Stephen A. Smith argued that NASCAR drivers aren't athletes, leading to pushback from drivers like Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick.
Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, reportedly contacted Smith to dispute his opinion.
Kevin Harvick cited data from wearing a smartwatch during races, revealing drivers can burn 2,500 to 5,000 calories, comparable to marathon runners.
Denny Hamlin emphasized the strength and stamina required to endure the physical demands of NASCAR racing.
Ross Chastain suggested Smith's comments were designed to generate attention.
The debate originated when Stephen A. Smith dismissed NASCAR drivers as athletes, sparking immediate reactions from within the racing community. Kevin Harvick, a veteran NASCAR driver, directly challenged Smith's viewpoint, emphasizing the intense physical exertion required in racing. Harvick pointed to data showing significant caloric burn and heart rate changes during races, comparable to endurance sports like marathon running.
Michael Jordan's involvement adds another layer to the discussion, given his ownership stake in a NASCAR team and his well-known passion for the sport. While the exact details of Jordan's conversation with Smith remain private, it highlights the perception of NASCAR drivers as athletes among prominent figures outside of the sport.
Several NASCAR drivers, including Denny Hamlin and Ryan Preece, also weighed in, highlighting the strength, stamina, and resilience needed to compete at the highest level of NASCAR. Ross Chastain's comment suggests that Smith's remarks were intentionally provocative, aimed at generating attention and debate.
Q: Why does Stephen A. Smith believe NASCAR drivers aren't athletes?
Smith's comments seem to stem from a perception that driving a car doesn't require the same physical exertion as other sports.
Q: What evidence supports the claim that NASCAR drivers are athletes?
Data from wearable devices show that drivers can burn a significant number of calories and experience elevated heart rates during races, comparable to endurance athletes.
Q: How have NASCAR drivers responded to Smith's comments?
Drivers like Kevin Harvick, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Preece have publicly disputed Smith's opinion, emphasizing the physical demands of racing.
The debate highlights the physical demands of NASCAR racing, which are often underestimated.
Data from wearable devices provide evidence of the physical exertion required by drivers.
The discussion underscores the diverse perspectives on what constitutes an athlete.
Do you think NASCAR drivers should be considered athletes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
The NASCAR community is mourning the loss of two-time Cup champion Kyle Busch, who tragically passed away on May 21 at the age of 41 due to ...
Denny Hamlin secured a dramatic victory at the Cracker Barrel 400 in Nashville, overcoming a penalty and multiple restarts to claim his seco...
Denny Hamlin secured the pole position for Sunday night's Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway after rain washed out Saturday's qua...
A weekend of mixed fortunes in NASCAR Nashville saw Justin Allgaier repeating his victory in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race, while Denn...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer