Full Breakdown
Stephen A. Smith's Claim Sparks Debate Over Whether NASCAR Drivers Are Athletes
4/29/2026, 11:56:14 PM
Stephen A. Smith's Hot Take on NASCAR Athletes
During a SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio episode, ESPN host Stephen A. Smith said NASCAR drivers, like golfers, are not athletes. He argued, “Getting behind the wheel of a car is not the same… A NASCAR driver is not an athlete.” The remark followed a caller’s suggestion that Richard Petty’s longevity rivals LeBron James’s.
Key Drivers Responding to the Claim
The debate includes NASCAR drivers Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano and Ryan Preece. Motor Racing Network offered to put Smith in a car, which he declined. All have publicly responded to the assertion.
Fitness Data Highlighted by Drivers
Harvick used a Polar fitness watch in a 500-mile race, logging 3,200 calories, later confirmed at 2,400 calories. Polar initially doubted the reading. Hamlin noted cockpit temperatures can exceed 120 °F, drivers lose several pounds of water weight, and sustained G-forces demand cardio, core and neck training.
Drivers' Official Responses
Harvick said Smith “has no clue about racing” and urged him to keep opinions to himself. Hamlin defined an athlete as “a person proficient in sports… requiring strength, agility, or stamina,” and said drivers meet that definition but are not necessarily “athletic” outside the sport. Logano called Smith’s remarks a relevance-seeking tactic and defended drivers’ mental and physical preparation. Preece told Smith to “shut up and steer.”
Drivers' Critique of the Claim
Drivers challenged Smith’s claim, emphasizing specialized NASCAR training. Hamlin said he would not “get up in arms on social media” but still highlighted physical demands. Logano criticized the relevance-seeking motive, and Preece’s terse reply underscored community frustration.
Discrepancies in Athlete Definition
Sources differ on whether all drivers qualify as athletes. Hamlin said “some are athletes,” noting nuance. No comprehensive data beyond individual calorie-burn or temperature reports is provided, leaving the athlete definition unsettled.
Implications for NASCAR's Sport Status
The discussion influences public perception of NASCAR’s status as a sport, affects how media outlets frame driver fitness, and may shape future promotional strategies for the series.
Future of the Debate
The debate continues on podcasts such as Hamlin’s “Actions Detrimental” and on social media, with no indication of formal resolution. Further driver statements or league-wide fitness guidelines could emerge as the conversation evolves.
Direct Quotes
- “Here’s the deal with Stephen A. Smith: this guy has no clue about racing.” — Kevin Harvick, NASCAR driver
- “Are NASCAR drivers athletes? Some. Some are athletes.” — Denny Hamlin, NASCAR driver
- “Getting behind the wheel of a car is not the same… A NASCAR driver is not an athlete.” — Stephen A. Smith, ESPN host
- “People like that have to make comments to stay relevant.” — Joey Logano, NASCAR driver
- “Shut up and steer!” — Ryan Preece, NASCAR driver
