Kevin Harvick Slams Stephen A. Smith's NASCAR Diss

Kevin Harvick shut down Stephen A. Smith's recent claim that NASCAR drivers are not athletes.

Harvick responded to Smith's comments on the latest episode of "SPEED with Harvick and Buxton".

Smith had said that driving a car is not an athletic feat, comparing it to LeBron James competing at a high level in the NBA.

Harvick's experiences as a driver contradict Smith's opinion, with Harvick burning 3,200 calories in a single race.

This physical demand is comparable to marathon runners, Harvick noted.

Harvick and co-host Will Buxton emphasized that elite drivers are indeed elite athletes, requiring extreme physical and mental endurance.

Buxton stated that motor racing is not just sitting and driving, but an extreme sport.

Harvick believes Smith's comments are misguided and attention-seeking, saying "if you don't know anything about racing, just keep your opinion to yourself".

On the show, Harvick also mentioned that Polar watches tested his calorie burn during a race, with results showing 2,400 calories burned in a race with caution flags.

This data supports Harvick's argument that NASCAR drivers are athletes, requiring a high level of physical fitness.

The debate sparked by Smith's comments has brought attention to the physical demands of NASCAR driving.

Harvick's response has been well-received by fans and fellow drivers, who agree that NASCAR drivers are indeed athletes.

The discussion highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the physical and mental challenges of different sports.

Harvick's experiences and data provide a unique perspective on the athletic demands of NASCAR driving.