“It’s Not Just a Job”: Jeff Burton Was Sure About Leigh Diffey’s Positive Impact on NASCAR Coverage

Jeff Burton joined NBC Sports as a race analyst in the Xfinity Series after he retired from full-time racing in 2014. Today, he is one of the three leading voices in the broadcast booth of the company’s NASCAR Cup Series coverage alongside former crew chief Steve Letarte and the renowned commentator Leigh Diffey, who joined the table in 2024.

Though new to NASCAR, Diffey comes with a rich experience from a long journey in the broadcast business that took him across Formula 1, IndyCar, and other avenues. From his very first race, he impressed fans with his incredible knowledge and finesse with words.

In an interview with Frontstretch in 2024, Burton was asked to comment on Diffey’s impact on the sport. The NASCAR veteran could not help but praise the then-newbie. “He’s been doing motorsports around the world for years and years, so he understands motorsports 100%,” Burton said, before elaborating on what drives Diffey.

“He’s lived in America for a long time, so he knows NASCAR, and this is clearly the most he’s covered it. He loves racing. He’s a race fan, and he gets into it, and he enjoys it. Much like the rest of us, we do it because it’s fun. We like to do it. We’re racing fans. It’s not just a job,” added Burton.

Yes, the broadcast stars are bound by a deep love for the sport. That has made them not just good but amazing in their jobs.

Diffey brought a rhythm to races that NASCAR has rarely heard before. His versatile background in multiple racing disciplines enhanced his ability to combine speed with clarity in thought and speech. His greatest strength is how accommodating he is in the booth.

Diffey acts as someone who facilitates conversations with Burton and Letarte rather than seeking the spotlight all the time. Knowing when to step back and let his colleagues do what they do best must be one of the reasons Burton values him this highly.

Diffey took the mantle for the final 14 races of the 2025 Cup Series season and called events at iconic tracks like Watkins Glen and Richmond. He provided the main narrative voice throughout the playoffs and helped NBC Sports achieve yet another remarkable season of stock car racing coverage. Burton did the same with his expert analysis of tactics and strategy.