Kevin Harvick criticized Stephen A. Smith’s assertion that NASCAR drivers are not athletes. “If you don’t know anything about racing, just keep your opinion to yourself because you shouldn’t even have an opinion if you don’t know anything about a sport,” he said.
Harvick provided data to support his argument. He stated that he burned 3,200 calories during a race according to his Polar watch data. After retesting, he reported burning 2,400 calories during a race with caution periods.
Harvick emphasized that elite drivers are indeed elite athletes. He highlighted that drivers often lose several pounds due to dehydration during races. The only other competition with similar calorie burn is marathon runners.
Smith had claimed, “A NASCAR driver is not an athlete.” This sparked Harvick’s response, which included a detailed examination of the physical demands placed on racecar drivers.
Harvick ranks 11th in NASCAR Cup Series wins with 60 victories. He noted that the physical endurance required in racing parallels that of traditional sports.
Will Buxton added, “Any elite driver, they are an elite athlete.” This statement aligns with Harvick’s defense of the athleticism found in NASCAR.
The debate highlights a broader conversation about the definition of athleticism and what it means to be an athlete in various sports.
Harvick concluded by stating, “I think this is just an instance where Stephen A. Smith is looking for clicks on something he knows absolutely nothing about what he’s talking about.” His remarks underscore the ongoing tension between traditional views of sports and emerging perspectives on athleticism in motorsports.
