The sports world is abuzz as Major League Baseball gears up for its 2025 jewel event, the MLB Speedway Classic presented by BuildSubmarines.com, set to take place in Bristol, TN. This exciting fusion of motorsports and America’s favorite pastime is drawing attention thanks to a unique collaboration among Dale Earnhardt Jr., Budweiser, and MLB, with plans to resurrect the iconic No. 8 Budweiser / MLB All-Star Game paint scheme. Earnhardt Jr. will proudly display this classic design during the MLB Speedway Classic on August 2 and will also take it for a spin at the zMAX CARS Tour event at Anderson Motor Speedway on August 16.
Fans will recall the significance of the original Budweiser / MLB All-Star Game paint scheme, immortalized in racing history when Earnhardt Jr. drove the red and white No. 8 to an emotional victory at Daytona International Speedway in July 2001. That race held profound meaning for Earnhardt, marking his return to the track shortly after the tragic loss of his father.
“To reunite with Budweiser and Major League Baseball is an incredible opportunity,” Earnhardt Jr. expressed. “I’ve revisited that July 2001 race at Daytona countless times – it’s such a beautiful memory. I’m thrilled that we’re bringing that scheme back to life again, especially considering what it symbolizes for me and countless fans.”
This new partnership is a revival of Earnhardt Jr. and Budweiser’s collaboration, which rekindled last November. Together, they paid homage to one of the most recognizable paint schemes in racing, the classic red No. 8 that earned a legendary status during Earnhardt Jr.’s career from 1999 to 2007.
But that’s not all – Budweiser’s legacy runs deep within baseball, as it has been the longest-tenured sponsor in MLB history, contributing to the rich tapestry of baseball traditions and the game day experience for adult fans. This August, the excitement continues with the MLB Speedway Classic, hosting a regular-season matchup between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway. This event is particularly momentous as it marks the first Major League game played in the state of Tennessee. Attendees will have the added treat of viewing the special No. 8 Budweiser / MLB Speedway Classic show car at the event, creating a vivid connection between these sports.
Todd Allen, Senior VP of Marketing at Budweiser and Bud Light, underscored the significance of this collaboration, stating, “The incredible fan response to Budweiser’s reunion with Dale Jr. last November reminded us just how special this partnership is to racing fans. This No. 8 Budweiser / MLB All-Star Game-inspired paint scheme captures one of the most iconic moments in Dale Jr.’s history with Budweiser. The MLB Speedway Classic is the perfect setting to revive this fan-favorite design, bringing together an American racing icon and America’s favorite beer at a groundbreaking MLB event.”
As fans gear up for the excitement of the MLB Speedway Classic and the Anderson Motor Speedway race, they can also snap up limited-edition merchandise celebrating this iconic paint scheme, available now on shopjrnation.com and soon at select retail locations.
Anheuser-Busch has a long-standing relationship with NASCAR, having proudly supported the sport through Budweiser, Busch, and Busch Light for over four decades. Their commitment to motorsports includes significant partnerships with drivers, highlighted by Earnhardt Jr. being the primary sponsored driver for nine seasons, as well as notable event sponsorships and media investments.
For those eager to keep up with the latest on Budweiser’s partnership with Earnhardt Jr. and the MLB Speedway Classic in Bristol, be sure to follow Budweiser’s social channels. Racing enthusiasts can also stay informed about upcoming racing events through the JRM X account or catch the action from the Anderson Motor Speedway race on www.FloRacing.com.
This summer, as the roar of engines meets the crack of baseball bats, fans will have the chance to celebrate two beloved American traditions at one unforgettable event.
