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MLB stars Ozzie Albies, Elly De La Cruz wreck on NASCAR iRacing simulator at Bristol

Nick Profile Picby: Nick Geddes04/11/25NickGeddesNews
NASCAR
De La Cruz: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Albies: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

This NASCAR thing is far from easy, especially at a racetrack like Bristol Motor Speedway. Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz and Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies recently found that out.

De La Cruz and Albies will both take part in the inaugural MLB Speedway Classic at Bristol on Saturday, Aug. 2. But before, the two All-Stars got the chance to ride around Bristol on the iRacing simulator. MLB posted video of both their laps on social media. Let’s just say that De La Cruz and Albies are far better baseball players than drivers, as one would expect. Both crashed but appeared to have a good time going around the track.

NASCAR fans will see some elite racing at Bristol this weekend, with the Truck Series on Friday, Xfinity Series on Saturday and Cup Series on Sunday to finish it out. But this summer, “The Last Great Colosseum” will transform into a ballpark.

Reds, Braves set for historic MLB game at Bristol Motor Speedway

The Reds and Braves will go head-to-head in front of what could be an MLB record for fans in attendance. Bristol has a capacity of approximately 150,000. The all-time attendance record for an MLB game is 115,300 for the March 29, 2008, game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

“Major League Baseball is excited to deliver a special game at Bristol Motor Speedway, a unique setting that sports fans will remember forever,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said at the time of announcement this past August. “The Reds and the Braves form an ideal matchup because of their dynamic talent and the proximity of their markets.

“We look forward to celebrating our game with a wide array of fans, both on and off the field throughout the weekend, and highlighting the rich traditions of sports, music and community in Tennessee and across the region.”