Daniel Dye Takes on Mental Health Awareness on the Track

NASCAR driver Daniel Dye races to promote mental health awareness and break the stigma around suicide through the Race To Stop Suicide campaign on his truck.

Daniel Dye, a 20-year-old NASCAR truck series driver, is using his platform to bring attention to mental health during May's Mental Health Awareness Month. Having lost a cousin to suicide a few years ago, Dye holds a deep connection to the issue and believes in the importance of open conversations.

Dye's campaign, Race To Stop Suicide, has been featured on his truck for the past four years, providing educational materials and resources for individuals struggling with mental health or for those with loved ones who are struggling. The initiative aims to normalize discussions and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

"It's just trying to break the ice and get people more comfortable talking about it because it's not something it's easy to talk about," Dye explains. "But when it's something like this, it is causing a lot of race fans [to talk about it]."

Dye's personal experience with loss has further fueled his passion for raising awareness. "I was pretty pissed off I couldn't prevent my own cousin from taking his own life," he says. "And it wasn't so much that it was maybe eye-opening about that or maybe we need to do more than we were doing."

The Race To Stop Suicide campaign has touched many lives, including those of fans who approach Dye at races to share their stories. Some have lost loved ones to suicide, while others have expressed gratitude for the program's role in preventing loved ones from taking their lives.

"We know it's making a difference," Dye says. "It's a constant fight. ... We're trying to normalize the conversation for everybody and make everybody fight the fight."

Dye's commitment to mental health advocacy extends beyond his racing career. He encourages others to seek help when needed and believes breaking the silence is crucial for progress. "I still haven't processed it [his cousin's death]. It's tough," he says. "We continue to do as much as we know how to do. ... It's just having a heart and making people feel better."

Through his platform and the Race To Stop Suicide campaign, Dye is breaking down barriers and igniting conversations about mental health in the racing community and beyond. By highlighting the importance of vulnerability and seeking help, he is making a tangible impact in the lives of those affected by mental health challenges.