Speed & Stolen Bases: What will NASCAR gain from the MLB Speedway Classic?

Who would have thought that an MLB game would be played at an active NASCAR circuit? But that is where it has come from.

Obviously, this game is more about attendance and drawing in a new market than anything else for the MLB, but what is in the deal for NASCAR.

There are probably many MLB fans who do not know the lay of the land of NASCAR, although, Bristol is one of the series' most prestigious tracks on the calendar.

While MLB may have a lot to gain out of this venture, especially since it is going to be a legitimate MLB regular season game, NASCAR maybe able to take more out of it than you think.

Another Lap?

Next year's Speedway Classic will be an almost once in a lifetime spectacle but could the event be a yearly game that can take place across other NASCAR circuits?

This could be a really intriguing opportunity for the MLB and NASCAR to work in tandemn and harken back to its southern roots.

NASCAR was built as a regional series in the south, and baseball has a history in the region, so seeing the Speedway Classic go to facilities such as Daytona, Darlington, or even Talladega could be a unique chance to keep this event fresh.

Daytona has a big baseball presence with the Daytona Tortugas and Jackie Robinson, and Darlington and Talladega are locations that can attract major MLB teams due to their markets.

But, those tracks are iconic and have legnthy pedigrees that can really harken back and educate fans about racing. It may even showcase some similarties between two different sports.

It will be neat to see this event travel but Bristol is great spot and should showcase NASCAR proudly in year one.

New Audience

This alone is arguably the biggest gain for NASCAR.

As mentioned, MLB and NASCAR aren't fanbases that sometimes gel in regard to knowledge of one another so merging MLB's fanbase to NASCAR's history is huge.

It may not bring a ton of fans given that it is an MLB game, but, it may educate the audience on the sport and its growth to where it is now.

MLB and NASCAR aren't complete strangers.

Dale Jr. used to run periodically a baseball-inspired schemed to help promote the All-Star Game.

Even the White Sox sponsored a car this year for the second straight year.

So, MLB and NASCAR have ties and hopefully that can grow through this game.