Who says NASCAR drivers are not athletes?

Athletes come in all shapes and sizes from baseball players to Sumo Wrestlers. So why would someone say drivers are not athletes? I don't think a football player could do what these drivers are asked to do. Try holding & turning a steering wheel in excess of 1000 times on short track like Bristol or Martinsville.  How about doing that when temperates in the car are in excess of 100 degrees.  There are several drivers that compete in triathlons & marathons. Can anyone in their right mind say Mark Martin is not an athlete? Think again.