Published 02/02/2023, 7:36 AM EST
The debate of whether NASCAR drivers are athletes has been a contentious issue for many years. While some argue that driving a car does not require the same physical exertion as other traditional sports, others believe that the mental and physical demands of NASCAR competitions make it a sport that demands supreme athletic ability.
However, during a recent appearance on the Heidi and Frank Morning Show, star driver Chase Elliott tried to clear the air regarding this age-old debate.
What did Chase Elliott say?
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During the conversation, Elliott said, “You know, it’s hard to explain to people, I guess because a lot of guys get super offended when people don’t consider NASCAR drivers athletes.
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I don’t really claim to be an athlete. I don’t think I’m the most athletic person in the world. But I do think there is definitely a ‘racing shape.’ There’s just not a lot of things that really compare to it.
“You’re in an extremely hot environment for three or four hours. Your heart rate is very elevated, but you don’t have a lot of physical movement per se. So it’s just a very odd thing. But it kind of comes down to just hydration. How well you can retain water and how you can manage that over the course of three or four hours.”
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So can NASCAR drivers truly be considered athletes?