NASCAR Drivers Compete in Triathalon

I'm trying to defend NASCAR drivers in the classic debate of "Are race car drivers athletes?"

Kasey Kahne and Jimmie Johnson (Five Time Champion of NASCAR) along with pit crew members took part in a triathalon in Charleston, South Carolina in early July.

http://www.nascar.com/news/120718/kkahne-jjohnson-triathlon/index.html

I can't argue that NASCAR drivers are on the same level as soccer players, basketball players, track and field athletes, hockey players, or football players.  All of those sports, and many others, require a higher level of fitness than racing.

However, I would argue that race car drivers are in the same ball park in terms of fitness (and some drivers are more in shape) as golfers, baseball pitchers and catchers, designated hitters, first and third baseman.  (I once read the average baseball game has 17 minutes of actual action)

Race car drivers are more athletic than people realize.  Every sport requires different skills and race car drivers spend just as much time as other athletes do preparing for their races.

The triathalon is also proof that some NASCAR drivers take their fitness seriously.  I also know of a race car driver, (not NASCAR, but a different smaller series) who went to UCONN and works out a lot.  He likes to bike and I always see tweets about him going for a run.