Stephen A Smith Should Rethink His Comments on NASCAR Drivers as Athletes

Stephen A. Smith’s recent comments questioning whether NASCAR drivers and golfers qualify as athletes have reignited a long-standing debate in sports media, drawing sharp reactions from within the racing community and beyond. The ESPN personality made the remarks during a SiriusXM radio appearance while discussing athletes known for longevity in their careers, specifically referencing NASCAR legend Richard Petty when a caller brought up his name.

Smith dismissed the idea that driving a race car constitutes athletic performance, stating plainly, “Come on, man. That don’t count. You driving a car!” He elaborated by suggesting that operating a vehicle does not inherently require the physical attributes associated with traditional sports, adding, “You can be behind the wheel of a car in your 60s and 70s for crying out loud.” His comments extended to golfers as well, whom he argued are not athletes despite the walking involved in playing 18 holes over multiple days.

The backlash was immediate and widespread, particularly among NASCAR fans and industry figures who viewed the remarks as dismissive of the physical demands of motorsports. Essential Sports reported that fans reacted strongly online, with many using phrases like “Take his sorry a** to Talladega” to express frustration over what they perceived as a lack of understanding about the sport’s rigors. The outlet highlighted that NASCAR drivers endure significant G-forces, maintain intense focus for hours, and operate within physically restrictive safety gear — factors they argue clearly qualify as athletic endeavors.

This is not the first time Smith has expressed skepticism about classifying motorsports participants as athletes. Similar sentiments were reported by Fox News in April 2025, when he acknowledged the skill involved in both golf and NASCAR while maintaining a distinction between skill and athleticism. During that appearance, he described professionals in those fields as “elite at what they do” but insisted that does not automatically make them athletes, comparing the activities to things “grandmas and grandpas can do.”

The controversy has prompted responses from within NASCAR itself. Front Row Motorsports publicly challenged Smith’s viewpoint, though specific details of their response were not detailed in the available reports. Their challenge adds to a growing chorus from teams, drivers, and advocates who argue that the cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, reaction time, and heat tolerance required in stock car racing meet or exceed those of many recognized sports.

As of April 23, 2026, the debate remains unresolved in public discourse, with Smith’s latest remarks serving as a catalyst for renewed discussion about how athleticism is defined and whether traditional definitions adequately encompass the unique demands of motorsports. No official statements from NASCAR’s governing body or Smith’s employers have been issued in response to the latest comments as of this reporting.