“I Wasn’t Surprised!” Joey Logano Brands Stephen A Smith a Clout Chaser Over Controversial NASCAR Comments

Three times NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano has shared his thoughts on Stephen A Smith’s wild comments about the sport.

“I Wasn’t Surprised!” Joey Logano Brands Stephen A Smith a Clout Chaser Over Controversial NASCAR Comments

Joey Logano and Stephen A Smith (Via IMAGO and sportsmediawatch.com)

Stephen A Smith is infamous for making outrageous claims that riles up fans of different sport and his most recent target was NASCAR. He declared that the racers, driving 200mph+ around the track for over 4 hours are not real athletes. This has sparked big reactions from the fans as well as the drivers in the sport.

Three times Cup Series champion Joey Logano shared his thoughts on the comments ahead of the Talladega Cup race. He is not surprised about the wild take, as he has seen Smith makes similar comments in the past and highlighted how the TV Personality is chasing relevance with the wild takes on different issues.

I wasn’t surprised. He said it before. I think people like that have to make comments to stay relevant. That’s part of their game. They’ve got to make big moments and things so people watch. He got exactly what he wanted. He got you talking about it, the whole industry talking about it, now he’s relevant.

Joey Logano said via Frontstretch.

The Team Penske racing drivers doesn’t care much about the wild claims, as he doesn’t see worth to comments from Stephen A Smith, as he has never been inside the race car. Joey Logano highlighted how the racers in his opinion are real athletes as they have to go through massive physical and mental challenges

I don’t put much weight into it, personally, because he’s never driven a race car. I personally believe that we’re athletes. The mental aspect is important. Obviously, the physical piece is very challenging inside the race car that not many people can understand.

Joey Logano added.

Further talking about the point, the veteran admitted that he sees no reason to make comments defending NASCAR after the comments from Smith. He has been involved in the sport for over two decades and has seen more outrageous comments over the years about the sport. Hence, he has learned not be concerned about it.

I don’t think I need to defend it, personally. I think it’s just a way for people like that to keep their job…I’ve done this long enough, I don’t care. I don’t need to put much weight into that.

Joey Logano asserted.

Ryan Preece makes similar assessment as Joey Logano

RFK Racing veteran driver Ryan Preece also shared his thoughts on the comments when asked about it during his media session. He highlighted how Smith was fishing for reactions as he always does and recalled his return from massive Daytona wrecks as proof, they are real athletes.

Ryan Preece winning the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (via NASCAR)
Ryan Preece winning the 2026 Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium (via NASCAR)

I think he wanted a reaction. He can have an opinion all he wants. I’d love for him to go tumbling 13 times, have black eyes, and show up next week doing what you’ve got to do. I think your definition of an athlete certainly varies from person to person.

Ryan Preece said.

The NASCAR drivers are giving the perfect response to the comments from Smith. Discredit and disregard it, as it came from someone that is known clout chaser. They focussed on representing the sport the right way and engaging too much with the broadcaster is not part of it.

Also Read: “They Represent the Future of the Sport!” Jim France Breaks Silence on Massive NASCAR Leadership Change