Braves and Reds Bring NASCAR Flair to the Unforgettable 2025 Speedway Classic
If you’re a baseball fan—or even just someone who appreciates a good spectacle—the 2025 Speedway Classic at Bristol Motor Speedway was one of those events that just had to be seen to be believed. This wasn’t just a baseball game between the Braves and Reds. It was a full-blown fusion of America’s favorite pastime with the speed and showmanship of NASCAR. And man, they went all in .
From the very beginning, you could tell this was going to be different. Catcher Andrew Abbott set the tone, showing up in a jacket he found on eBay—a Rusty Wallace-inspired piece that he wore with pride. He grew up around racing and knew the backstory behind the iconic NASCAR driver, so that outfit wasn’t just random flair—it was personal.
Then there was Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, who went all out with a chest protector themed after Ricky Bobby’s race car from Talladega Nights . Yes, you heard that right. He reached out to EvoShield, pitched the idea, and they nailed it. As Stephenson put it, “It’s a classic movie”—and honestly, it fit the vibe of the day perfectly.
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Jose Trevino joined the fun too, rocking custom cleats inspired by Lightning McQueen from Cars . These weren’t just uniforms; they were statements, each one adding to the playful, celebratory energy of the event.
Even the Braves’ radio crew got in on the fun—Ben Ingram and Darren O’Day showed up fully dressed for the theme, ready to call the game with flair that matched the atmosphere.
But before the game even began, the pregame festivities were jaw-dropping. We’re talking a concert lineup that featured Tim McGraw, Pitbull, and Jake Owen. Talk about a mix of genres that somehow just worked . The national anthem? It was sung by MU1 Kathryn Dobyns from the U.S. Navy, while the Navy Ceremonial Guard presented the colors. Then, four Super Hornets screamed across the sky in a flyover that gave everyone chills.
The ceremonial first pitch was a moment for the baseball purists. Chipper Jones tossed the ball to Johnny Bench—two Hall of Famers, two legends, one unforgettable moment.
Even with a rain delay that forced a shakeup in the pitching plans (Spencer Strider had been set to start for Atlanta), the vibe stayed electric. Both managers—Brian Snitker and Terry Francona—shared how special the atmosphere felt. And Francona even had a hilarious moment with Pitbull before the game. Apparently, they "go to the same barber"—bald and bold, you might say.
In the end, the Speedway Classic was more than just a game. It was a celebration of baseball, racing, music, and culture—all rolled into one incredible night in Tennessee. The Braves were part of something truly unique, and fans will be talking about it for a long, long time.
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