"I am speed" - Elly De La Cruz channels inner Lightning McQueen for Braves vs. Reds MLB Speedway Classic '25 promo
Elly De La Cruz and the Cincinnati Reds take on the Atlanta Braves in an exciting venue next year, Bristol Motor Speedway. MLB announced the Speedway Classic on Friday, which will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025.
Bristol Motor Speedway, in Bristol Tennessee, is one of the most historic NASCAR tracks out there. Since its opening in 1961, it has hosted numerous other sporting events, including college football games.
Cruz was used in the initial promotions for the exciting game next season, and it couldn't have been more perfect. He recreated the intro to the Disney hit movie, "Cars."
"I am speed" - said De La Cruz.
This was the same phrase Lightning McQueen, the movie's main character used in the opening sequence. With Cruz's speed, he's one player who could rival the flashy red car on the basepaths.
Fans will have a great view of Cruz and others showing off their speed on the basepaths with the expected construction. The field will be built across the infield and track between turns three and four.
Given the dimensions, speedsters will not be the only ones to watch out for. The outfield wall will measure 330 feet down the lines and 400 to center field, and there could be plenty of home runs.
Who else could rival Elly De La Cruz's part as Lightning McQueen?
Over the last few years, MLB has seen an increase in players who can swipe bases with ease. That has become even more true with the recent shift in base size and new rules regarding pickoff attempts.
While Elly De La Cruz is one of the fastest guys in the league, he is not the fastest. According to Baseball Savant, two others are faster than the Reds slugger.
St. Louis Cardinals slugger Victor Scott is the second-fastest player in the league. His sprint speed (feet per second) is 30.3, .2 faster than Cruz but was recalled last week.
The fastest player in all of baseball is Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. His sprint speed was measured at 30.4, and he has flashed that quickness his entire career.
However, with all that speed, he has a ton of ground to catch up if he wants to be the stolen base leader. He's 34 stolen bases behind Cruz, who holds a strong lead over the competition.