Diffey Makes An Immediate Difference

NASCAR has a new voice for NBC TV race broadcasts – the veteran Leigh Diffey. If you watched IndyCar racing or the Olympics in recent years, you have heard Diffey’s distinctive voice. This is one of the best moves that NBC Sports and NASCAR have made in decades, bringing this fresh voice and perspective to NASCAR racing on television.

Diffey, 53, brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and vigor to the TV booth. The Australian born commentator has called IndyCar races on NBC for more than 10 years, along with the summer and winter Olympics, and other television sports. He was only recently added as the full time, lead announcer on NBC broadcasts, replacing Rick Allen. 

Diffey’s style is dynamic and electric when it needs to be – a huge contrast to the staid Allen. If you are familiar with Diffey’s television work, you already know that he is one of the best prepared broadcasters in any sport. He does his homework and knows what he is talking about. The details he offers in commentary clearly mark him as believable and an authority, without sounding pompous or arrogant. Diffey knows his stuff; everything you expect a lead announcer to know, and it comes through loud, clear, and timely. 

Of course, a few social media detractors showed their ignorance and unwillingness to accept change after the August Daytona race. Several so-called fans slammed Diffey for his accent, making it clear they would rather have NASCAR announcers southern-fried and sound like they just stumbled out of Jed Clampett’s old haunts deep in the Ozarks. For those Bubbas, it’s time to join the modern world.

Bashing Diffey for his accent is immature and beyond ridiculous. The man who has been an American citizen since 2011 is clearly as knowledgeable about NASCAR and motor sports in general as anyone in the business – maybe more so. If you don’t appreciate the energy and excitement of Diffey’s call of Harrison Burton’s first Cup win, then you need to push the reset button. If all you care about is accent, then just mute your TV and suffer in silence. 

 

Far more race fans noted on social media how much they enjoyed the fresh approach Diffey offers. Those are the real voices of NASCAR fans, and they appreciate the professionalism and vitality from the new guy.

 

Leigh Diffey is here to stay and is a welcome change to the NASCAR and television scene.

“jeff your little boy has done it” is one of the greatest calls in nascar history, this is why leigh diffey is in the booth https://t.co/6dru8Kbs9k

— jurg (@jonathanjurg07) August 25, 2024

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Larry Manch is an author, teacher, guitar player, freelance writer, and columnist. He has written 24 books; available in paperback and e-book on Amazon.com.

 

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