ESPN’s took photographs at on his SiriusXM radio present. Smith said that NASCAR drivers aren’t athletes, “Come on, man. That do not depend. You driving a automotive!” The feedback struck a nerve with the racing neighborhood as a result of his statements have been illegitimate.
Smith’s argument was that of NASCAR drivers being “elite” and “expert,” however not in the identical means as basketball or soccer gamers, amongst different sports activities. They don’t seem to be thought-about bodily demanding in the identical means as different sports activities are. Kevin Harvick took exception to that remark.
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Kevin Harvick Strikes Again
“If you do not know something about racing, simply hold your opinion to your self,” Harvick demanded. “You should not have an opinion in the event you do not even know something a few sport,” Harvick went on to clarify, and really.
Harvick has traditionally worn a Polar Watch, which tracks an individual’s well being and energy burned. Harvick defined that he wore the watch throughout one race and claimed it confirmed he burned 3,200 energy. The quantity was so massive that Polar assumed there was a glitch within the system. They despatched Harvick a brand new watch and, the next week, Harvick burned 2,400 energy. So, Smith nonetheless thinks they aren’t athletes?
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The one different sport that seemingly burns the identical quantity of energy is that of a marathon runner. Absolutely, that isn’t the one comparable one, however basketball, soccer, and even baseball gamers may be anticipated to not obtain that caloric burn per occasion.
Do not Choose a E book by Its Cowl
Jimmie Johnson lies heat-exhausted after the NASCAR Dash Cup Collection. (Picture by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Photos)(Picture by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Photos
For years, non-racing followers have deemed the game non-athletic. As in poker or , racers aren’t broadly considered as ‘athletes.’ The argument drives racers and followers loopy, because it’s extra of a stigma than a factual take.
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Based on the , an athlete is “an individual who is superb at sports activities or bodily train, particularly one who competes in organized occasions.”
A NASCAR race might go on for 2-4 hours, demanding supreme focus beneath the inexperienced flag and fewer timeouts or pauses than most different sports activities, maybe than soccer. Between G-forces, caloric burn, focus, arm-strength, response time, and a lot extra, a racer could also be extra athletic by definition than the vast majority of sports activities.
NASCAR Fires Again
Mike Pleasure most notably made on the Sunday broadcast of the Jack Hyperlink’s 500 at Talladega. “Earlier this week, a well known on-line pundit stated race automotive drivers aren’t athletes. I wish to ship him this sequence (the 26-car wreck on lap 114) and ask him to consider it.”
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Entrance Row Motorsports took to , providing him an opportunity to see what’s up in a inventory automotive.
Ryan Preece, who has famously endured some insane flips on the monitor, , “I would love for him to go tumbling 13 instances, have black eyes, and present up subsequent week doing what you gotta do.” Kurt Busch topped the fiery feedback, “Let’s go, cupcake. I’ll personally drive you round a NASCAR monitor for half-hour or if you cross out on lap 30.”
chimed in, confirming that the aim of personalities like Stephen A. Smith is extra about gaining relevance than giving appropriate takes. “That is what hot-take media does. Say one thing inflammatory, watch the whole trade react, and profit from the eye.”
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Stephen A. Smith Doubles Down
Smith doubled down on his feedback this week, driving his media buzz. He doesn’t know him (Logano) “from a can of paint.” Smith stated to ” consideration to remain related.
Smith can say what he needs, however we’re conscious of what he’s doing. He believes the above feedback, however deep down, he is aware of he’s driving clicks. It’s second nature to Smith, who has been doing this for many years. Maybe, he ought to present up and step right into a automotive in the future.
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This story was initially revealed by on Apr 28, 2026, the place it first appeared within the part. Add Athlon Sports activities as a
