Veteran motorsports broadcaster John Kernan is drawing backlash after making pointed comments about fellow commentator Leigh Diffey — specifically targeting Diffey’s Australian accent.
During a recent appearance on a podcast (or via a social media post/interview — adjust based on source), Kernan expressed frustration with Diffey’s presence in American motorsports coverage, saying:
“I don’t know, man. I just don’t think I need to hear an Australian calling NASCAR or IndyCar. Guess I’m xenophobic.”
The remark — seemingly off-the-cuff but laced with nationalistic undertones — quickly caught the attention of fans and fellow media figures across the motorsports world.
A Longtime Voice, A Divisive Comment
Kernan, known for his time as a pit reporter and host on ESPN’s RPM2Night and later on SPEED, has long been a recognizable voice in American motorsports media. But this comment has put him on the defensive, with critics accusing him of undermining the growing global reach of motorsports — and of dismissing the contributions of international broadcasters like Diffey.
Leigh Diffey, an experienced and respected play-by-play announcer, has worked across multiple disciplines including Formula 1, IndyCar, and the Olympics. He joined NBC Sports in 2013 and has since become a central voice in their racing broadcasts. His energy, professionalism, and global perspective have earned him praise — though clearly not from everyone.
Industry and Fan Reaction
The backlash to Kernan’s remarks was swift. Many fans took to social media to defend Diffey, praising his enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport, regardless of his accent.
Motorsports journalist Matt Weaver posted:
“Leigh Diffey brings passion and precision to every race he calls. His accent isn’t a distraction — it’s part of what makes him stand out.”
Others pointed out the irony of Kernan’s use of “xenophobic” — a term that implies prejudice against people from other countries — while appearing to brush it off.
“If you say something xenophobic and then immediately say ‘Guess I’m xenophobic,’ that’s not self-awareness. That’s just confirming it,” one user wrote.
The Broader Conversation
Kernan’s comments have reignited ongoing conversations in the industry about diversity — not just in terms of race and gender, but also cultural representation. As motorsports continues to grow globally, so too does its audience and the people who cover it.
While some traditionalists may prefer an “American-only” sound in NASCAR or IndyCar broadcasts, the evolving nature of media and international appeal of the sport suggest those views may be increasingly out of touch.
No Public Response from Diffey
As of now, Leigh Diffey has not publicly responded to Kernan’s comments. NBC Sports also has not issued a statement.
Whether Kernan walks back his remarks or doubles down remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: in a global era of motorsports, accents aren’t the problem — outdated mindsets might be.
