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Speedway Classic: Braves’ Eli White triggers first ‘home run car’ at Bristol Motor Speedway

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated Aug 3, 2025 2:19 PM ET

Eli White of the Atlanta Braves has hit the first home run of the Speedway Classic, and we have now seen our first “home run car.” Following White’s three-run bomb to the stands, a Chevy Corvette took a lap around Bristol Motor Speedway, fitted with a home run flag.

The first baseball game played inside of a NASCAR race track has been…interesting. This game was supposed to be played on Saturday night. In typical stock car racing fashion, Mother Nature had something to say about that.

So, the game was delayed to today. The Braves now have a lead over the Cincinnati Reds. While Saturday night was disappointing, the sights and scale of this endeavor are truly impressive.

Check out Eli White’s big hit and the Corvette zooming around. If you’re going to have a Speedway Classic, it should have a fast car or two involved.

THE @Braves AND ELI WHITE HAVE THE FIRST HR IN THE SPEEDWAY CLASSIC! pic.twitter.com/ilRZqx63lN
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 3, 2025

This is another big idea from Marcus Smith and Speedway Motorsports. They have had their fair share of ideas in recent years. A lot of those decisions have been well-received and have at least been creative, if not outright successful.

You know, Smith halfway joked with Kevin Harvick about putting a dome on Bristol. Imagine that. This Speedway Classic might be the final straw that makes Smith and SMI pull the trigger on the great Bristol Dome.

If you ask me, the home run car is awesome. Rain and logistical issues? Not so much.

NASCAR stars participate in Speedway Classic

Ahead of the Speedway Classic on Saturday, a few NASCAR stars got invovled in the festivities. Along with Braves legend Chipper Jones and Reds legend Johnny Bench, Kyle Busch and Chase Elliott threw out first pitches.

A lot of flying around for these NASCAR drivers. Kyle Busch wrecked his car in practice and then had to make his way from Iowa to Tennessee and then back to Iowa for the race today. Chase Elliott did not wreck, but had the same kind of schedule.

It will be interesting if those drivers seem off today behind the wheel. Perhaps more tired than their competitors. Then again, these drivers are constantly driving and flying across the country and back again in a matter of days. So, it probably won’t be a big deal.

The Speedway Classic is starting to heat up. Let’s see which of these teams pulls out the win in this historic event.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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