Leigh Diffey is a polarizing figure in the NASCAR community. Many people find his accent difficult to understand, which is perfectly fine. However, mocking the Australian’s accent is a red line, and John Kernan did not hesitate to cross it.
But the NASCAR community did not let him get away with it.
Ex-ESPN Host’s ‘Xenophobic’ Dig at Leigh Diffey’s Accent Backfires in NASCAR Circles
NBC kicked off its coverage of the 2025 Cup Series season at Iowa, featuring Diffey, Steve Letarte, and Jeff Burton in the commentary booth.
NBC has traditionally been the fan-favorite network for NASCAR broadcasts, though Amazon Prime’s arrival this year has introduced fresh competition. Even so, many were eagerly awaiting NBC’s stretch of the season, which covers every playoff race.
That said, Diffey’s return to the broadcast booth drew criticism from some corners.
Diffey’s motorsports broadcasting career began in Australia and took off in the U.S. with Speed Channel in 2003. He’s led NBC’s Formula One and IndyCar coverage for over a decade and has periodically contributed to NASCAR broadcasts as well.
Read More: NASCAR Comes Inches From All-Time Cup Record After Caution-Filled Race at Iowa
In August last year, NBC revealed that Diffey would step in as the lead play-by-play voice for the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series season, replacing veteran announcer Rick Allen. His performance was widely praised for his insightful calls and sharp analysis.
Diffey’s 2025 NASCAR broadcast run began in Iowa over the weekend, but despite his experience and energy, a few critics chose to focus on his accent rather than his work.
Kernan, a former NASCAR pit reporter for ESPN, took to social media to take a swipe at Diffey, specifically targeting his Aussie accent.
I think I’m done with NASCAR. After further review stage 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.
— John Kernan (@John_KernanIND) August 3, 2025
Fans Aimed Their Ironsights At John Kernan
Kernan tried to point out that he has nothing against Diffey, but he doesn’t think his accent fits with NASCAR. Fans responded with hilarious comebacks, calling him out for the outrageous take.
“It’s 2025, we’ve had enough time to get used to a UK accent by now. I’m so redneck NASCAR I say they go back to the original points system AND call the thing the Winston Cup. But to not recognized the excitement that Diffey is putting into this dying series…..is just mental.” one fan wrote.
It’s 2025, we’ve had enough time to get used to a UK accent by now. I’m so redneck NASCAR I say they go back to the original points system AND call the thing the Winston Cup. But to not recognized the excitement that Diffey is putting into this dying series…..is just mental.
— TheSaturnV (@saturn91984) August 5, 2025
“I hope this post was somehow influenced by alcohol or some other mind altering substance because if this is really how you feel with a clear mind, you need to work on yourself. @leighdiffeyclearly loves his job and brings it hard every race. More than I can say for others.” another comment read.
I hope this post was somehow influenced by alcohol or some other mind altering substance because if this is really how you feel with a clear mind, you need to work on yourself. @leighdiffey clearly loves his job and brings it hard every race. More than I can say for others.
— Myron Rickard (@myron2488) August 4, 2025
“Damn, what a pathetic viewpoint here. I do agree about stages though, really wish they didn’t throw cautions for them. I’m fine with points being awarded, though. But to sh*t on Leigh, man, what a bad take.” another user commented.
Damn, what a pathetic viewpoint here. I do agree about stages though, really wish they didn’t throw cautions for them. I’m fine with points being awarded though. But to shit on Leigh, man, what a bad take.
— Joe Annunziata (@Angry_Joe46) August 3, 2025