ST. LOUIS — In celebration of Major League Baseball’s 2025 jewel event, the MLB Speedway Classic presented by BuildSubmarines.com at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Budweiser and MLB are teaming up to bring a NASCAR Hall of Famer, American beer and America’s favorite pastime to fans by recreating and paying homage to the iconic No. 8 Budweiser / MLB All-Star Game paint scheme.
The legendary scheme will be showcased at the MLB Speedway Classic on August 2 and will be raced by Earnhardt Jr. in the zMAX CARS Tour event at Anderson (S.C.) Motor Speedway on August 16.
In July 2001, the original Budweiser / MLB All-Star Game paint scheme cemented its place in racing history when Earnhardt Jr. raced the red and white No. 8 design to an emotional victory in his first trip to Daytona International Speedway following the tragic loss of his father at the track earlier that year.
“It is an incredible opportunity to reunite with Budweiser and Major League Baseball,” said Earnhardt Jr. “I’ve watched that July 2001 race at Daytona so many times. It’s such a great memory for me. I am excited that we have this chance to collaborate with Bud and MLB to bring that scheme back again because of what it means to me and so many others.”
This partnership follows Budweiser and Earnhardt Jr.’s reunion last November when they brought back one of the most recognizable paint schemes in racing history, the red Bud No. 8 made famous by Earnhardt Jr. from 1999 to 2007.
Furthermore, as the longest-tenured sponsor of Major League Baseball, Budweiser has been a staple in the sport’s traditions and gameday experience for 21+ fans for decades. This August, Budweiser, MLB and Earnhardt Jr. are helping fans celebrate another historic milestone by promoting the MLB Speedway Classic that will be held at Bristol Motor Speedway. One of NASCAR’s most popular tracks will host a special regular season contest between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds, marking the very first Major League game to be played in the state of Tennessee. Attending fans can also view the No. 8 Budweiser / MLB Speedway Classic show car at the event.
“The incredible fan response to Budweiser’s reunion with Dale Jr. last November reminded us just how special this partnership is to racing fans,” said Todd Allen, SVP of Marketing at Budweiser and Bud Light. “This No. 8 Budweiser / MLB All-Star Game-inspired paint scheme pays tribute to one of the most iconic moments in the storied history of Dale Jr. and Budweiser’s partnership. The MLB Speedway Classic is the perfect stage to revive this fan-favorite design, uniting an American racing icon and American beer at a first-of-its-kind MLB event.”
