Chase Elliott Exposes the Argument That Gets His Fellow NASCAR Drivers “Super Offended”
The debate over 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 pilot Chase Elliott tried to clear up 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 see NASCAR drivers as 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 think there is definitely a “form of racing”. There just aren’t many things that really compare to this.
“You are in an extremely hot environment for three or four hours. Your heart rate is very high, but you don’t have much physical movement per se. So it’s just a very strange thing. But it comes down to simple hydration. How well you can hold water and how you can manage that in three or four hours. »
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So, can NASCAR drivers really be considered athletes?
It is true that NASCAR drivers do not engage in the same physical activity as athletes in other sports. However, the demands of high-speed racing and the intense focus required to maneuver a 3,600-pound race car make it a physically and mentally challenging competition.
Drivers have to stay focused for hours and manage the physical demands of high speeds. They must also have near-superhuman hand-eye coordination and reflexes, a keen sense of spatial awareness, and a deep understanding of their car’s handling.
MARTINSVILLE, VA – OCTOBER 30: Kyle Larson 5 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet and Chase Elliott. 9 Hendrick Motorsports NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet leads the green-flag field at NASCAR Motorsport. USA Cup Series Playoff Xfinity 500 on October 30, 2022. at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville. VIRGINIA. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire. AUTO: October 30 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs – Xfinity 500 Icon221030717500.
Moreover, the mental aspect of the race is just as demanding as the physical. Drivers must make quick decisions, adapt to changing conditions and stay calm under pressure. Other than that, even athletes from other sports have come forward to say that NASCAR drivers are real athletes.
Ultimately, a combination of focus, reflexes, hand-eye coordination and physical stamina is required to compete at the highest level. This is what makes it a demanding and physically demanding sport.
Whether or not NASCAR drivers are considered athletes can come down to a personal definition. But there’s no denying that competition requires a unique blend of mental and physical skills.
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