Dave Moody, a veteran NASCAR announcer and SiriusXM Speedway host, has long been a polarizing figure in the sport’s fanbase, with his social media activity and on-air demeanor sparking recurring controversies. Known for his brash, no-nonsense style, Moody’s recent tweets, including a now-deleted post about Charlotte Douglas Airport, have intensified accusations that he acts as a “paid shill” for NASCAR, prioritizing the sanctioning body’s agenda over fans’ concerns.
Last week, as NASCAR teams gathered at Charlotte Douglas Airport for a flight to Mexico City, Dave Moody posted a tone-deaf tweet: “If Charlotte Douglas Airport Terminal D exploded right now, NASCAR would be out of business. #MexicoBound.” The remark, made on the same day as an Air India plane crash that killed 241 people, drew swift condemnation from fans. One user wrote, “What a terrible thing to say especially with the India crash today where over 200 people lost their lives.” Another called it “idiotic.” Moody left the post up for hours before deleting it, offering no public apology, which further fueled fan outrage. The incident, reported by the Daily Express, highlighted Moody’s tendency to make provocative statements without considering their broader context.
Fans have long criticized Dave Moody for his perceived role as a NASCAR mouthpiece, given his employment by the Motor Racing Network, which is wholly owned by NASCAR. Social media discussions, particularly on Reddit, frequently label him a “shill,” arguing he defends NASCAR’s decisions uncritically. For instance, a 2021 Reddit thread questioned whether Moody ever criticizes NASCAR, citing his defense of controversial rule changes and dismissal of fan complaints as uninformed. His supporters, however, argue that his insider knowledge and decades of experience lend credibility to his perspectives, even if delivered abrasively.
Moody’s aggressive tone on SiriusXM Speedway exacerbates tensions. Listeners describe him as condescending, often berating callers who disagree with him. A 2019 Reddit post called him a “complete piece of shit” for belittling fans, while others note he prioritizes callers with outlandish takes to fuel arguments, enhancing his show’s drama but alienating audiences. This approach was evident in a 2015 Twitter exchange where Moody blocked a user for questioning his reporting, responding with sarcasm rather than engaging constructively.
Despite his skill as a race announcer, Moody’s combative style and apparent loyalty to NASCAR continue to divide fans. While some appreciate his passion, many see his refusal to acknowledge NASCAR’s flaws and his dismissive attitude as betraying the fanbase’s trust, cementing his reputation as a polarizing figure in motorsport media.
A tweet following the race Sunday night sparked controversy, with many fans accusing Moody of being “state media” for NASCAR, after posts like this one.
Whether or not the veteran NASCAR radio host can be perceived as such is likely personal opinion, but the condescending attitude towards fans surely does no favors for his reputation. Moody is not the only NASCAR media person under fire, either. Former driver Kenny Wallace also has the fanbase rather upset.
Let’s see what happens this week in the Poconos.
NASCAR Host Dave Moody Makes Another Big Mistake