“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,” stated Kevin Harvick, addressing the recent comments made by Stephen A. Smith regarding the athleticism of NASCAR drivers.
Harvick’s remarks came in response to Smith’s assertion that “a NASCAR driver is not an athlete.” This exchange highlights a broader debate within sports circles about the physical demands placed on racecar drivers compared to traditional athletes.
According to data from Harvick’s Polar watch, he burned approximately 3,200 calories during a race, a figure that underscores the intense physical exertion involved in driving at high speeds for extended periods. After retesting under conditions with caution periods, he reported burning around 2,400 calories.
Harvick ranks 11th in NASCAR Cup Series wins with a total of 60, which positions him among the elite in the sport. He emphasized that elite drivers are indeed elite athletes, capable of enduring significant physical stress.
The debate gained traction as Harvick pointed out that drivers often lose several pounds due to dehydration during races—a factor that parallels the experiences of marathon runners, who similarly face extreme physical challenges.
In this context, Harvick remarked, “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 comments serve not only as a defense of his profession but also as a call for greater recognition of the athleticism inherent in racing.
This discussion is particularly relevant as it reflects ongoing tensions between different sports and their respective definitions of athleticism. While Smith maintains his stance, the data presented by Harvick offers compelling evidence that challenges such perceptions.
