diffey will replace Rick Allen as the lead commentator for the NASCAR Cup Series starting this weekend. NASCAR fans on X have reacted strongly to the news.

Leigh Diffey will start the play-by-play commentary, starting with the Coke Zero Sugar 400, on August 24. With extensive experience in motorsports, including INDYCAR and Formula One, Diffey will handle the Cup Series commentary through the end of the season. Kevin Lee will step into Diffey's role as lead INDYCAR commentator for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Meanwhile, Rick Allen will continue as the lead commentator for NASCAR Xfinity Series races, including the final eight races of the season on the CW Network, starting September 20.

Most fans expressed disappointment with the decision, believing it would not address the underlying issues impacting NASCAR's viewership. Some fans even went as far as suggesting they might prefer watching races without any commentary at all.

"What a terrible choice. NBC really f*cked up," wrote one fan.

"That sucks a*s tbh," wrote another.

"Watching the races on mute is looking better and better," commented another.

Some fans questioned the reason behind the switch, while others argued that Allen was not the reason behind NASCAR's viewership decline.

"Why the change?" questioned a fan.

"The thought of listening to Leigh Diffy and Jeff Burton for the next 12 weeks makes me want to run for the hills…," commented one fan.

"Sorry to break it to you,@NASCARonNBC, but Rick isn't the reason no one watches your races," explained another.

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Leigh Diffey's move to NASCAR

Leigh Diffey, an Australian-American commentator, is taking over as the lead voice for the NASCAR Cup Series. This move coincides with the increasing number of Australian and New Zealand drivers joining the series.

Diffey recently covered track and field events at the Paris Olympics and boasts a lot of experience in racing (F1 and IndyCar). Previously, he covered NASCAR in 2017 (stepping in for Rick Allen), calling some Xfinity Series races.

During a recent interview, the 53-year-old shared that taking on different roles has helped him grow as a broadcaster and person.

"I’m very, very grateful that NBC has given me these opportunities. I’ve been with the company for 12 years now, and they’ve thrown lots of different things at me....Being a motorsport commentator has made me a better track and field broadcaster, and being a track and field broadcaster has made me a better motorsport commentator as well. So I like the crossover. I think that I can bring a little bit of motorsports to track and field and vice versa. And I really enjoy that," he said (via NY Times).

Diffey also pointed out the strategic similarities between track and field and motorsports. He drew comparisons between experienced runners and drivers, emphasizing the importance of race management, patience, and strategic planning in both disciplines.