NASCAR Announcer Mike Joy Fires Back At Stephen A. Smith

Stephen A. Smith took a shot at NASCAR drivers and golfers last week, claiming that they aren't really "athletes."

The "First Take" host, who is known for his hot takes, sounded off on the two sports when discussing athleticism.

Smith was responding to a caller on his radio show, who recommended Richard Petty as one of the greatest athletes of all-time. Smith was discussing where LeBron James ranked.

"Come on, man. That don't count," Smith said. "You driving a car! I'm being honest, it's a great sport. But come on, bro. 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. Just because you gotta walk the course for 18 holes for four days, that don't make you an athlete. They're skilled players; they're elite at what they do. But athletes? Athletes? Are you kidding me? If you're out there doing stuff that grandmas and grandpas can do, I'm not gonna look at you that way."

Smith has since taken a lot of heat from the NASCAR world for his comments.

"People like that have to make comments to stay relevant," NASCAR star Joey Logano said on Saturday.

This weekend, longtime NASCAR announcer Mike Joy decided to fire back

During Sunday's Jack Link's 500 at Talladega, Joy fired back, though he didn't directly name Smith, everyone knew who he was talking about.

"Earlier this week, a well-known online pundit said race car drivers are not athletes," Joy said during the Talladega race. "I want to send him this sequence. And ask him to think about it."

The NASCAR world clearly remains bothered by Smith's comments.

Smith, though, is unlikely to back down from them.

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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 9:47 AM.