The 64-year-old Bristol Motor Speedway will host an extraordinary Major League Baseball event on August 2, 2025, when the Atlanta Braves face off against the Cincinnati Reds. The MLB Speedway Classic will transform the iconic half-mile NASCAR track into a baseball field, with the Reds taking the home team role after their home games against the Braves on July 31 and August 1. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. ET, with broadcasting on FOX.
Noah Gragson Shares Enthusiasm for Baseball Coming to His Home Track
Noah Gragson, a driver familiar with the Bristol track, expressed excitement about MLB bringing baseball to this unique setting. Reflecting on previous events held at unconventional venues, Gragson noted the appeal of the transformation.
I think it’s really cool that they’re doing that. It’s out of the ordinary. I remember when, who was it? Virginia Tech and Tennessee played. That was super cool how they’re able to transform the track.
—Noah Gragson, NASCAR driver
He also drew parallels to other sports staging games in unexpected locations, such as basketball matches on aircraft carriers and the NHL’s Winter Classic.
It’s just a different atmosphere, and I think it’s really cool, and I think people want to be a part of it… It’s definitely gonna be cool just being able to race there and being a driver that’s raced there and won there, knowing what that place means to me.
—Noah Gragson, NASCAR driver
Potential Benefits from MLB and NASCAR Collaboration
Gragson sees significant advantages for both NASCAR and MLB through this crossover event. He believes bringing baseball to Bristol will attract new visitors to the speedway, granting them a unique experience that may encourage them to attend NASCAR races in the future. According to Gragson, this interaction between different fanbases could enhance exposure for both sports.
He emphasized the value of introducing baseball to the NASCAR community, particularly since some fans may not typically attend baseball games or have easy access to a local MLB team near Bristol, Tennessee.
Supporting Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz in the Showdown
When asked about his favorite player to watch during the event, Gragson quickly named Cincinnati Reds’ shortstop Elly De La Cruz.
I like Elly De La Cruz, so I’ll be cheering him on. It’ll be cool,
he said, highlighting his support for the rising baseball talent.
Details on the Baseball Setup at Bristol Motor Speedway
For the MLB Speedway Classic, a complete baseball diamond will be constructed on the speedway infield, mainly located between Turns 3 and 4. The field dimensions include 330-foot foul lines, a 400-foot center field, and alleys extending 375 feet to right field and 384 feet to left field, replicating professional standards within the unique motorsports environment.
Significance and Prospects of the Speedway Baseball Event
This event represents a rare fusion of sports culture, emphasizing innovation and fan engagement by hosting a Major League Baseball game at a traditionally motorsports-centered venue. The collaboration could pave the way for further cross-sport promotions, increasing interest and attendance across both MLB and NASCAR audiences. For Gragson and fans alike, the 2025 MLB Speedway Classic not only celebrates Bristol’s diverse sporting appeal but also underscores the potential for creative event experiences in established venues.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Where is Noah Gragson in 2025?
A. In 2025, Noah Gragson will race the No. 4 car for Front Row Motorsports. Drew Blickensderfer will be the crew chief. The No. 4 car will keep its history going in the NASCAR Cup Series as this season marks the start of a new phase with Gragson and Front Row Motorsports.
Q. Who is number 4 on Noah Gragson?
A. Noah Gragson is set to drive the No. 4 Ford Mustang with Front Row Motorsports. His crew chief will be Drew Blickensderfer. Announced in July 2024, Gragson entered a multi-year contract with Front Row Motorsports. The car number and crew chief were finalized for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Q. Where is Noah Gragson going in 2025?
A. In 2025, the No. 4 car from Front Row Motorsports will have Noah Gragson as its driver, with Drew Blickensderfer as the crew chief. This marks a new chapter for the car’s history in the NASCAR Cup Series.
