“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,” said Kevin Harvick, defending the athleticism of NASCAR drivers against critic Stephen A. Smith. This exchange unfolded on April 29, 2026, as Harvick took a stand against Smith’s assertion that driving a racecar does not qualify as an athletic feat.
Harvick, a seasoned NASCAR driver with 60 wins—ranking him 11th in the NASCAR Cup Series—relied on data from his Polar watch to bolster his argument. He revealed that he burned an astonishing 3,200 calories during a race. Even with caution periods factored in, he still burned 2,400 calories.
This debate ignited when Smith stated bluntly, “A NASCAR driver is not an athlete.” Harvick countered this by emphasizing the physical toll racing takes on drivers. He pointed out that elite drivers experience significant weight loss due to dehydration during races.
“Any elite driver, they are an elite athlete,” echoed motorsport commentator Will Buxton. The physical demands of racing—comparable to those faced by marathon runners—highlight the rigorous training and endurance required for success in NASCAR.
The conversation around athleticism in motorsports isn’t new. Legendary figures like Richard Petty and Kurt Busch have long defended the sport’s physicality. Yet, the recent comments from Smith sparked renewed debate among fans and commentators alike.
As discussions continue, Harvick remains resolute in his stance. “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,” he stated firmly.
The clash between these two personalities has certainly engaged the NASCAR community and beyond, prompting many to reevaluate what it means to be an athlete in today’s world.
