Stephen A. Smith’s Remarks on NASCAR Drivers Stir Controversy
Recently, Stephen A. Smith ignited some backlash in the NASCAR community by suggesting that the drivers aren’t athletes. During a discussion on his SiriusXM show last month, he stated, “Come on, come on, it doesn’t matter. You’re the one driving the car! Let’s face it, it’s a great sport, but hey, it’s not the same behind the wheel of a car.” He added that even in later years of life, one might find themselves behind the wheel, seemingly downplaying the athleticism required in racing.
Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon, both prominent figures in NASCAR, quickly responded to Smith’s comments. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Gordon expressed concern about giving Smith the attention he craved, noting that, “obviously he doesn’t know much about motorsport and doesn’t understand what it takes to be an athlete in this field.” He emphasized the mental fatigue and competitive nature inherent in racing, pointing out that perception of athletes in motorsports is different from traditional stick-and-ball sports.
As the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, Larson took it a step further, challenging anyone—including Smith—to take a lap in a race car without experiencing extreme difficulty. He acknowledged that each person might have their own definition of an athlete, and although disheartened by Smith’s remarks, he stated, “When I hear someone say we’re not athletes, do I get excited about that? No.”
Gordon chimed in, indicating his willingness to engage with Smith if the opportunity arose. Meanwhile, Larson approached the situation with a bit more understanding. He noted that many might never fully appreciate the challenges drivers face, particularly under race conditions. “Even if they did, I don’t think they’d be able to go one lap without feeling like they might die,” Larson reflected, highlighting the extreme nature of racing, which often involves high speeds and intense physical demands.
With races lasting several hours and temperatures inside cars soaring to 150 degrees, Larson explained that maintaining a heart rate around 150—nearly 190 for himself—underscores the endurance required. He reiterated that while it may not look like traditional sports, racing is undoubtedly tough and calls for athletes in every sense of the word.
Interestingly, Gordon also shared a personal experience where Jason Kelce drove him around a racetrack, suggesting he’s familiar with the physicality involved. He concluded by suggesting Smith might think differently about the demands of NASCAR if he were to experience it himself.
