Jeff, your son has achieved something incredible! That phone call sent chills down our spines and had us on the edge of our seats. Harrison Burton’s stunning pass on Kyle Busch to seize the lead at Daytona was a moment for the history books. It not only marked the first victory for Jeff Burton’s son but also celebrated the 100th win for the Wood Brothers Racing team. What truly amplified the excitement was the electrifying commentary from Leigh Diffey.
Even Denny Hamlin was left in awe. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver momentarily set aside his own disappointments to revel in the thrilling final lap. This experience has led him to make a passionate plea to NASCAR – keep Diffey in the booth.
Denny Hamlin craves more of that thrilling commentary
Leigh Diffey made his way to the U.S. over two decades ago to commentate on Champ Car races. However, destiny had other plans, leading him to NBC’s booth for IndyCar, the premier American open-wheel racing series. After a remarkable career filled with unforgettable moments, including calling Josef Newgarden’s 2019 triumph, Diffey has transitioned once more. Following his last IndyCar race at Iowa, he jumped into NASCAR and immediately struck gold. His captivating voice during the final lap of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 left fans spellbound. Denny Hamlin was no exception, as he recently shared on the ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast, “Incredible, oh my goodness. Can we sign him up for all 36 races? Let’s make that decision at NBC or NASCAR!”
He insisted that NASCAR should prevent him from returning to IndyCar, boldly stating: “Let him do every race.” After leaving IndyCar, Leigh Diffey is set to cover the remainder of NASCAR’s Cup Series this year, including the Phoenix race on November 10th. While his future remains uncertain, it seems that Hamlin and the fans are determined to make it a NASCAR tradition.
Denny Hamlin expressed high praise for Leigh Diffey’s commentary, noting how it kept him on the edge of his seat. “The great commentators know how to elevate the moment with their voice. They adjust their tone and pace during a race, which is why he was chosen to cover the 100 meters at the Olympics… it’s his forte, and he excels at it,” Hamlin remarked. He added, “I was on my feet during the final lap, even though I had no stake in the Harrison Burton-Kyle Busch showdown.”
Hamlin also commended the NBC broadcast team for giving Diffey the space to shine, and Diffey reciprocated the gratitude towards his colleagues.
Throughout the season, fans had voiced their frustrations with Fox’s coverage, particularly during the Daytona 500, where the last lap was heavily criticized. However, when NASCAR returned to the same track with NBC, the dynamic shifted. Leigh Diffey maintained the show’s energy, captivating the audience with his sharp instincts. His colleagues, Steve Letarte and Jeff Burton, wisely allowed Diffey to take the lead.
This approach contrasted sharply with Fox’s style, as Hamlin noted: “What was fantastic was that they let him own the moment. Steve and Jeff stepped back, recognizing that Diffey was the play-by-play guy. They let him call the action, and then we could discuss what we witnessed after the race. That’s the kind of organized chaos you get… with Fox, it feels like everyone is trying to talk over each other during the last lap, which can get chaotic.”
Leigh Diffey took to X to express his pride in being part of the Daytona event. “I had a blast at @DAYTONA. I’m fortunate to be part of an amazing @NASCARonNBC team, and sharing that moment with @SteveLetarte and @JeffBurton when @HBurtonRacing clinched the win is a memory I’ll cherish forever. Thank you for the kind words and support, and I look forward to seeing you in Darlington.” Clearly, this remarkable commentator has made a significant impression in the NASCAR community, and he deserves recognition.
