NASCAR driver left bloodied in horrific Daytona crash speaks out about Stephen A. Smith

Ryan Preece, who is solely responsible for removing the back lawn at Daytona International Speedway, has a strong message for Stephen A. Smith:

Shut up and direct!

Okay, I’m paraphrasing, but I think Preece at least a thought that.

For those who missed it, Stephen A. sent the NASCAR world into shame this week when he said that NASCAR drivers are not athletes. It’s not a new argument, by the way, but Stephen A. brought it back up, and it went … badly.

The entire conversation took place on his SiriusXM podcast, and turned to NASCAR (and golf) during a debate about where LeBron James ranks as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

It’s amazing that Stephen A. was talking about LeBron. He almost never talked about himself!

Anyway, the caller suggested that Richard Petty deserves to be on that list, and the host of “First Take” LOST.

“Come on man. That doesn’t count. You’re driving!” Smith said. “Honestly, it’s a great game. But relax bro. Driving 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 a racer. A NASCAR driver is not a racer.”

Ryan Preece doesn’t like you, Stephen A. Smith!

Wow Nellie! Tell us how you really feel, Stephen A. Smith! Good grace. Such random rants from someone I can promise you haven’t watched a single second of a NASCAR race … maybe ever? Seriously.

What are the odds that Stephen A. watches one lap? Not good. I would venture to say that he can’t name a single driver other than Bubba Wallace. Maybe Tyler Reddick, though only because he drives Michael Jordan.

But besides that? There is no gun. It’s just a silly thing to say, which makes sense considering Stephen A. Smith.

Now, back to Ryan Preece…

NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece catches his breath after a crash during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)

For those who don’t remember, Preece had a crazy ride a few years ago at Daytona. The crash was so brutal, the speedway actually removed the grass from the back lot so hopefully the car will stay on the ground next time.

Check out:

Yeah, you just don’t see stock cars doing that today. It’s definitely not like we used to. It’s rare for them to turn around again, let alone do it a billion times. Wild.

Still, Preece was asked about Stephen A. Saturday afternoon in Talladega, and he didn’t mince words:

“I’d like him to go fall 13 times, get a black eye, and come out next week doing what you’re supposed to do.”

Amen, brother! Find him! Don’t let Stephen A. get away with that nonsense. Like I said, the guy is full of stupidity. Like Ryan said, he says things just to say them. Just so you can get up my folks.

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Ryan Preece’s barrel rolls to the back during the NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., on Aug. 26, 2023. (Don Howard/AP)

Apparently, it worked. I’m writing about it on a Saturday in April during the NFL Draft. Well done, Stephen A.

Can’t wait to see you on the track soon!