NASCAR driver who was left bloodied from horrifying Daytona crash has harsh words for Stephen A. Smith
Ryan Preece, who is solely responsible for removing the rear turf at Daytona International Speedway, has a clear message for Stephen A. Smith:
Shut up and direct!
Okay, I’m paraphrasing, but I’m assuming at least Preece thought HE.
For those who missed it, Stephen A. sent the NASCAR world into a frenzy this week by saying that NASCAR drivers are not athletes. By the way, this is not a new debate, but Stephen A. brought it back to the surface and the result was bad.
ESPN commentator and host Stephen A. Smith appears on set in New Orleans, La., on Feb. 7, 2025. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
The entire conversation took place on the SiriusXM podcast, and the topic turned to NASCAR (and golf) during the discussion about where LeBron James ranks as one of the best athletes ever in terms of longevity.
It’s weird for Stephen A. to talk about LeBron. He barely mentions it at all!
Anyway, a caller suggested that Richard Petty deserved to be on this list and that the “First Take” host MISSED it.
“Come on, man. That doesn’t count. You’re driving!” Smith said. “Honestly, it’s a great sport. But come on, bro. It’s not the same as getting behind the wheel of a car. You can get 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.”
Ryan Preece isn’t falling for it, Stephen A. Smith!
Wow Nellie! Tell us how you really feel, Stephen A. Smith! Enjoy your meal. Random rant like that from someone who I can promise you’ve never watched a single second of a NASCAR race… maybe ever? Really.
What are the odds that Stephen A. will watch a single round? It’s not great. I can tell you he couldn’t even name a single driver other than Bubba Wallace. Could be Tyler Reddick though Only because he drives for Michael Jordan.
But other than that? There is no fire. That’s a ridiculous thing to say, which makes sense considering it’s Stephen A. Smith.
Now back to Ryan Preece…
NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece is airborne after a crash during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
For those who don’t remember, Preece went on a wild ride at Daytona a few years ago. The wreckage was so brutal that the speedway actually removed the grass from the rear end to hopefully keep the car grounded in the future.
Take a look:
Yeah, you don’t see stock cars doing that these days. Of course, we are not what we used to be. It’s rare for them to even flip anymore, let alone do it billions of times. Wild.
Anyway, Preece was asked about Stephen A. at Talladega on Saturday afternoon and didn’t mince words:
“I’d love for him to flip 13 times, get a black eye, and show up next week doing what you’re supposed to do.”
Amen brother! Catch him! Don’t let Stephen A. get away with this nonsense. Like I said, the guy is complete bullshit. Like Ryan said, he says things just for the sake of saying them. Just to ensure the rise of the nation.
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Ryan Preece barrel rolls along the back end during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Aug. 26, 2023 in Daytona Beach, Fla. (Don Howard/AP)
Obviously it worked. I’m writing about this on a Saturday in April during the NFL Draft. Well done, Stephen A.
Can’t wait to see you on the track soon!
