Backlash Erupts After Former ESPN Host Criticizes Leigh Diffey’s Accent

Leigh Diffey’s voice has been part of the NASCAR broadcast landscape for nearly a decade, but not everyone has welcomed it. A recent outburst from former ESPN host John Kernan sparked outrage after he publicly stated he was “done with the sport” because Diffey, an Australian-American, was calling the Iowa Corn 350. What might have been dismissed as a difference in taste instead became a debate over whether a broadcaster’s accent should have any bearing on their place in NASCAR.

Key Highlights

• John Kernan criticized Leigh Diffey’s Australian accent during NASCAR coverage, saying he’s “done with the sport.”

• Fans widely condemned Kernan’s remarks, calling them outdated and xenophobic.

• Diffey has called NASCAR races for NBC since 2015, with decades of motorsports broadcasting experience.

• Supporters praised Diffey’s energy and knowledge across NASCAR, IndyCar, and sports car racing.

• Many fans recalled David Hobbs’ role in historic NASCAR broadcasts, showing non-American voices have long been part of the sport.

Fans React Strongly to Kernan’s Comment

The reaction to Kernan’s comment was swift and largely critical. Many NASCAR fans took to social media to express their frustration, arguing that a broadcaster’s nationality or accent shouldn’t define their ability to call a race.

“Who gave John Kernan a phone? We were fine not hearing from him for 25 years.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction

“What a mind-bogglingly stupid thing to say. Glad Kernan isn’t part of the sport anymore if this is what he’s about.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction

Others pointed out that announcing styles have varied across NASCAR’s history, and international voices have been part of its biggest moments.

“Don’t you bring facts and history into this! – the exact type of clown who gets upset about Diffey calling Cup races.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction
“I’m old enough to remember David Hobbs, and nobody had a problem with it then.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction

Some fans didn’t mince words, calling Kernan’s stance a loss for NASCAR commentary standards rather than a legitimate critique of Diffey.

“I call this a win. The sport doesn’t need someone who acts like that. If he can’t stomach an Australian accent, think what he really hates.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction

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

“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

Leigh Diffey’s Long Road in Motorsports Broadcasting

Leigh Diffey has built a career that spans multiple premier racing series. Before calling NASCAR races for NBC starting in 2015, he was already a familiar voice in Formula 1, IndyCar, and sports car racing. His high-energy style and deep understanding of motorsports strategy have earned him a loyal following among fans of multiple disciplines. While not everyone favors his approach, Diffey himself has acknowledged his accent can be a sticking point. He once revealed that TNT passed on hiring him for NASCAR coverage specifically because of it.

But in nearly a decade of calling Cup races, Xfinity Series events, and other NASCAR programming, his presence has rarely been a flashpoint—until now. Many fans questioned why Kernan waited this long to express such views, noting Diffey’s role has only grown since his first season with NBC. Several pointed out that stage racing has been part of NASCAR for nine years, yet suddenly Kernan’s issue is an accent, not a broadcast format or quality.

NASCAR’s History of International Voices

Fans defending Diffey pointed out a historical reality: international voices have been part of NASCAR broadcasts for decades. The 1979 Daytona 500—the race credited with putting NASCAR on the national map—featured British commentator David Hobbs in the booth. No outcry followed then, suggesting the recent backlash toward Diffey says more about personal discomfort with change than about NASCAR traditions.

“It’s more likely that the same type of people had an issue with it back then but didn’t have Facebook/X to type in all caps about how much they didn’t like it.” – NASCAR Fan Reaction

The argument that NASCAR’s authenticity requires only American accents overlooks the sport’s global reach today. Drivers, owners, and sponsors come from around the world. A broadcaster’s nationality has little to do with how well they can narrate a race. Fans largely agreed Kernan’s take was outdated and irrelevant to modern NASCAR.

News in Brief: NASCAR Leigh Diffey’s Accent Controversy

Leigh Diffey’s NASCAR play-by-play work came under fire when ex-ESPN host John Kernan claimed he was “done with the sport” due to Diffey’s Australian accent. Fans condemned the comment as outdated and xenophobic, noting Diffey’s expertise and decade-long presence in NASCAR broadcasts. Many cited historic examples, like David Hobbs in the 1979 Daytona 500, to argue international voices have long belonged in NASCAR. Diffey continues to call races for NBC with strong fan support.

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