[Editor’s note: This story contains sensitive subject matter.]
Daniel dye lost a cousin to suicide a few years ago, so when the topic of mental health came up, he had a strong connection to the conversation.
When the 20-year-old raced this month and took part in this weekend’s race near St. Louis as one of the drivers the cameras focused on while he was outside the playoff bubble in his quest to earn a truck series playoff spot, he used the spotlight to help raise awareness in May for Mental Health Awareness Month.
He has the Race To Stop Suicide campaign (a program his family sponsors) on his truck and it’s been more than just another decal on his race car for the past four years. It encourages people to visit its website to find educational materials and resources for those who are struggling or who have loved ones who are struggling.
“It’s just trying to break the ice and get people more comfortable talking about it because it’s not an easy thing to talk about,” Dye said. “But when things happen like this, it hits a lot of race fans. [to talk about it].
“We’re supposed to be cool and… puff our chests out and be strong and [instead thinking] be more vulnerable and try to make people more comfortable so they can feel better about talking about it if they feel like they need help or someone needs help.”
The show took on added meaning for Dye after his cousin’s death.
“I was pretty angry that I couldn’t stop my cousin from taking his own life,” Dye said. “And it’s not to the point where we should open our eyes to that or maybe we need to do more than what we’re doing.
“We keep doing what we know how to do. I’m not a psychologist. … Just having a heart and making people feel better. I still haven’t processed it. It’s hard towel.”
Dye said he would see his cousin once a year for the holidays, but they would text and follow each other on social media.
“I wouldn’t say we’ve doubled [on the program since then] But we had to hit this hard,” Dye said.
Fans come to Dye all year long to share their stories, some about loved ones who committed suicide and some about how the programs have helped loved ones not take their lives.
“We know it’s making a difference,” Dye said. “It’s a constant battle. … We’re trying to normalize the conversation with people and get people to fight.”
Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR for FOX Sports. He spent decades covering motorsports, including more than 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal . Follow him on Twitter @Clover.
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