"I'm doing my best" - NBC's Leigh Diffey discusses his preparation after taking over from Rick Allen as Cup Series commentator

Leigh Diffey is the new NBC Sports lead commentator for the NASCAR Cup Series. In a recent interview, he commented on the criticism he has faced and talked about his dedication to the job.

Diffey is an Australian-American commentator who recently covered the Paris Olympics. He took over as the play-by-play announcer from Rick Allen, starting at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 last weekend. Allen will cover the Xfinity Series races for the remainder of the season.

Leigh Diffey said on the 'Dale Jr. Download Reloaded' podcast that he is committed to making a strong impression among the viewers as he steps into the role.

“Hopefully people can see from last weekend in Daytona how seriously I take my research and to be prepared not for myself and not for my employer but for the fans, for the viewers. I’m doing my best for you," Diffey said.

He further acknowledged that he cannot make everyone happy but is working hard to earn respect.

“I’d like them to know that just how seriously I’m taking it. There’s not a single broadcaster on the planet who’s going to please everybody but my message would be that the NASCAR fanbase is a sacred group of people and I have the utmost respect for it and for the sport and I feel privileged to be here,” he added.

You can watch the clip from the podcast below.

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"Most energetic person on the planet": Bubba Wallace's spotter, Freddie Kraft on Leigh Diffey's commentary

53-year-old, Leigh Diffey, has been a top auto racing announcer for many decades. He previously covered F1 and IndyCar for NBC. He also presented the World Rally Championship for the BBC and Rolex Sports Car Series and MotoGP races at the Speed Channel. Most recently, he called track and field events at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.

In another recent podcast, Bubba Wallace's spotter, Freddie Kraft, praised Diffey and shut down the NASCAR fans who criticized him. Kraft said on "Door Bumper Clear" that Diffey's performance announcing the Cup Series was impressive.

"The last lap call was incredible I thought. You can't make everyone happy, he is the most energetic person on the planet to begin with. Because he has a different accent, some of the people were like, 'This guy's awful, this isn't F1, who's this British guy?.' This is his first week back in, I mean, years. He hasn't been doing this in years so just the amount of homework you have to do to be ready for it," Kraft said.

Leigh Diffey will also serve as the lead play-by-play commentator for NBC during the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs.