In a recent interview with OutKick, NASCAR star Ross Chastain pushed back hard against ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith’s controversial remarks that racing drivers are not athletes. Chastain, a seasoned competitor who regularly endures extreme heat, high G‑forces and intense mental focus, said Smith’s opinion reflects a lack of personal experience with the sport.

Smith’s remarks and the backlash

During an April episode of his SiriusXM show, Smith argued that simply “getting behind the wheel of a car” does not constitute athletic effort. He added, “You can be behind the wheel of a car in your 60s and 70s, for crying out loud,” implying that age and the act of driving alone diminish the physical rigor involved.

Smith’s comments quickly drew criticism from several NASCAR figures, including Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon, who defended the sport’s demanding nature. Chastain echoed their sentiment, stating that Smith “doesn’t know a NASCAR driver if one walked in the room, unless he’s seen a clip on TV.”

Chastain’s response

Chastain emphasized that true understanding requires more than watching televised highlights. “If you don’t know the people you’re giving an opinion on, I’m not sure I can put much credit to it,” he said. He noted that Smith’s massive audience and platform give him a responsibility to be informed, especially when commenting on a sport that requires rigorous training, endurance, and split‑second decision‑making.

“He’s got a big, big audience, that he talks to, through his microphone, and those waves go a long way, so that’s fine,” Chastain added, acknowledging the reach of Smith’s voice while urging greater respect for the athletes he discusses.

Why NASCAR is an athletic pursuit

Professional drivers endure temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside the cockpit, maintain focus for hours, and sustain heart rates comparable to those of elite marathon runners. The physical strain of controlling a high‑performance vehicle at speeds over 200 mph demands strength, stamina, and precise coordination—attributes traditionally associated with athletes.

Chastain’s own career illustrates these demands. He has competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, where drivers must undergo rigorous fitness regimens, including cardio training, weightlifting, and flexibility work, to handle the physical stresses of racing. The sport’s governing bodies even require drivers to pass fitness evaluations before competing.

Broader implications

When high‑profile media personalities dismiss the athleticism of a sport, it can influence public perception and, ultimately, sponsorship and fan support. Chastain’s defense of NASCAR underscores the importance of accurate representation for the sport’s continued growth and for honoring the dedication of its participants.

While Smith later clarified that he respects the skill involved in racing, his initial remarks sparked a conversation about how mainstream media frames less‑traditional sports. For NASCAR fans and athletes alike, the episode serves as a reminder that respect for all forms of competition should be grounded in firsthand knowledge and factual understanding.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.