NASCAR driver Ryan Preece has issued a strong response to ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith’s recent comments suggesting that NASCAR drivers are not athletes. Preece, who experienced a severe crash at Daytona International Speedway, directly challenged Smith’s assertion, urging him to understand the physical demands of the sport.
Smith’s Controversial Remarks
The debate ignited during a discussion on Smith’s SiriusXM podcast regarding LeBron James’s athletic longevity. When a caller brought up NASCAR legend Richard Petty, Smith dismissed the idea of NASCAR drivers being athletes. “Come on, man. That don’t count. You driving a car!” Smith stated. He further elaborated, “Getting behind the wheel of a car is not the same. You can be behind the wheel of a car in your 60s and 70s for crying out loud. A golfer is not an athlete. A NASCAR driver is not an athlete.” These comments quickly drew criticism from within the NASCAR community, with many pointing out the physical and mental rigor involved in professional racing.
Preece’s Devastating Crash
Ryan Preece himself has a firsthand understanding of the dangers and physical toll of NASCAR racing. In a past event at Daytona, Preece was involved in a terrifying crash that saw his car flip multiple times. The incident was so violent that it led to safety modifications at the track, including the removal of grass from the backstretch in an effort to prevent similar airborne incidents. The wreck left Preece bloodied and highlighted the extreme risks drivers face at high speeds.
Preece’s Direct Challenge
Speaking at Talladega Superspeedway, Preece addressed Smith’s comments directly. He expressed a desire for Smith to experience the reality of such an incident. “I’d love for him to go tumbling 13 times, have black eyes, and show up next week doing what you gotta do,” Preece said, emphasizing the physical consequences of a severe crash. Preece implied that Smith’s remarks were made without a true understanding of the sport’s inherent dangers and the physical conditioning required to compete at the highest level. The driver suggested that Smith’s comments might have been made solely to provoke a reaction, a tactic he believes Smith often employs.
