Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson reveals Talladega Nights themed gear ahead of MLB Speedway Classic

The Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds are preparing to play in one of the more unique baseball games in Major League Baseball history next month. Both teams will participate in the MLB Speedway Classic, played in the infield of Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee on Aug. 2.

While the venue is usually reserved for NASCAR, it’ll be the first regular-season MLB game played in the state of Tennessee, and an attendance of over 100,000 people is being expected for the showdown. The players are getting their gear ready, and Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson is referencing Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

Check out Stephenson’s Ricky Bobby-themed gear below, shared to X (formerly known as Twitter) bu MLB broadcaster Jim Day. It’s perfect for the MLB Speedway Classic, setting the standard for any racing-themed additions to the game between the Braves and the Reds.

One of the best things I’ve seen in awhile. Check out Tyler Stephenson’s gear for the Speedway Classic as he goes full Ricky Bobby and Talladega Nights. Shake and Bake!@EvoShield #Reds #MLB #ATOBTTR pic.twitter.com/x4vB8AWCeF

— Jim Day (@JimDayTV) July 6, 2025

It doesn’t get much better than that. The Reds-Talldega Nights crossover is one we didn’t know that we needed, but it’s perfect. Now, what will the Braves and their players cook up? Perhaps they can turn towards Days of Thunder for some inspiration, or utilize their connection with former Cup Series champion Chase Elliott, who’s a fan of the franchise.

Regardless of the gear, the event is sure to be a spectacle. The decision-makers at MLB have been trying to find ways to spice up their regular season, and a game at The Last Great Coliseum will certainly help that goal come to fruition.

“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 when the event was announced, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “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.”

Tyler Stephenson is buying in, and so are fans of the Braves and the Reds. It remains to be seen how successful the MLB Speedway Classic is at Bristol Motor Speedway. It’s certainly going to be memorable, no matter how the games shakes out in Tennessee on Aug. 2.