Polarizing NASCAR broadcaster Leigh Diffey confirms return for 2025 season

NASCAR track and field commentator Leigh Diffey has confirmed his return to stock car racing for the upcoming 2025 season. Diffey recently replied to one of his fans' queries on his X account and sent a wave of excitement to his fans sharing the big news with them.

The NASCAR broadcaster has proved himself in the motorsports commentary realm over the past year. He covered the Rolex 24, the Supercross, the Daytona 200, and the American Flat Track in Florida. Diffey also showcased his versatility by covering the Paris Summer Olympics.

Leigh Diffey covered the playoffs last season, starting with the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Reflecting upon his last appearance in the playoffs, a fan asked him about his plans for the 2025 season. Diffey confirmed his return to the play-by-play voice commentary in the 2025 season. He added:

"Hi Kevin, yes mate … later in the season when @NBCSports takes over the Cup coverage for the final 14 races 👍"

Diffey's return to NASCAR received polarizing reaction as not the whole fan base approves his return because of his foreign accent. Critics feel his commentary style doesn't align with NASCAR's traditional tone and culture. Reflecting upon the same Differ explained:

"It’s quite obvious that I am a foreign voice. Of course, there is going to be a percentage that’s not happy because I don’t speak the way that they speak or I wasn’t born and raised in this country. But, for the majority, it was really well received, And I couldn’t be more thankful to them." (via Speedcafe TV)

The NASCAR broadcaster has covered all six broadcasts of the Indy 500 and also reported on major motorsports events, including Formula One, Supercross, and MotoGP. Additionally, Diffey achieved a new milestone and became the first foreign commentator in NASCAR in over 76 years.

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Leigh Diffey opened up about the opportunities beyond motorsports

NASCAR broadcaster Leigh Diffey was featured on a podcast with journalist Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic. The duo talked about Diffey's play-by-play voice commentary at the Olympics held between July 26 and August 11, 2024. He shared his experience and said:

"I think anytime that you are challenged to do something different, it helps you grow. It helps you grow as a person. Helps you grow as a broadcaster. It makes you think a little bit differently. And, at the same time, I’m still in my lane, so to speak, as far as racing."

Leigh Diffey shared his appreciation for the unique opportunities provided by the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) during his 12-year career. Speaking with Bianchi, Diffey explained how his experience as a motorsports commentator has significantly helped him grow as a better track and field broadcaster.

"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," Diffey continued. "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."

Leigh Diffey replaced well-renowned NASCAR commentator Rick Allen. He has been the lead commentator for both the Cup and Xfinity Series. In 2024, Diffey stepped into the lead role in NBC's coverage of the Cup Series, and Allen continued as the lead commentator for the Xfinity Series.